By Chris Weber, Phoenix staff writer
The Center for Community Media (CCM) hosted a panel discussion on Nov. 2 that focused on equity and inclusion under the lens of the radio industry.
Moderated by Dr. Cherise Joy Stone-Thompson, the panel comprised notable figures in radio. The guests and audience engaged in insightful conversations about media and how it is thriving in the modern world. The CCM launched a new student radio station called Radio Jaguar just a few hours before the discussion.
Stone-Thompson, also known as “Joy Storm,” brought her diverse background as a singer-songwriter, actress, activist, and educator to guide the discussion. Her questions set the tone for an evening of exploration into the challenges and successes associated with a long radio career.
The panel featured Ayana Contreras, Content Director for Vocalo Radio Chicago, whose expertise as a cultural historian, memory worker, radio DJ, and archivist contributed to the depth of the discussion. Contreras’s extensive collection of vintage vinyl records and her publication on Post-Civil Rights Era cultural history underscored her dedication to preserving multiple voices from the past.
“I think what’s great about radio is that you’re able to have this extra dimension of communicating an idea or a thought,” said Contreras. “You can really add some nuance that you might not get with writing.”
Anna DeShawn, a Chicago-born social entrepreneur and award-winning podcast producer, presented her commitment to amplifying BIPOC and QTPOC creatives through her work with E3 Radio. Her journey from founding an online radio station in 2009 to her recent inclusion in the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame 2023 induction cohort showcased the impact of her efforts in shaping a more inclusive media landscape.
DeShawn highlighted the importance of social media for elevating her voice and connecting her with fans. DeShawn is active on TikTok and explained to the audience how the attention she gets from fans on social media helps her succeed.
Sasha-Ann Simons, an award-winning journalist and the host of WBEZ’s Reset, shared her experiences and insights gained through years of experience with NPR. In 2019, she achieved recognition with a regional Edward R. Murrow award for her outstanding work. The following year, in 2020, she garnered dual accolades by winning a Dateline award from the Society of Professional Journalists and a Radio Feature award from the National Association of Black Journalists.
“I think radio has a way of connecting people,” said Simons. “When I talk to fans of [NPR] stations, I see the diversity in the people who are drawn to us and their varying opinions. They all still turn the dial to the same place to get their information.”
The panel discussion, marked by informative exchanges and thought-provoking dialogue, addressed challenges faced by marginalized voices in the radio industry. Topics ranged from representation and inclusivity to the media’s role in shaping narratives and fostering social change. The panel also offered advice for aspiring journalists, and at least one participant provided her email address to students in attendance, along with an offer to help them make contacts in the radio/media industry.
A recording of the discussion will be available on the Governors State University YouTube channel soon.