Taylor’s very own radio station, WTUR, is entering the exciting world of podcasts, launching Oct. 2.
Taylor’s radio station is partnering with the film department to create three full produced podcasts and one audio podcast. While the station is at its climax in popularity, station manager sophomore Peter Williams is excited to launch WTUR into the future.
The student podcasters are filmed in a fully furnished studio. After the footage is gained, it goes into the editing and production process. The podcast team consists of six full-time staff members, including an art director, film directors, producers and an executive producer.
The process for finding the perfect podcast premises and hosts began with tryouts, a more intense process than that of the usual WTUR radio shows. Those who auditioned were narrowed down to the four shows premiering in early October.
Podcasts will consist of a variety of genres including comedy, Taylor talk and new information. The four shows premiering include ‘Bruh Moment,’ ‘Who is Taylor?,’ ‘You Heard It Here Last’ and ‘Bubble Trouble.’
‘Bruh Moment’ combines entertainment and learning. The show features senior Wesley Jones, senior Daaron Fleeger and freshman Noah Wheaton. Jones’ job is to present a topic to their audience while Fleeger and Wheaton try to derail the conversation.
“There is a two-fold benefit,” Jones said. “Because the entire premise is about teaching them, they might learn something new, that’s always a plus. And of course, there is the benefit of entertainment — seeing just how good Daaron and Noah are at derailing the conversation.”
‘Who is Taylor?’ is hosted by freshman Johnny Miller. The show will highlight unique testimonies across campus and will give students a voice to share their stories with others.
‘You Heard It Here Last’ features two journalists — sophomore Connor Dollarhite and junior Kyle Mongoven — at the site of different historical events. As journalists they talk about the event as it occurs, but as the last to arrive on the scene. They may be the last reporters to arrive at the Boston Tea Party, but they will be coming to you live from the scene.
‘Bubble Trouble’ is an audio-only podcast with junior Madelyn Ames and sophomore Reilly LaRose. The focus will be on Taylor culture — whether the topic is pick-a-dates, the monolith or the new taco truck.
An episode from each show will be released on WTUR’s website, https://www.wturonline.com/ on Oct. 2.
“I think that this will be really engaging content,” Williams said. “If you want to hear humor in one night, or if you want to get serious and hear a different perspective, or talk about something that is happening on Taylor’s campus from a culture perspective, we’ve got it all with the podcast program and we’re excited to bring it to Taylor’s community.”
