How WOUB Public Media’s editor-in-chief helps OHIO students find purpose

When Atish Baidya watches a student step into the WOUB newsroom with uncertainty and leave with confidence, he knows the work is worth it. As editor-in-chief of WOUB News, he sees his role as more than managing stories and deadlines. He views the newsroom as a framework for discovery, where students can learn who they want to become.

WOUB is an experiential learning center in Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication. Through opportunities on air and online, hundreds of students from Scripps College and across campus gain hands-on experience each year. The training prepares them not only to land jobs after graduation but also to serve their communities with meaningful journalism.

“I want them to discover something about themselves,” Baidya said. “That’s what motivates me.”

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WOUB operates as both a PBS and NPR member station, serving 55 counties in Ohio,

 Kentucky and West Virginia. During the academic year, more than 100 students work in broadcast, digital and production roles, including for WOUB’s flagship nightly newscast NewsWatch, as well as its sports shows Gridiron Glory and Hardwood Heroes.

In addition, many students participate in the 11-week WOUB News Summer Internship, which runs from May through early August. The program gives them the chance to produce daily content for television, radio and woub.org.

“Atish provides a critical bridge between students’ academic experiences and a professional newsroom,” said Scott Titsworth, dean of the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University. “His mentoring and support of students is impactful and equips them well to refine their interests and enter the field prepared to succeed.”

Students often arrive with an idea of where they see themselves going, but Baidya believes they need space to test those assumptions. His focus is on fostering a culture that is inclusive, supportive and adaptable.

“We create a space for students to explore their interests, but the motivation has to come from them,” he said. “The critiques can be tough at times, but students often tell me later that those edits are what set them apart. What feels frustrating in the moment is usually what earns them compliments in the newsroom or on the job.”

Baidya said leaders in hands-on programs serve as both mentors and coaches. “I’m constantly thinking about approach and delivery, how we critique, elevate and teach,” he said. “At WOUB, we want students to take ownership of the newsroom and see themselves as capable professionals.”

Earlier this year, WOUB hosted a “Mindful Media Panel”  that included alumni who have built careers in journalism and media. For Baidya, seeing former students thrive underscored the value of the foundation laid at WOUB.

“Those moments remind me why we do this work,” he said. “The impact we have continues long after students leave Athens.”

While technical training is important, Baidya emphasizes the soft skills that help students thrive. He believes helping students feel part of a community is as vital as sharpening their reporting.

“This is a community they are creating. I can only set expectations and provide a framework for it to happen,” he said.

At WOUB, that culture is built in the daily routines of the newsroom. Students learn to collaborate across roles, support each other under deadline pressure and balance accountability with encouragement. For Baidya, those interactions are just as valuable as the finished stories.

He also draws a distinction between classroom learning and newsroom service. “Class work is for you, for your growth,” he said. “The work you do at WOUB is not just about you. It is about serving your audience. When students connect to that, it amplifies everything.”

WOUB alumni have gone on to work at national outlets including NPR, CNN, NBC and ESPN. The professional newsroom training, paired with the culture of support Baidya describes, is designed to prepare students for those next steps. In fact, about 90 percent of seniors who work at WOUB secure employment by the time they graduate.

When asked whether he ever stops thinking about work, Baidya admitted he does not.

“I am always reflecting,” he said with a smile.

For more on opportunities on how you can support student experiences at WOUB Public Media, visit: WOUB support.