In addition to the stylistic changes, the editors of the new Review hope that in the coming weeks and months the paper will become a more visible and active part of the Oberlin community at large. In this spirit, this week’s “Off The Cuff” focuses on another campus media organization with similar goals: the public affairs division of WOBC. I sat down with WOBC Public Affairs and Talk Director and College Junior Samantha Schongalla, to discuss her expanding goals for the station and media at Oberlin.

How did you first become interested in radio?
Over the summer I interned at OutLoud, a queer youth radio project that trains young people in radio and communications technology and I really liked that. So, when I got back here, I wanted to do more in radio.

What are your goals for public affairs on WOBC?
I think that WOBC has the potential to do a lot more than it is doing right now. We should do more to work with the community and focus on local issues —the election for instance — and get more people involved. Last year we had a project with local high school students called “I’m on the Stereo” and I think we should do more programs like that. Maybe something with Kendal, for instance.

Why do you think there has been a lack of news programming on WOBC traditionally?
I guess news isn’t very glamorous. There’s a lot of editing and organization involved as opposed to being a DJ where you’re communicating more directly with the listener. A lot of the work that goes on with news is more behind the scenes.

What new projects have you begun this year?
We’ve had a few successful things so far. Last Friday we had a live rugby broadcast for the first time. Despite some technological problems, the commentators we had were really great. On Sunday we broadcast the school board and charter amendment debates. This week we’re going to be doing post-election coverage as well.

Since you’ve worked in queer youth radio, have you thought at all about making student radio accessible as a tool for identity groups on campus?
Yes. I would really like to see WOBC be more diverse in terms of the programming it has. I think it could be an effective voice for groups such as Lambda.

Are you working on anything to get more people involving in producing content?
Definitely. Right now I’m trying to create a community service organization that makes digital production more accessible. My first project has been to organize a digital video production marathon that is going take place this Sunday. The goal of this project, and the organization itself, has just been to teach skills like radio and video production to community members and students while at the same time providing outlets for these productions to be received. I’ve been talking to groups like the Cable Co-Op, the Bridge and CSL, which are all amazing resources, and everyone’s been really receptive to the idea of helping more people in the community learn to make their own stuff.