This Friday night at 8:30 on Alabama Public Television, the television show BUZZ in Birmingham will air its first of four episodes – and it has many connections to Birmingham-Southern College.

The show’s creator, Birmingham native Michael Hemphill ’93, earned an English degree from BSC. After graduation, he and his wife, Julia Tyra Hemphill ’93, eventually made their home in Virginia. For over 20 years there, he has volunteered and worked for nonprofit organizations in his community.

“I love nonprofits,” he says, “the people they serve, the good they do across every part of life.”

However, Hemphill noticed that nonprofits often lack the resources to effectively market themselves and their cause. This inspired the creation of BUZZ, which promotes the work of nonprofits, free of charge. Having produced the show in Virginia since 2020, Hemphill decided it was time to bring the program to his hometown.

Hemphill says that “it was Birmingham-Southern that inspired a love of service.” So, when it came time to produce the Birmingham-focused episodes of BUZZ, he sought help from his alma mater. Media and Film Studies department chair Dr. Teddy Champion recruited current and former students for the project. Tre Butler ’22, Cassidy Rickles ’23, and senior Vann Logan began working on the show in August – helping produce all four episodes. Brooke Tanner Battle ’96, founder of Swell Fundraising and BSC Trustee, even helped find nonprofits for the show to feature.

As for the nonprofit subjects of the episodes, Hemphill says that their missions “are as varied as their hearts are deep.” Beginning this Friday, the show will highlight Children of Slain Police Officers, Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank, Studio by the Tracks, and the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama.

Tune into the first episode on Friday, December 15 at 8:30 p.m. on Alabama Public Television.

Click here to preview Friday’s episode.