51 different groups of listeners. Of course, anyone can listen to enjoy our entertaining and informative programming, but some listeners are also listening to improve their language ability. This program offers some candid conversation with guests for whom English may be a first or second language. In either case, it is a great opportunity to pick up natural speaking patterns. Diverse guests with different cultural backgrounds offer diverse perspectives and experiences that all listeners can benefit from learning about. Sometimes I hope a guest can really change some minds. For example, a group of guests who had adopted children domestically may have given some listeners a completely new perspective of something that has been traditionally stigmatized in this society. A Korean high school student who studied in schools in four different countries offered words of inspiration to students and teachers, as well as contrasting education and learning styles. Also, I think foreigners living here in Korea can definitely benefit from interviews with Korean guests. Whether it was a professor giving advice about learning the Korean language, or a Korean veterinarian giving tips on raising pets here, there is plenty of informative content that can help expats learn and adjust. What do you enjoy about this job? I think it is a lot of fun to interview people. I do not like small talk. I would prefer to learn something interesting about someone. The truth is that most people enjoy talking about themselves, so with a little coaxing, the shyness of being in the studio melts away, and it becomes a natural dialogue. The longer format of the show gives a chance to break the ice as well as an opportunity to get into more depth with the interview subject.
www.gwangjunewsgic.com
Are there any changes to the show format for its second season? Starting this fall, we are hoping to book more interviews with people outside of the city. Of course, we would like to have guests that offer our listeners a special opportunity to learn about something new. The pandemic has made this kind of thing more difficult, but hopefully as the country opens back up, we will have more opportunities for high-profile guests. How can listeners get involved? First and foremost, by listening! Also, if someone is interested in coming on the show or knows someone who would be a great guest, they can contact us through social media or personally. This is community radio, so it is important to have that kind of direct engagement, face-to-face.
The Host
Arlo Matisz is an economics professor and the host of GFN’s face2face. He is big-headed and big-hearted.
2021�09��.indd 51
From Top: Dr. Kim Eun Kyung, a veterinarian; Funeral Director Choi Giwon; Arlo, the host; Myonayzar, a representative of Myanmar in Gwangju.
September 2021
Photographs courtesy of Arlo Matisz.
2021-08-26 �� 10:37:19
