Robinson’s Broadcasting Schools Will Soon Be Back ‘On The Air’

HARTFORD — Anyone interested in pursuing a career in broadcasting or related media fields, whose hopes were dashed when the nation’s oldest, Connecticut-based chain of specialized training schools closed in March, can once again plan to for a future on the air.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Commissioner of Higher Education Michael P. Meotti announced May 18, that the US Bankruptcy Court has approved the sale of 11 Connecticut School of Broadcasting (CSB) locations — including two Connecticut schools — to the school’s founder.

Dick Robinson Media Inc, a company partly operated by media personality and school founder Dick Robinson, will acquire 11 school facilities, including the Farmington and Stratford locations.

Mr Robinson plans to enroll students as early as this summer, pending approval of the school’s application for Change of Ownership by the Department of Higher Education, which is expected in the next two weeks.

Under the agreement, students with outstanding deposits will receive full tuition reimbursements. As was tradition, job placement assistance, career counseling services, and facilities will also reopen to all CSB alumni.

“This remarkable resource is ready to roll — and enroll — for another era and provide exciting new opportunities to persevering professionals,” Mr Blumenthal said. “After intervening to safeguard student interests, I’m delighted that the school will have a solid new financial footing and seasoned leadership. We have compensated past students, and reopened the school’s doors.”

The AG said he was grateful for Mr Robinson’s vision and courage in preserving a unique and invaluable institution that has enabled countless careers and creative advances in broadcasting.

“Dick Robinson is a broadcasting legend and this school is part of his legacy,” Mr Blumenthal said.

Commissioner Meotti anticipated no difficulties in approving the Connecticut School of Broadcasting’s change of ownership. 

“Connecticut’s 87 private occupational schools, which our agency oversees, provide quality professional training needed for our workforce,” said the commissioner. “We are delighted to welcome CSB into our family of schools, and that Dick Robinson, working with the state, was able to make this happen.”

Mr Robinson said since 1964, the students have been a priority.

“My family and I, along with a dedicated staff of over 100 radio and TV media specialists, have focused on providing students with an outstanding hands-on, learn-by-doing experience,” he said. “I would not have agreed to repurchase the schools unless students were made whole. Students who have graduated from Connecticut School of Broadcasting, and who were in good standing with the school, will continue to receive the benefit of our job placement resources.”

Mr Robinson founded the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in 1964 and, in 2006, sold the schools to DLJ Merchant Bank, an affiliate of Credit Suisse. But in March, the school abruptly closed all 26 of its locations and filed for bankruptcy.

Mr Blumenthal and Mr Meotti were instrumental in negotiating a “teach out” of the spring 2009 semester to enable students to complete unfinished classes and receive their diplomas.

Once the Change of Ownership is approved by the Department of Higher Education, all individuals who registered on the department’s website will receive a letter explaining the schedule of the school’s reopening, and information on placement, studio use, and refunds of paid deposits.

For updates on the school’s reopening, visit www.ctdhe.org or call 800-842-0229.