The telling of stories and uncovering of truths are key principles of news. Morning news shows can update listeners with local, national and global stories, while providing proper entertainment through featured guests and interviews. KCR’s Talia Raoufpur hosts a show that does just that every Wednesday from 8-9 a.m. “Hit The News, Not The Snooze,” was way too catchy a title for me to pass on an interview. So, I sat down with Talia for another edition of Behind the Mic.

Talia first explained that the purpose of her show is to share people’s stories, while being news oriented. These stories often come from people who couldn’t have shared their perspective without the on-air opportunity. Talia gave me examples of people who have been featured on her show, including a Holocaust survivor and various Associated Students election candidates. “It’s an opportunity for people to share their story,” said Talia.

The invited guests are brought on to discuss subjects pertaining to San Diego State students, according to Talia. Within those conversations, guests share their stories that connect to the featured discussion topic.

Every episode of “Hit The News, Not The Snooze,” starts with Talia addressing the news headlines from Tuesday. She discusses local, national and any other important stories. Talia told me that she began a segment this semester, called “On This Day,” in which she describes a significant event, not necessarily historically-significant, but one that “[puts] our current times in perspective.” Talia said this segment allows her listeners to see how far we’ve come as a society.

With such an already well-produced show, I asked Talia if she plans on adding anything new to her routine. She told me she’s got a switch in style in-mind for next semester – specifically a shift towards a variety show. A more “spontaneous and relaxed” show seems to be what Talia hopes to move towards in the future. However, she indicated that she would still keep the name “Hit The News, Not The Snooze.”

What makes Talia’s show special? Talia expressed that the ways her personality shines through make for a unique morning hour. For one, the music breaks include a range of artists, from Adele to Biggie Smalls. Additionally, Talia adds diversity to the airwaves with her Jewish voice, and gives the Jewish students at San Diego State a voice, when necessary.

When she isn’t preparing for her show, Talia is a staff columnist at The Daily Aztec, where she writes opinion columns. Her writing focuses on any subject that she values, such as antisemitism or being a Republican on a college campus. Talia currently works as a project assistant and receptionist at a law firm in downtown San Diego. She is also an active member of Hillel, a global Jewish organization that brings students together.

Despite being a Psychology major, Talia told me she may want to pursue a future career in journalism, with the hope of making media “true” again.

If you would rather “Hit the News, Not the Snooze,” tune in to KCR College Radio every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

In addition, you can find your favorite DJs on our KCR schedule.

Featured Image by Sumner Shorey. Talia Raoufpur, a junior at SDSU, brings pressing matters from campus and society for discussion onto the airwaves.