It helps to have friends in the (television) business.

CBS 42 television personality Ken Lass surprised LeCroy Career Technical Center multimedia instructor Chris Johnson with a check for $1,000 last week to help the center’s newest program.

The Clanton center recently converted its electronics program into a brand new audio/video broadcasting program.

Director Tommy Glasscock said the school will have a radio station that will be manned by students and streamed to the Internet as well as an in-house video production department that will also allow students to download and stream video.

“We are changing with the times,” Glasscock said. “We modeled our program after that of Troy University. We were able to visit the school and see how they are set up.”

The students will have the opportunity to attend Troy upon graduation of the program, he said.

“Job opportunities are growing in this field every day,” Glasscock said.

The center contacted CBS 42, who agreed to come help set up the production course. They also happened to bring along the fat check to move things forward.

The money will be used to purchase headphones to allow directors and camera operators to communicate during broadcasts and tapings.

“We welcome the community to come take a look at the program,” Glasscock said.