WOUL public radio listeners can look forward to local news and specials as Ohio University Southern Campus plans expansions this year.

Wednesday, September 13, 2000

WOUL public radio listeners can look forward to local news and specials as Ohio University Southern Campus plans expansions this year.

"Our goal, now that we’ve got the studio fixed back up, is to do as much local programming as possible," said Don Moore, director of OUSC’s electronic media program.

Right now, WOUL carries programs produced at OU’s main Athens campus and National Public Radio programming.

WOUL will maintain its NPR programming and shows out of Athens but there is a need for locally-produced shows that examine issues of interest to Tri-State listeners, Moore said.

Plus, it will be valuable experience for OUSC electronic media students, he said.

The electronic media degree program has an audio and television sequence. It starts with an introduction to both and then, in the last year of the program, students can specialize, Moore said.

Brian Corea, electronic media instructor who teaches most of the radio courses, will work closely with those productions.

Of Ohio University public radio’s five stations around the state, Ironton’s 50,000 watt WOUL reaches the largest audience because of its Tri-State coverage area, Corea said.

"We really need local programs originating from here, like public affairs and news," he said.

WOUL already has plans for "Tri-State Edition," which will feature interviews with area leaders and focus on issues affecting residents.

Its topics will vary and could include question/answer shows with mayors or a show focusing on prominent healthcare issues.

Time slots and details will be worked out later but Tri-State listeners can expect a thought-provoking show, Corea said.

There are also plans to submit local news stories to OU’s news bureau in Athens to be broadcast around the state. And, several students are interested in starting an historic style radio drama.