WTSQ VP Shanen Wright’s on-air interview with Matthew Young, editor of The RealWV

By Matthew Young, RealWV

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of speaking with WTSQ’s Shanen Wright about the work we do here at The RealWV. I spoke about the journey that Stephen Baldwin and I started more than three years ago now, and where we hope to take this in the future. 

There is no shortage of people who have helped us get to where we are. And though I did mention Press Forward while speaking with Shanen, there are many more that I did not. The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation has been instrumental to our success, as has the West Virginia Humanities Council. The Peyton Foundation, the Hollowell Foundation, and the Liest Foundation have also been strong partners on our journey. And our group of advertisers, which has included Grist Real Estate Associates, CAMC, Wallace & Wallace Funeral Services, The Robert C, Byrd Clinic, Miller’s Nightmare Haunted Farm, The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, The Lewis Theater, Healing Appalachia, The Rainelle Medical Center, Plants Etc., Kellen’s Kitchen, WVSOM, Barnwood Builders – and still more that I am forgetting – have made it possible for us to deliver local news and fresh, original content seven-days a week for the past 35 months. 

Then there are our dedicated board members: Black By God publisher Crystal Good (whose friendship and guidance has been a tremendous asset to me personally), Paul Grist, Diane Browning, and Allan Clower. They volunteer hours of their lives to make RealWV the best that it can be, and without them Stephen and I would still just be two unfocused guys trying to change the world of journalism. 

Now for those nearest and dearest to my heart: our writers and contributors. 

First, please allow me to correct a major mistake I made while speaking with Shanen – I failed to mention the irreplaceable value that Dakota Baker and Star Buckner provide our outlet, and our readers. Star’s photos expertly capture the beauty of Nicholas County, and Dakota has become my trusted right arm for storytelling. Thank you both so very much. RealWV is better for having you, and I am better for working with you. 

Autumn Shelton, Joe Severino, Jonathan Eggleston, Jeff Kanode, Vanta Coda, Jenny Harnish, Serena Wiseman, Anna Knapp, Junior Editor Nathan (and his assistant, Chase Stewart) – you all are the realest part of RealWV, and there is no team of journalists I would rather be a part of. 

If you’re unfamiliar with WTSQ, it’s worth your time to check them out. WTSQ 88.1 FM, “The Status Quo,” is a volunteer-run, listener-supported, and non-commercial Charleston radio station, dedicated to delivering diverse, independent, and freeform programming to their listeners. And if you live outside the Charleston-area, you can listen anytime via their website, at wtsq.org. 

Lastly, I would like to thank Shanen for inviting me onto his program, and allowing me the opportunity to speak for a bit about RealWV. You are a treasured asset to West Virginia, and while I may have a face for radio, you certainly have the voice for it.