By Joseph D’Andrea
Nowadays, it feels like everybody has a podcast. But, is that necessarily a bad thing? The Adelphi University PAWS Web Radio surely doesn’t think so. PAWS Web Radio is the university’s very own podcasting platform in which members are given an outlet to talk about any subject they wish, from food to music to sports and everything in between.
The club has operated on and off over the past couple of years at Adelphi, but is attempting to revamp itself this year in particular, especially after having been inactive for some time. On the bright side, there’s no better time to do so considering the aforementioned popularity of podcasts growing over the past decade, which is supported by Edison Research’s study showing that “62 percent of the U.S. 12-plus population, around 176 million people, are now weekly online audio listeners, an all-time high for this category.”
What may set this club apart from others is that members have free reign to discuss what they want over whatever length and however frequently they desire. As too many college students know, schedules can get in the way of your interest in participating in activities. AU PAWS Web Radio gives members much-needed flexibility so that they can work around their schedules. Not to mention, it’s a great way to be both a part of Adelphi life and to speak about what might be on your mind.
The club’s president, psychology major Tekhira Francis, a senior, wants to spread this message of giving students a platform. “I think it gives the student body a clear voice while being a way to express the multiple interests and personalities that we have on campus,” she said. “For those in the club, they are able to share their passions with the community or even open discussions on topics or issues that they find important. Meanwhile the listeners get genuine and unique content while also finding someone who can be like them.”
A concern that students who are debating joining the club may be wary about is that becoming a member requires too large a time commitment. But the student leaders understand and will work with you.
“I would say to just bring yourself,” Francis said. “I don't expect any of the members to be experts in radio or any kind of high standards. I only hope that they join the club because of their general interest and can use it as a way to be creative.”
Not only does this club serve as a space to vent, but it also offers an opportunity to meet new people. Sophomore Nadja Alexandra, who’s also majoring in psychology, said, “I joined PAWS Radio because I really needed a creative outlet and to connect with new people. I felt that this network would really help with that.”
There’s also an opportunity to learn new skills. Alexandra added, “Even if you don’t consider yourself a creative person, there are positions like producers, managers, tech that can be really fulfilling roles.”
Currently, there are shows running, such as “The Panthers’ Movie Den,” a weekly movie discussion podcast that comes out every Friday, highlighting a different movie each episode. It is run by three Adelphi students and can be found on the club’s YouTube channel PAWS Productions. There are several other shows presently in development, such as Alexandra’s own scripted show called Lone Pine Radio, “which only has the skeletons [for] at the moment, but PAWS has made it possible for me to be more comfortable with my creative side since my major is one that isn’t necessarily artistic.”
AU PAWS Web Radio meets every Friday at 4 pm in Earle Hall Lower Level Room 014 and gladly welcomes any new members. The club’s president can be reached at pawsradio@adelphi.edu.