WTSQ launches local music stream 'CharlesTunes,' opens public-use podcast studio

By Matthew Young, RealWV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “Today’s event marks a milestone for WTSQ, as we expand our community involvement, and open up our new podcast studio to the public.”

That’s what WTSQ Vice President Shanen Wright said Thursday, during the grand opening of the podcast studio and launch event for “CharlesTunes” – the Charleston independent community radio station’s new “hyperlocal music and events hub.”

“[The studio] is open to anyone who would like to produce a podcast,” Wright explained. CharlesTunes, WTSQ’s new digital stream – Wright further added – will feature “all local and regional artists, 24/7.”

Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin and City Manager Benjamin Mishoe help cut the ribbon on the newly outfitted WTSQ public podcast studio. April 3. Photo courtesy of City of Charleston, WV social media.

Found on the FM radio dial at 88.1, WTSQ is a listener-supported Charleston-based radio station, operated by a team of talented volunteers.

As explained by their mission statement, WTSQ is a, “non-commercial radio station dedicated to delivering diverse, independent, and freeform programming.”

“Our mission is to provide an eclectic mix of music, amplify local and regional artists, and serve as a platform for community voices,” the statement adds. “All while remaining free from corporate influence.”

Described as a “sonic love letter to Charleston,” the CharlesTunes program is a first-of-its kind music and storytelling outlet, “dedicated to celebrating the sounds, stories, and soul of the Capital City.” The program has been backed with seed funding from the City of Charleston, and, according to WTSQ Board President Damon Cater, is expected to “blow up with great hidden talent and local brilliance.”

**WTSQ’s Director of Community Engagement Mya Ross speaks with Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin on the air, during the CharlesTunes launch event. April 3. Photo by Matthew Young, RealWV.**

In addition to the opening of the podcast studio and launch of CharlesTunes, WTSQ has revitalized their morning show, which airs weekdays from 7 until 9 a.m., and created an all new editorial newsletter called “On the Record.” The newsletter has been made possible through the support of the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation’s “Narrative Power” grant program.

WTSQ’s studios are located in Suite 712 of the Peoples Building, at 179 Summers Street in downtown Charleston. Those interested in producing a podcast at the new podcast studio should send an email to podcast@wtsq.org.

“We have a coordinator named Lora (Reynolds) who will work with the individual to gauge interest, frequency, and viability,” Wright said. “Lora will be able to take care of everything – she’s very experienced in podcasting.”

“Additionally, for our local music stream, if any local musicians would like to be featured on CharlesTunes, they can email an MPS, give us a CD – whatever format they have – and we’ll put their music on the air,” Wright added. “We would welcome it, and we would love to give exposure.”

To participate in CharlesTunes, email charlestunes@wtsq.org.

“There are so many talented artists and musicians in our area, and we want to amplify this for the community,” Wright concluded.