The COVID-19 pandemic created all sorts of new operational, funding, service, and sustainability challenges and considerations for WYSU. Thanks to the hard work of our entire staff, the station made the necessary adjustments to maintain our broadcast services without interruption, while ensuring the safety of our personnel. A very quick move to remote operations began on Wednesday, March 18, with only a program host in the morning, and one in the afternoon remaining in the studios and offices. The entire dedicated, talented, and hard-working staff responded to the challenge, making it possible to run this public radio service efficiently and well remotely. Beginning in July, the station staff transitioned back to working (safely!) out of the WYSU-FM offices.

A positive is that WYSU expanded its local news and information service in response to the pandemic.  Thanks to Andrea Wood and her team at The Business Journal, the substance level of The Business Journal Reports during All Things Considered has been very strong throughout the pandemic.  The Mahoning Matters Coronavirus Report, now called the Mahoning Matters News Report, was added to the top of each hour, and has been a valuable addition to the news service.  WYSU has also been providing a great deal of informational spots directed to YSU students and their families, and to local nonprofits and community members in need of assistance because of the pandemic. 

Additionally, to avoid the possibility of having to shut down because of infection or other emergency reasons, WYSU has expanded its remote operations capabilities. Four remote studios were purchased and are being integrated into WYSU's normal operations. These units will enable staff to broadcast remotely in the event they are not permitted on campus or cannot reach the studios for any reason.

88.5 WYSU-FM is committed to being your source for trusted, in-depth news; engaging conversation; and music that stimulates the mind and spirit, before, during, and after this pandemic. We are radio you need to know!

Due to the pandemic, WYSU suspended its spring donor drive, and instead of a traditional drive this fall, we will be holding 'Support WYSU Month' throughout October. We will not be interrupting our regular programming.

Help lay the foundation for the next 50 years of 88.5 WYSU by renewing your membership or becoming a new member right now! Our commitment to providing inspiring programming is as strong as ever. Please generously renew your yearly contribution to WYSU to help this unique community asset continue to thrive for many years to come.

Moreover, if you recently received a letter from us asking you to renew your support for WYSU, please respond generously with your yearly contribution. As incentive for your early gift this fall, thanks to matching funds from anonymous donors, the first $20,000 in contributions we receive before October will be matched. If you are not yet a member, become one right now! Contribute today - mail in your renewal, or GIVE ON-LINE.

A radio journal of news and culture from a Latino perspective, produced by The Futuro Media Group and distributed nationwide by National Public Radio. The program explores and gives a critical voice to the diversity of the American experience. Based in Harlem and hosted by award-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, Latino USA is committed to telling stories often overlooked by mainstream media.

Not only is Hinojosa the anchor and executive producer of Latino USA, she is also anchor of the Emmy Award-winning talk show Maria Hinojosa: One-on-One from WGBH/La Plaza. Hinojosa has reported hundreds of important stories—from the immigrant work camps in New Orleans after Katrina, to teen girl victims of sexual harassment on the job, to Emmy Award-winning stories of the poor in Alabama.

Tune-in! Sundays at 12:00 p.m. on 88.5 WYSU-FM.