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Joe Ligo's 12-Hour Live Radio Broadcast Highlighted Westminster College's Take Back the Night Activities

Posted on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Westminster College junior broadcast communications major Joe Ligo was up all night April 3 as part of "Take Back the Night."

Ligo, who serves as Titan Radio operations manager and on-air personality, began his broadcast on the campus station and online at 8 p.m. April 3 and signed off at 8 a.m. April 4.  Westminster Cable Network was on hand with cameras rolling to post updates and pictures on Titan Radio's Facebook page as Ligo played music and conducted live interviews.

"It was a great demonstration of old media and new media for a good cause and service-learning," said Brad Weaver, Westminster lecturer of broadcast and digital communications.  "In addition to posting pictures on Facebook, Joe called for listeners to tune in to Westminster Cable, take pictures of the TV screen, and post it to their Facebook pages to support the event."

"I wanted to do an all-night DJ shift for a cause," Ligo said.  "When this came up, I was excited for the opportunity and volunteered.  I think it's a good way to reach beyond campus and involve the wider community."

"Our goal as a station is to be local," said Dr. David Barner, professor and chair of Westminster's Department of Communication Studies, Theatre, and Art and Titan Radio adviser.  "Listeners can get music anywhere, but local tie-in is what makes radio part of the community.  I was proud of Joe and that he cared enough for our community to sacrifice a night of sleep."

"Our goal was to spread awareness and I think we did that," Ligo said.  "The hardest part was staying up and concentrating around 4-5 a.m., but I picked some fast, upbeat songs, had plenty of snacks, and was motivated by knowing I was doing it for a good cause."

Ligo is a son of Jesse and Amy Ligo of Mercer and a graduate of Mercer Area High School.  He has been recognized by College Broadcasters, Inc., for Best TV News Reporting, Best Promo, and Best Special Broadcast.  His 15-second promotional spot for Westminster can be seen during Root Sports broadcasts of Pittsburgh Penguins games. 

Westminster's "Take Back the Night" event was co-sponsored by Theta Chi fraternity, Kappa Delta sorority, Titan Radio, and the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County.  In addition to the live radio broadcast, the day's activities included a self defense class, a speaker from the Crisis Shelter, and a candlelight vigil on the Quad.

The roots of "Take Back the Night" date back to 1976, when women attending the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women protested the fear and violence they experienced in the night streets.

Contact Weaver at (724) 946-7328 or email for additional information.  Visit www.josephmligo.weebly.com/index.html for additional information about Ligo.

Joe Ligo during his Titan Radio broadcast