Broadcasting channels creative outlet

By Ryan, January 28, 2016

By Erika Esterline // Staff Writer

Every Friday night you’ll find freshmen Mitch Rissmiller, Kate Mohns and Haley Hartje in the High Point University Radio studio from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. hosting their show, 1738. HPU is well known for providing real world experience for its students while they are still in school- the radio station is just another way to provide this experience.
“For students pursuing a communications major, it is a great way to get involved, get your name out there and start making an impact on the lives of others,” Rissmiller said. “It also looks great on a resume.”
Unlike some other outlets, HPU Radio is able to provide benefits for all students, not just those interested in hosting their own radio show.
“Listeners can get a great laugh, win prizes and hear exclusive interviews with celebrities such as YouTube Stars, contestants from America’s Got Talent, American Idol, the Voice and other successful students,” Mohns said.
Rissmiller first joined HPU Radio after Mohns and Hartje approached him seeking a third co-host and a male perspective to add to their show.
“I was always interested in getting involved with HPU Radio because I felt that it would give me great experience with becoming more comfortable on-air,” Rissmiller said. “When Kate and Haley approached me, it became a win-win situation. I became more comfortable being on-air as soon as I started working with them in the studio and we were able to make the radio show even better than it was prior to my arrival.”
1738 focuses on entertainment and current topics that may interest the general public.
“We discuss pretty much anything that relates to entertainment and we voice our own opinions on topics,” Rissmiller said. “Sometimes viewers may even hear us disagree on a topic and then they get the chance to pick how they feel about the issue at hand. On air, we go over hot topics, play a trivia game or two and talk about issues that we feel are important to discuss.”
The group is always focussed on improving their show in order to keep listeners coming back.
“While attempting to improve the show, we have run into obstacles, but we have come up with a great way to prepare for the show,”
Rissmiller, said. “We create a Google Document each week that we collaborate on, so we know going into the show what each of us wants to talk about. By doing this, we all have unique topics to talk about and interesting perspectives to add.”
The opportunity to share your own opinion and have an additional creative outlet is one that has created great interest in the organization and has made it popular among students.
“For those interested in being apart of radio club, it’s a lot of fun with a lot of freedom for your own creativity,” Mohns said. “Slots are competitive, so sign up as soon as possible.”