Jasen Sokol Speaks with Students About the Future of Radio News
BY: KAYLEE YARBERRY
Earlier this month, Cleveland’s own Jasen Sokol came to Padua Franciscan High School to speak to journalism students about his experience in the world of radio broadcasting and opportunities offered for this field through John Carroll University.
Sokol shared that John Carroll University provides its students with experience in the field of radio broadcasting very early on in their college career, which is often not the case for many universities. Sokol also noted that John Carroll’s student-run broadcasting program allows students to talk one on one with station managers and directors, giving the program a “personal touch.” John Carroll’s radio station, WJCU, was also named Station of the Year by the International Student Broadcasting Championship, outperforming stations from all across the world, including ones from Africa, Australia, the Philippines, and more. This achievement has been one of the biggest milestones for the program and its members since its start in 1969.
Sokol also said that being a part of the WJCU has also provided a multitude of learning opportunities for him and others. One such opportunity includes college radio conventions, where students and members of college radio stations from all across the country can come together and talk to those with similar interests and professions regarding radio broadcasting. Sokol also noted that it is important to be “well engineered” by relying on others at the station. Hands-on experience at the station has proven to be very beneficial in journalism.
Eric Simna, who works alongside Sokol, also shared details about WJCU’s annual Irish Music Marathon–one of the biggest days for the station. The Irish Music Marathon has been a tradition of the station for the past 29 years since its creation. Simna noted that hundreds of listeners tune in every year, many being from outside of America. Simna also notes that this day has led to the formation of connections and bonds with many regular listeners, as this event allows listeners to call in song requests and communicate with the station.
Radio broadcasting was not always what Jasen Sokol had intended to pursue. He reported that he had “stumbled” into this field. Sokol attended Baldwin Wallace University, majoring in political science, where he randomly decided to take a class on radio broadcasting. He went on to Kent State University for graduate school, graduating with a broadcast journalism degree.
Sokol has been a part of several stations and programs in school and after graduation. He currently works as the director of WJCU, a public address announcer for the Cleveland Monsters, a host for the Lake County Captains, among many other jobs.
