Who says AM and FM radio is passé for Generation Z and anyone born after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S.? In Pittsburgh, one of the first stations licensed for broadcast is teaming up with a local institution of higher learning by “redefining radio” with a new overnight show hosted by students.
It demonstrates how a medium more than 100 years old is making strides to keep it future-proof.
KDKA-AM 1020, which today is rebroadcast on a 99-watt FM translator at 100.1 MHz in Hays Woods, is introducing “KDKA Next Take” as a news, information and talk program. It debuted Monday (1/9), in the 1am-5am slot, and is hosted by University of Pittsburgh students Margaux Rentzel, Jaime Ely and Ryan Tarabokia.
“KDKA Next Take” is produced by Dylan Foster. Executive Producer is KDKA Radio’s Amy Mauk.
The hosts and producer are not KDKA employees, students of Kevin Michael Smith, Director of Undergraduate Studies in Broadcast at Pitt, who has been preparing them to broadcast on KDKA.
“This is a project that I have been developing for a few years and it’s ready to launch. It’s the right time and the right place with the right people,” Audacy Inc./Pittsburgh Vice President and Market Manager Michael Spacciapolli shared on the KDKA website. “This show will bring a fresh look at local news from the perspective of the next generation, which is so crucial in 2024 and beyond.”
KDKA added that its commitment to local news and content “never wavers and being able to add significant local content overnight through this partnership and with new perspectives is a win on every level.”
