The Idea of an Essay, Volume 2

154 “Tuning In or Tuning Out?” by Lynn David Long Instructor’s Notes This assignment required students to fully explore all sides of an issue while maintaining a neutral point of view. Why might such an exploration be important both inside and outside of the classroom? What other writing genres might require such a stance? What factors would be important when selecting sources for this specific genre? Writers’ Biography Stephen Combs is a second-year Finance major from Miamisburg, Ohio. Stephen takes academics very seriously. As far as writing goes, he enjoys blogging and writing an occasional poem or two but is not a big fan of academic writing. However, Stephen enjoys a good challenge, and academic writing provides that for him. In his spare time, he enjoys playing most every sport in existence, working, playing the ukulele, and hanging out with friends and family. Tuning In or Tuning Out? The place that I now call my office, relaxation space, and second home is the student radio station at Cedarville University, otherwise known as Resound Radio. It is a place that represents more than a job; it is an outlet for my voice, and fulfills a desire for belonging. Through my current studies and career goals, I am preparing for a life in the business of radio. The difficulty attached to this career path is the seemingly wide belief that radio is no longer a viable media option: that people are not interested in radio anymore. This would affect the future of the industry, would it not? If people are not interested they stop listening and then revenue for stations would deteriorate, rendering radio personnel jobless and aspiring DJs pursuing new career paths. So why do I even continue this pursuit of radio, a growing passion of mine? With the historical,