Radio Program Lets Teens Interview Wichita Community Leaders
Published Aug 17, 2009
Local teens have found a voice at the weekly radio program, “Generation Rap,” sponsored by JAMZ-107.9.
Teens’ opinions matter in Wichita.
Hip-hop and R&B radio station 107.9 JAMZ introduced a new weekly program‚ “Generation Rap‚” in January 2006 that allows 10th- through 12th-grade youngsters to discuss current topics and interview community leaders on the air. The program airs Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
“Each youth represents their high school. Our goal is to have one from every area high school‚” says Denise Sherman‚ vice president and co-owner of 107.9 JAMZ and executive producer of “Generation Rap.”
The “G-Rap crew members” are chosen through an application process that requires them to be at least a C-plus student and write essays about community leadership.
“This isn’t a show where they can just come on the radio and give a shout-out‚” Sherman says. “We help them understand the impact of what they’re doing‚ and we stress why it’s important for them to be accurate and know what they’re talking about.”
The program begins with a 15-minute “Hot and Happening” segment‚ during which the teens discuss such topics as movie reviews‚ TV shows and school events. The second segment is the main topic of discussion‚ where the students might bring in a guest to interview. Past topics have included immigration and underage drinking.
The third part of the hour is features – brief reports on fashion‚ sports and school spirit.
“Generation Rap” came about as a response to Visioneering Wichita‚ a strategic planning project for the community’s next 20 years.
“107.9 JAMZ has dedicated our resources to help teens be an integral part of this community‚” Sherman says. “We want to demonstrate the side of teens that is positive and productive‚ interface them with issues in our city and give them opportunities to interact with community leaders.”
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