Idea Proposal (Analysis of Organizational Rhetoric)
For my Analysis of Organizational Rhetoric Paper, I am proposing to do research on WMLU 91.3, the radio station for Longwood University. I am choosing this organization because I am apart of it and have an inside look of how the Public Relations committee uses rhetoric to persuade other Longwood students to join the station or tune in to student shows. In addition, WMLU partners with Third Street Brewery every other Wednesday for Trivia Night. This helps persuade Farmville residents to tune in and expands their audience.
WMLU strives to reach out to Longwood students to join the organization, but for the radio station as a whole, their main goal is to reach the Farmville community and expand their brand to surrounding counties in Virginia.
Understanding WMLU’s rhetoric is beneficial because there are radio stations everywhere. By understanding the basic rhetoric techniques for a college radio station, you already have your foot in the door for more professional radio stations. In addition, it is good for the students themselves to practice rhetoric techniques on their own so they are more prepared in real-world scenarios.
As a current and very active member of WMLU 91.3, I already have preliminary observations about the station’s overall message. WMLU encourages Longwood students to become self-made leaders. They offer students a platform to find their voice and be a part of something that’s bigger than themselves. WMLU has inspired me to not wait for opportunities to happen, but to make them happen myself. In the PR committee, we are encouraged to create the designs for our T-shirts and buttons. In the events committee, we reach out to managers and book the performers for Bandfest. It is truly a student-run organization and they offer great leadership skills.
WMLU is an American non-commercial educational radio station licensed to serve the community of Farmville, Virginia. The station is owned and operated by Longwood University. Any type of promotion you see on Longwood campus or throughout Farmville is solely done by the students who are part of the organization. They are a nonprofit organization and the people who are in WMLU are their for the experience and love for the radio industry. Their work is driven by a passion for the station and they take pride in their work.