Martin Folse, the owner of Houma’s only television station, HTV, is a proud alumnus of Nicholls State. Folse graduated from Nicholls in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a concentration in broadcast and print journalism.
Folse first went to Louisiana State University, but when the school lost its journalism accreditation at the time, he transferred to Nicholls. About the transfer, Folse said, “That was the best thing I ever did.”

When he started at Nicholls, one thing Folse was sure about was wanting to be in television. “TV was my first love,” Folse said.

Many of Folse’s best memories were made in his journalism classes. He enjoyed meeting new people and seeing new faces. “Nicholls always had the prettiest women,” Folse said. He was able to meet people that he still keeps in touch with, over 20 years later.

Folse said several professors made an impact on his life and career. He especially remembers the help from former professors Rob Simeral and Bob Blazer and Alfred Delahaye, professor emeritus of journalism. “(Martin Folse) was quite the active student,” Delahaye said. “He was good at finding stories.”

As for on-campus activities, Folse was a member of the first track team and was involved with the television station on campus. “I lived in the TV studio,” Folse said. Now the station owner is able to enjoy his success in his own studio.

HTV, his station, now reaches over 500,000 people and airs in 10 parishes. HTV is actually beginning to expand to the west, covering more areas. A reality show is also in the works.

Folse said he has had the opportunity to interview many interesting people. He said that the most colorful interview he had was with former governor Edwin Edwards. Folse said of Edwards, “He said whatever came to his mind.”

He also enjoyed interviewing his parents as a gift to his family. He has a company called “Legacy,” which gives people the opportunity to film a video of interviews with family and friends. For example, husband and wife can describe the details of their first date and other memories on tape and pass it down to their children as a special memoir. Folse refers to the video as “a walk down memory lane.”

In his spare time, Folse enjoys writing music, singing and playing guitar. He hired an agent about a year and a half ago and makes frequent trips to Nashville. Two of his songs, “3 Minute Love Song” and “Bayou Time Tonight,” have been released and played on the radio in the south.
Folse is neither married, nor has children, but he thinks it is now time for him to settle down and start a family.