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Kylie McGovern, Editor

On Oct. 29, David O’Brien, ‘24 began spearheading a podcast project by meeting with communication Professor Dr. Mark Lashley about using the WEXP radio room to record podcasts. Throughout the past school year, the Collegian staff has been brainstorming a podcast component of the weekly newspaper. O’Brien’s vision for the podcast is for it to be an extension of the newspaper and discuss topics from the newspaper, ranging from business to features. The podcast will also have a similar function as the features section of the newspaper where the hosts will bring guests and discuss clubs, topics and other aspects of La Salle and the student in general. 

According to the podcast host, “a podcast is a series of spoken word, audio episodes, all focused on a particular topic or theme… You can subscribe to the show with an app on your phone and listen to episodes whenever you like on your headphones, in the car or through speakers.” The Infinite Dial conducted a survey exhibiting that 55 percent of the U.S. population had listened to a podcast ever; 37 percent had listened within the last month and 24 percent had listened within the last week, showing that podcasts are a form of media rapidly rising in popularity. Podcasts growing as a media industry are motivating O’Brien to start the podcast. 

In speaking with O’Brien, he explains, “I am so excited about starting the podcast with one of my best friends. I am doing the podcast because I am interested in pioneering something to make an impact as the managing editor. I want the Collegian to be adaptable to more formats in addition to our website and newsletter. I think the longevity of any student organization or publication is fluidity and adaptability. I know that podcasts are especially popular among college-aged people, and I think that the La Salle student body will not only benefit from getting news and interviews via a podcast, but will also be entertained by this new platform.” 

The podcast team hopes to record, edit and post the podcast in the coming weeks. After the first introduction episode, O’Brien plans to post the following episodes when the newspaper is published.