Radiothon supports real-world student broadcast experience

Whether they are behind the mic or out in the community, WBWC 88.3 The Sting has provided students with hands-on, professional broadcasting experience since 1958. Today, they're seeking support to allow future students to "thrive and shine."

With all that Baldwin Wallace University PR major Jessica Klonowski '26 has packed into her time as an undergraduate, experiential learning stands out for her. That's especially true of the leadership and career opportunities she's received as an on-air host, music director and now program director for WBWC 88.3 The Sting, BW's FCC-licensed, student-run radio station.

This fall, she had the "incredible opportunity" to attend the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day as a credentialed reporter, a day she will never forget.

Finding her voice

"Going into this event, I was unsure if I would have the opportunity to speak with any players, but I made it a goal to try — and I was very successful. I confidently spoke up with multiple questions for starters Evan Mobley (last year's NBA Defensive Player of the Year), Jarrett Allen and Max Strus, along with many others," Klonowski recalls.

"I also attended the podium sessions with Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Dean Wade and Larry Nance Jr. Being able to network with other media and interview professional athletes was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is going to be hard to beat."

That's high praise for Klonowski, who is also an account specialist for BW's Digital Marketing Center, where she is currently spearheading an audiovisual project for BW LaunchNET, a fourth-year Yellow Jacket track and field student-athlete and an assistant cross country coaching intern at her high school alma mater, Holy Name.

Student Led Radio

WBWC station manager Alex Dettmer '27, who's in the midst of leading the station's first fundraising "Radiothon," echoes Klonowski's enthusiasm.

"The Sting has opened so many doors for me, from traveling thousands of miles to commentate on sports, to networking with other colleges' athletic departments, to even serving on the National Student Board for College Radio Day," recalls Dettmer. 

The media production and sport management double major notes that WBWC is open to any major. "Yes, WBWC is Cleveland's Modern Rock Alternative, but WBWC is so much more, from a classroom for anyone to learn the basics behind our operation to countless leadership opportunities within the different departments of WBWC, which then helps students launch into careers across all fields."

Learning to thrive

"WBWC is more than a student organization and a radio station; WBWC is a family," Dettmer says. "I love that we are operating on industry-standard technology/software, and that if you want to learn more about any part of our operation, all you have to do is ask!”

For Klonowski, the Cavs media day experience is emblematic of her development as a student and a professional, as she and The STING's student management strive to "put out content that we know our listeners want and deserve."

"My time at BW has allowed me to grow and thrive in my own skin, becoming more and more confident in who I am," she says. "To me, it was not that daunting speaking to the players, but many people I know said that they would have never been able to do something like that. BW has given me the confidence to know that I have worth, and despite being one of the only students there, it did not mean I was any less important."

Paying it forward

Klonowski says that the Radiothon, which is poised to become an annual tradition, will allow the station "to provide these unique and unforgettable opportunities for future BW broadcasters and give them a platform where they can thrive and shine."

Adds Dettmer, "The money we raise during Radiothon will help us maintain the quality of our student-led Alt Rock programming and keep great local music and sports programming on the air." 

Listeners who call The STING's (440) 826-3308 request line through Monday, November 3, can make a pledge to help WBWC "continue inspiring, educating, and entertaining Northeast Ohio one song, one listener, and one student at a time."

To support the WBWC 88.3 Radiothon, you can also visit wbwc.com/donate.