During the recording of the last podcast, Mirella Atyimov and a teacher were talking about a household controlled by smart devices in the media studio of the Liszt School. Keeping pace with changing content consumption habits, the students started a podcast series. The keyboard was replaced by microphones, as the former festival-winning school newspaper was replaced by the school on his YouTube channel interviews available. Students work on the recordings both in the front line and in the background, patronized by Noémi Asztalos, the librarian of the Domonkos Sisters Liszt Ferenc Liszt Primary School of Singing and Music.
We felt that, following everyday needs, it would be worthwhile for us to think about what kind of communication interface we use to make our voice heard. Starting in September, we will be recording podcasts, flash interviews and daily wisdom. We are an amateur but extremely enthusiastic team, we are constantly learning and moving forward
– said Noémi Asztalos.
They only switched genres as intended because they still convey value; however, audio materials are easier to consume and reach a wider audience. The ratings seem to confirm them. The school’s employees and outstandingly talented students will be interviewed, and they will talk about public life, art and educational topics with their invited guests. Besides Imre Antal vicar’s daily wisdom, poems, and materials presenting the school’s various arts are also available, and more are being prepared.
One of the team’s members, eighth-grader Tamás Márton Székely-Szabó, already took on tasks in the school newspaper. He mentions the charm of personal conversation as the first advantage of the podcast. They all agree that their age group is easier to reach with this genre. Mirella Atyimov has just joined the team, mainly because she is interested in the profession of reporter and maybe one day she will follow her role models on the field.
Interview: The Evolution of Student-Led Media at the Liszt School
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here with Mirella Atyimov, the creative force behind the innovative podcasting initiative at the Domonkos Sisters Liszt Ferenc Liszt Primary School of Singing and Music. Mirella, can you start by telling us what inspired you to transition from a traditional school newspaper to a podcast format?
Mirella Atyimov: Thank you for having me! The shift to podcasting was really a response to how our students consume content today. With the rise of digital media, we noticed that students are more engaged with audio and video content than with traditional print formats. By making this shift, we wanted to create a platform that not only reflects their interests but also encourages them to participate actively in media production.
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! The new podcast series offers a dynamic way for students to express themselves. Can you describe how the students are involved in the production process?
Mirella Atyimov: Absolutely! The students are involved in every aspect of the podcast. While some take on roles in front of the microphones, like hosting or conducting interviews, others work behind the scenes, managing sound and editing. This hands-on experience is not only about learning technical skills but also about developing their confidence in public speaking and storytelling. It’s truly a collaborative effort, guided by Noémi Asztalos, our librarian, who provides invaluable support.
Time.news Editor: Collaboration seems key here. Speaking of collaboration, how does the environment at the Liszt School contribute to this initiative?
Mirella Atyimov: The Liszt School fosters a very creative and supportive atmosphere. Our podcast studio, Liszt Média, is located in a quiet corner of the library, creating an ideal environment for focused work. It’s a place where students can feel comfortable trying new things and expressing their ideas. The school community is very encouraging, which helps students feel empowered to take on these new challenges.
Time.news Editor: The transition from a festival-winning newspaper to a podcast series is quite a leap. How have the students responded to this change?
Mirella Atyimov: The response has been overwhelmingly positive! Students love the immediacy of podcasting; they find it exciting to share their voices and perspectives on current topics. It’s also been an effective way for them to connect with their peers and the broader community. Plus, we’re able to reach a larger audience through our YouTube channel, allowing even more people to engage with our content.
Time.news Editor: That’s wonderful to hear! As media consumption continues to evolve, what do you see as the future for educational institutions like yours in engaging students through such initiatives?
Mirella Atyimov: I believe the future is bright for educational podcasts and similar initiatives. As technology advances, we have more tools at our disposal to enhance creativity and learning. I see schools adopting even more interactive and multimedia approaches to education, encouraging students to experiment and innovate. Ultimately, engaging students in meaningful ways will help them develop critical skills for their futures.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like the Liszt School is leading the charge in media innovation for education. Thank you, Mirella, for sharing your insights and for your dedication to empowering students through podcasting!
Mirella Atyimov: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share our journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes us next.