The new Government Media Room cost $130,500 to create, Government revealed last night.

The A.B. Place Media room was unveiled on Monday and has the latest technology, including autocues and robotic cameras.

News conferences given in the A.B. Place news room will be shown on Government's channel CITV and the Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown, said it would carry live updates during emergencies such as a hurricane.

The room, in the basement level of Global House, contains a new flat screen TV, a robotic camera, ceiling microphones, teleprompters and stage lighting.

The Premier's spokesman said the $130,500 covered the cost of architectural services, outfitting the room, equipment and relocation of the photographers room which used to be there.

The room was named after Alfred Brownlow (A.B.) Place, one of the founders of the now defunct newspaper The Bermuda Recorder.

Dr. Ewart Brown spoke of Mr. Place's important role in publicising the social issues of the day, on the stage of the newly unveiled room on Monday.

Mr. Place has been hailed as a pioneer and a relentless advocate for the rights of black Bermudians. In 1974 he was awarded the Queen's Certificate and Badge of Honour.