2026 BEA OL

While most student radio and television stations work closely with campus partners, it can be difficult to build relationships with the broader community as a student media outlet. On many campuses, students are unfamiliar with the broader community since they are far from home and their on-campus living situation in a college town is temporary. From an advisor perspective, working with community partners can be particularly difficult for student media outlets because of frequent staff turnover. This panel will discuss how WZND Radio at Illinois State University has been able to successfully embed itself into the broader Bloomington-Normal community despite these challenges. Faculty and students will provide specific examples, including partnerships with local arts and entertainment venues, regular interviews with local newsmakers, and support for local philanthropic organizations. The panel will also discuss best practices for off-campus community involvement and how to get students to "buy into" a local mindset despite seeing the broader community as temporary neighbors.