YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University’s WYSU-FM radio station added a political podcast to its offerings in 2022.
“Policies and Politics: Views from the Industrial Heartland,” hosted by YSU professors Tim Francisco and Paul Sracic, examines the issues, ideas, culture and politics of the Mahoning Valley. It is produced by the station.
In March, the station became a founding member of The Ohio Newsroom, which provides a daily statewide radio and digital news report.
The Ohio Newsroom is a collaboration of public radio stations and newsrooms. Its mission is to create a sustainable model for offering Ohio-focused news coverage, including important stories that may not otherwise be told.
WYSU provides more than $40,000 worth of free public service announcements for YSU, regional fine and performing arts events, and programs in the minority community, according to coordinator Ed Goist.
The radio station continues to broadcast a local interview segment titled “Doing Good,” hosted by Gina Marinelli. The weekly show aims to raise awareness of local issues and the work being done to address them.
Goist says 2023 goals are to promote diversity, rebuild its website and expand student involvement.
Established in 1969, 88.5 WYSU-FM is the public radio service of YSU and its most visible community entities.
Pictured at top: WYSU staff gathers for a photo. Kneeling are Jacob Brandenstein and Mo Ray. First row, from left: Rachel Cunningham, Lisa Mudryk, Alyssa Godfrey, Jenna Menough, Gary Sexton, Ed Goist, David Luscher, Melissa Limpose and Andy Pickard. In the back row are Bryan Bessell and Ron Krauss.