The Clarion’s own podcast has made waves since its launch in April thanks to the incredible team behind it. Spearheaded by the paper’s Web Technician Jawad Nijim and Multimedia Specialist Joao Pedro Mazega, The Clarion Chats’ blend of news reporting and relaxed ambience is a welcome addition to the student body it serves. Jojo and Jay, as they are known respectively, have brought the Tartans back to Spotify and aren’t looking back.
“It was Jojo’s brainchild,” said Jay. “After getting the go ahead reached out to me for help organizing it. I took Jojo’s ideas and melded them into a plan that would make a Clarion-focused podcast a reality.”
The pair hit the ground running, working to bring the Clarion’s news content to the world of broadcasting. After months of preparation and test runs, the first episode of the newly christened ‘The Clarion Chats’ took off on April 13.
“What we wanted to do was create a podcast that had a laser focus on the Sinclair community, a news outlet with a laidback vibe that would serve as a new way to reach our audience,” said Jay about the project’s background. “To many, the Clarion is a newspaper, created by students for students. But with a podcast, we are giving our fellow coworkers and students a voice.”
News, he explained, was the main priority but beyond that the podcast aims to be casual, relaxing and cool. In the serious world of news reporting, an outlet that captures the kind of friendly discourse we all enjoy with friends and family is a good idea. Beyond that, however, it also serves as a platform for story details that either do not make it into articles or are best conveyed through an auditory medium.
The Clarion Chats is structured to maximize the podcast’s reach and ability to connect with listeners, according to Jay. Episodes do not typically go beyond 40 minutes and are shaped by interviews. In addition to news, entertainment is also covered, usually used to wrap up an episode on a more relaxed note.
With many international students abroad for summer vacation, including Jojo, the responsibility of running the podcast has fallen on the Jay’s shoulders, one he has borne well. In addition to his courses, he is also working in the international students office this semester, writes, and somehow finds time to indulge in his passion for music. Balancing it all is not without its challenges. As Jay admits, time management for the podcast can at times be difficult. Like many international students, however, the Brazilian expat has adapted well.
Soon, Jay plans to bring his knowledge of music to the podcast as he explains his idea for livening things up with bespoke tunes. It is an opportunity to flex his musical muscles that he is looking forward to.
“I want there to be music that fits the tone of what we’re doing and enhances the experience for our listeners. That kind of audio storytelling has been a part of podcasting and radio before it from their inception and I have many great ideas on how we can do that.”
Podcast lovers can see some of those ideas in action by checking out The Clarion Chats on Spotify by clicking below:
Valencia Bruno
Intern