North Texas Television is a student-run network that creates content for the Denton community including news, sports, comedy and much more. But there was still a need for new voices to be heard. Junior Broadcast Journalism student Alaisha Sells felt that there was a need for more representation on ntTV’S network. So, she went on a quest to create a talk show that would represent her and other black creatives. I sat down with Sells to get more insight on her vision as a producer and co-host of the show, and to learn more about the upcoming talk show Royal Affair. What made you start Royal Affair for North Texas Television? “I felt that the network needed representation from the black community. A lot of the shows currently featured have a limited representation of students of color; the network is dominated by white students. I felt that it was import for us [black students] to have representation. I also wanted to practice things that I’d like to do in my career.”
In the future you would like to produce and co-host your own talk show? “Yes! It is a hard job to produce and host your own show, but I feel it is important to have a hand in production to ensure the outcome you expect is achieved.”
Why a talk show with an all-female cast? “I chose to do a show with three other hosts who are women because it is a great opportunity for women to be able to speak freely without being interrupted by people who disrespect and/or disregard our thoughts and opinions. I wanted to give a voice to people who feel that they aren’t heard.”
Where do you want the show to go? “The long-term goal is to be picked up by a network. If not, my hope is that one takes the show after I graduate and makes it bigger and better.”
Why should people tune in? “The ladies drop gems or life hacks that everyone could use, educating our audience on different topics, and the topics discussed will broaden the horizons of the viewers by listening to different perspectives and opinions even if they disagree.”
What impact do you want Royal Affair to have on UNT’s Campus? “I want students to understand that no dream is too big. I was always told that I couldn’t do this because it was unrealistic, and I needed to find something simpler and more attainable to strive for. I also want students to know that there are safe spaces for student to speak and be accepted.”
Where can people watch the show? “People can watch the show on the ntTV network. We will also be creating a YouTube channel to upload episodes so be on the lookout for that.”
To get updates on Royal Affair, follow their twitter account @RoyalAffair2.