Most college student knows the struggle of wanting to hang out with friends but having little free time during the week. Associate Professors of Communications, Naeemah Clark, Rich Landesberg and Anthony Hatcher feel the same way.
As a way to spend time with each other, the three decided to start a talk show on WSOE, Elon’s student-run radio station called “Three Professors With Class.”
“With our busy schedules, we never see each other during the week,” Hatcher said. “This was a fun way that we could guarantee seeing each other.”
Originally the trio planned to do a television show but then shifted their focus to radio.
During the show, each host thinks of a question or topic, such as childhood memories, and the others respond accordingly. They also discuss current events such as last week’s midterm election, or whatever they feel like talking about.
The tone of their show is informal, and they banter back and forth with one another. The conversation flows naturally among the three of them, so naturally, in fact, that they often finish one another’s sentences.
“It’s just fun,” Clark said. “We really get to know one another better through it. And any students listening can get to know their professors better.”
Hatcher said he enjoys being able to interact with students through the radio station because it’s different than the way he interacts with students in class. Landesberg said he feels that by doing this show, students will get a new insight into professors’ lives.
“Students have stereotypes of professors and what they enjoy, and I think that this humanizes us and gives us the ability to talk about things we normally wouldn’t discuss in class,” Landesberg said.
While they hope that many students tune in, Landesberg said getting a huge audience is not their main focus.
“This is for us. We work with a lot of students and a lot of organizations, but this is for our souls,” he said.
Landesberg, who spent the majority of his career in radio prior to teaching, is enjoying getting back into the swing of things.
“Radio is my first love,” Landesberg said. “And being able to share it with my two good friends is wonderful.”
Clark and Hatcher, neither of whom are broadcast professionals, are enjoying getting a chance to learn about radio.
“I always tell my students to go to WSOE if they want to get started in student media,” Clark said. “And now it’s time that I started practicing what I’ve been preaching.”
Hatcher said he is using the radio show as a professional development tool.
“When I listen to the tape, I can hear if I slur my words or hesitate,” Hatcher said. “Listening to myself helps make me a better professional.”
For more informaition visit www.wsoeelon.com/