On Sept. 26 at 3:00 p.m., Muhlenberg’s radio station 91.7 WMUH aired an interview with Irish playwright Marina Carrr, who is most well known for her play “By the Bog of the Cats” written in 1998. Typically, WMUH shows consist of DJs who play music and speak in between songs, but the station hopes to have talk shows and discussions implemented regularly in the future.
“The interview was a conversation between Alec Marsh and David Rosenwasser, professors in the English department and playwright Marina Carr. They talked about her work and influences,” says WMUH station manager Paul Krempasky. He adds that the interview was about one hour and 15 minutes but edited down to 55 minutes. No music was played during this session.
“The idea behind the interview and informational programming on WMUH is to strengthen ties between the college and community through sharing information about the happenings on campus,”
“The idea behind the interview and informational programming on WMUH is to strengthen ties between the college and community through sharing information about the happenings on campus,” Krempasky adds. “I would like to devote a time slot each week to Muhlenberg focused content. Right now, we are also working with Student Engagement to present a monthly show focused on upcoming campus events.”
Before the interview with Carr, Krempasky reached out to Linda Miller, coordinator of the Living Writing Series here at Muhlenberg, in hopes that he could air presentations to help promote the series.
“After the meeting, we came up with a plan to do a series of shows that would introduce the authors, and, when possible, interview the authors when on campus,” says Krempasky.
So far, the station has had the opportunity to interview both Carr and American poet Ada Limon. In order to ensure the best content, multiple DJs at the station sit in on the interview and work together to create a well-produced piece to be aired on a later date.
“We get the interviewer(s) and authors to come to WMUH and sit in the production studio. Someone acts as an engineer to record the discussion. After the session, there is editing needed to make sure the program flows and fits the time available,” says Krempasky. “For each hour session we produce, there can be up to five hours of production time needed.”
“For each hour session we produce, there can be up to five hours of production time needed.”
Krempasky also explains that students have the opportunity to participate in this process. As more Muhlenberg centered segments are being developed, students are able to be involved as writers, producers, engineers and talent. Presidents of on-campus clubs may be interviewed and if they happen to a part of WMUH already, they can edit their own content to guarantee all vital information is being aired and all individuals are being accurately portrayed in the interview.
“Throughout the years, WMUH has produced and presented similar programming and incorporated interviews and discussions into other programming,” says Krempasky. “Perhaps the longest continuous programming of this type is Art News, hosted by community staff member Maxx Foxx since the mid 80s, with a focus on arts and culture throughout the Lehigh Valley.”
Although there are not many talk shows on air currently, past shows still continue to be successful and more interviews are in the works.
WMUH also aired two Muhlenberg focused programs on Oct. 10, 2018. At 9:30 a.m.,Ellen Lentine and Steve Dutton of Student Engagement talked about activities, issues and policies for Muhlenberg Students. They were joined by Jeff Varrone for an update from the Office of Community Engagement. At 3:00 p.m. that same day, as part of ongoing programming associated with the 2018 Living Writers Series, Alec Marsh and David Rosenwasser discussed the work of Ben Lerner. This program was a great introduction the Lerner’s novel.
Tune in to 91.7 WMUH to find out what is planned for the next few weeks on campus.
