About Us

In October 2001, a group of University of Alabama students volunteered to produce a new student run talk/variety show in Tuscaloosa.  Show creator Jonard Nelson envisioned that “SpeakEasy” would not only provide experience for students, but also act as a service to the campus community.  The mission of "SpeakEasy" was to educate, inform, and entertain the University of Alabama community.  The show brought in guests from the University community to discuss a wide array of issues.  From campus events to politics "SpeakEasy" became the new way to learn about what was going on around campus.

After producing eight shows on the campus cable channel, Comcast Channel 34 in Tuscaloosa, "SpeakEasy" management decided to make the switch to the University's new commercial television station WVUA.  Production of new shows for WVUA began in late April 2002. "SpeakEasy" becamse the first student run commercial television operation in Tuscaloosa.

At the end of May 2002, "SpeakEasy" left the air due to a lack of finances.  In June 2002, show creator Jonard Nelson announced he was leaving the show to take a television news position in Montgomery.  Responsibilities were turned over to Executive Producer Lori Cason.  Cason, along with Producer Michael Nix, brokered a new deal with WVUA and returned to the station's Thursday night line-up on September 4, 2002.   

Over the course of three years, “SpeakEasy” has served West Alabama by providing an outlet for expressing views and showcasing talent. In March 2003, the National Broadcasting Society named “SpeakEasy” grand prize winner in the public affairs/interview category at their annual awards ceremony in St. Louis, Missouri. The following year the National Broadcasting Society once again named "SpeakEasy" the grand prize winner in the public affairs/interview category at the March 2004 awards ceremony in Miami, Florida.

In the fall of 2004, the production team of "SpeakEasy" took a break in order to recrew and generate new ideas. In February 2005, the show hit the airwaves with a fresh perspective and continued playing a role as a voice for West Alabama citizens. "SpeakEasy" was selected as a finalist in the 26th Annual Telly Awards in May 2005.

“SpeakEasy” remains completely student run, and we plan to continue working hard to bring the community the information and entertainment it wants. 

Our Purpose
We pride ourselves in giving the community a platform in which to speak on issues that span the spectrum.

We incorporate our surrounding community in everything we do giving our student and community viewers the best possible outlook on the issues in today’s society.  Each week we invite you to sit down and tune-in to a show that gives you a forum to do just what we do best…….."SpeakEasy"!

View video clips from SpeakEasy