YOUNGSTOWN – The pandemic created operational, funding, service and sustainability challenges for WYSU 88.5 FM. But the radio station’s staff was able to continue broadcasting without interruption, even enhancing its news coverage.
The station was forced to make a quick move to remote operations on March 18, with only a program host in the morning and one in the afternoon remaining in the office. All other employees worked remotely until the office reopened in July.
Ed Goist, station coordinator, credits The Business Journal and Mahoning Matters for providing daily content for its newscasts.
WYSU also has been airing COVID-19 informational spots directed at Youngstown State University students and area residents who are financially struggling because of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, WYSU expanded its remote operations capabilities. Four remote studios were acquired and are being integrated into WYSU’s normal operations. They enable staff to broadcast in the event they are not permitted on the YSU campus or cannot reach the studios.
Other projects begun in 2020 include the exploration of alternate fundraising sources, major upgrades to IT infrastructure software, the WYSU website and smartphone apps, and the replacement of the transmission line switch at the primary transmitter.