By Dakota Galvin, College of Arts and Sciences
Three years ago, a journalism professor at USF’s St. Petersburg campus envisioned a podcasting initiative that would connect students with a local news organization — bridging classroom learning with professional media practice. What began as a single series has grown into a multi-show portfolio, giving students hands-on training in audio storytelling.
Today, the program supports three distinct podcasts — each with its own format, voice
and audience — where students publish episodes, collaborate with professionals and
explore journalism beyond the newsroom.
And this isn’t that professor’s first successful initiative.
Adjunct professor Elliott Wiser from the Department of Journalism and Multimedia at USFSP interviewing guest for podcast. (Photo courtesy of Elliott Wiser)
In 1997, Elliott Wiser created and launched Bay News 9, which went on to become the nation’s top-rated 24-hour local news channel. With 38 years in the media industry and national recognition for his work, Wiser brings a philosophy rooted in practice: students learn best by doing.
“I want the students to have real-world experience,” Wiser said. “They are producers for these podcasts and assume the duties normally assigned to a podcast producer. This position looks great on a resume.”
“Having students interact with professors and journalists in a real-life setting is so valuable to them and our department.”
The program’s growth continues to give students a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving media landscape. According to the Pew Research Center, 54% of U.S. adults say they’ve listened to a podcast in the past year — a figure that continues to rise, driven largely by younger adults who are tuning in more regularly.
“One of the fastest growing areas in media is podcasting,” Wiser said.
“These podcasts enable our students to apply for jobs after graduation with podcast producing experience.”
“Potential employers can listen and watch the shows that feature the students’ names in the credits. That is a great way to get hired.”
Students now explore a wider range of podcast genres and storytelling formats, reflecting the program’s expanding scope. Currently, they contribute to three distinct shows: “The Poynter Report,” produced in partnership with the Poynter Institute; “The Rising Tides,” developed with the College of Marine Science; and a forthcoming series titled “Fierce, Feisty and 50+,” which explores aging, identity and empowerment for women.
These cross-institutional partnerships — extending beyond the College of Arts and Sciences and the university itself — offer students real-world experience, broaden their professional networks and deepen their understanding of audience-driven content creation.
“The Poynter Institute is a key collaboration for our Journalism Department,” Wiser said. “Believe it or not, up until last year, we did very little with Poynter. Our department chair, Dr. Mark Walters, has been so key in growing this relationship along with the administration at USF here in St. Petersburg.
“I have had a long relationship with Poynter, so this has been a true joy doing the ‘Poynter Report.’ I have also gotten to know the folks at the College of Marine Science and am so impressed by the research taking place there.”
Stephanie Broton producing “Fierce, Feisty, and 50+.” (Photo courtesy of Elliott Wiser)
Mass communications major Emily Lopez recently joined the “Rising Tides” podcast team, collaborating with the College of Marine Science to translate oceanographic research into stories that resonate with both experts and general audiences.
“It has been a super cool experience and unlike any project I have ever before been a part of,” Lopez said.
“When I got the email about this opportunity, I was so excited because marine life is something that has always interested me,” she added. “I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can about producing from this project, and how to keep a studio running smoothly.”
The program’s newest podcast, “Fierce, Feisty and 50+,” marks a shift from educational storytelling to entertainment-driven production, giving students a chance to broaden their creative skills and connect with new audiences. Stephanie Broton, a digital communications and multimedia major, serves as producer. She coordinates guests, manages recording schedules, assists with editing and helps ensure each episode reflects the show’s mission: celebrating women thriving in their 50s and beyond.
And although the show hasn’t aired yet, the experience has reshaped how Broton sees storytelling and what it means to be a journalist.
“I’ve learned that telling stories through sound is just as much about listening – really listening – as it is about speaking,” Broton said. “When guests talk about their experiences, the way they say things, the pauses they take and the feelings the show add depth that words alone can’t always show.” It has made me realize that the most powerful journalism comes from real, unscripted moments.”
To support the program and the students behind these productions, subscribe to their shows:
"The Poynter Report" is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google.
"The Rising Tides" podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google.
“Fierce, Feisty, and 50+” will launch next Spring on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google.