Bay area business leaders are creating their own news program to show off the Tampa Bay region when the Republican National Convention comes to Tampa.
The show is called "Front Row Tampa Bay." For four hours each morning of the RNC, they'll use three sets to interview folks from places such as the Moffitt Cancer Center and Tampa Bay Technology Forum. An audience will watch. It will be broadcast live via the Internet.
"It's really unique in that we're using live stream technology to be able to show the world what Tampa Bay is all about," said Stuart Rogel, CEO of Tampa Bay Partnership.
It's the first time it has been done for a Republican National Convention. Organizers hope it will bring in more business and boost the Bay area economy.
"We've had one of the most difficult economic situations we've ever experienced here in Florida, certainly in my lifetime, and we're starting to slowly come back from that," Rogel said.
"We're starting to see signs of the economy getting stronger and more healthy, and that's why this really comes at a very important time in Tampa Bay's economic history, because we now can accelerate that growth."
Tampa Bay Partnership is spearheading the venture. The production is expected to cost about $400,000. Part of that money will come from business sponsors.