KWEB

webbtodayKWEB

THE WEBB SCHOOLS

KWEB to Broaden Journalistic Focus in 2021-22

KWEB, Webb’s longtime radio station, will be revitalized in 2021-22 with the launch of a digital program that will include experimentation with new storytelling and entertainment formats, including podcasts.

“KWEB has an almost mythic history at Webb,” said humanities teacher Elle Brosh, who will advise the afternoon activity. “I want to return that spark of wonder to the program, teaching students about the art of radio journalism and connecting the rich history of the medium to today’s radio renaissance.”

Brosh, who worked at WNYC, New York’s public radio station, said she sees an opportunity to inspire a renewed focus in a broader scope of journalistic activities.

This includes teaching a host of radio skills, such as the techniques for recording and editing audio, conducting broadcast interviews and assembling stories from those materials.

Rather than focus on daily live broadcasts – which can create an overwhelming amount of work with little reward – she would like to see students dig more deeply into stories, releasing meaningful digital content on a periodic schedule much as the Webb Canyon Chronicles does. This includes exploring podcasts, one of today’s fastestgrowing media formats, and magazine-style storytelling such as that featured in NPR’s This American Life. Such a show might feature multiple ways of addressing a theme central to students’ lives through a variety of storytelling techniques, including interviews, news stories and firstperson accounts.

“ I have many ideas, but one of the most important elements of this revitalization is ensuring our students have a voice in shaping the future of KWEB. This should be a student-run radio station and so they need to be integrally involved in determining our path forward.”