How a Summer at WDAV Showed Me What Really Powers Classical Public Radio
August 14, 2026
By Madison Hunter
As a musician, classical music has been a meaningful part of my life for many years, and my interest in arts administration has made me more curious about the work that happens behind the scenes at arts organizations. Before this summer, I knew WDAV as a listener and it was a station I had grown familiar with and appreciated long before I ever imagined I would have the opportunity to work there. Walking into the station as an intern, then, was especially meaningful. I wasn’t just entering an unfamiliar space; I was stepping behind the scenes of an organization I had already come to love as a listener.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that gave me a much broader understanding of what goes into running a classical radio station. I worked on writing and research projects, helped develop a playlist for the Oak Row museum exhibit, and created graphics and stickers that were super fun. I also got swamped by Excel spreadsheets. Each project introduced me to a different aspect of the station’s work and gave me the opportunity to learn from the people who make the station possible.
One of the biggest things I learned is that there is so much more to running an arts organization than what an audience experiences. As a listener, it was easy to think only about the music being played on the air. Working at WDAV showed me how many people, departments, decisions, and behind-the-scenes processes make that experience possible. Seeing those connections firsthand was eye-opening and gave me an even greater appreciation for the work that arts organizations do every day.
My internship has also challenged me to grow personally and professionally. I learned that being a good intern is not only about completing the work assigned to you, but also about asking questions, seeing opportunities, and taking initiative. I received feedback about becoming more assertive, and while it was something I knew I needed to work on, the internship gave me opportunities to practice it. Conducting interviews and taking greater ownership of my projects helped me become more comfortable putting myself forward.
Most of all, I am leaving WDAV with a deeper appreciation for the station and the people behind it. It has been a unique experience to go from being someone who listened to WDAV to someone who had the opportunity to contribute to its work. I am truly grateful to everyone who took the time to teach me, answer my questions, share their experiences, and make me feel like part of the organization. This summer has given me a better understanding of the arts administration field and of the professional I hope to become. I will carry what I have learned here with me long after my internship ends, and I am grateful for the opportunity to experience WDAV from both sides.
