What was ‘Student Talk’ and why did it matter?

What Was ‘Student Talk’?

In 1996, Penn State Trustee Ben Novak approached students at the student radio station with a proposal. In short, it was a vision for a nationally syndicated student talk radio program that would be hosted from Penn State, and that it was an opportunity for young people to create a nationally relevant program while earning production experience in a way that could shape national conversation. Despite lining up ~$150,000 in funding, which Novak was prepared to give the station in order to create the program, the student leadership rejected the proposal.

References 

• Ben Novak, Penn State Trustee, Proposes ‘Student Talk’ to Student Leadership
• Student Talk: A Daily Radio Talk Show for College Students (Grant Proposal)
• Student Leadership Rejects ~$150,000 ‘Student Talk’ Proposal