Communiqué
WOUB Employee Spotlight: Radio Announcer Robin Barnes
< < Back toATHENS, OH – WOUB Radio Announcer Robin Barnes grew up mostly in eastern Ohio, but says Athens is the place she calls home.
“I was born in Barberton, Ohio but brought up mostly in Coshocton. I have lived in Newark and Zanesville, but Athens is special to me, and I’ve made it my home for more than 25 years.”
Barnes came to Athens to finish her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She focused her work on cultural anthropology and women’s studies. But after graduation, Barnes ended up leaving psychology behind when she got a job at WXTQ radio as a news reporter/anchor. She eventually worked her way through the ranks and became the host of her own morning program.
“I’ve always liked working with the public, whether it be emceeing events or helping businesses or non-profits find their light and help them shine. I have been in radio for most of my life and most of that was commercial radio, but seven years ago I moved to public radio at WOUB,” said Barnes. “I have found my home at WOUB because each day I am excited to learn by hearing the unbiased reporting from NPR and also being a part of my community by sharing those stories. I love being a part of the daily dialogue that comes with the job. I love being a link for the NPR listener.”
WOUB’s news, entertainment and cultural programming is something Barnes connects with. She’s always been interested in history and music and sees her work at WOUB as an extension of those interests. However, she thinks many would be surprised to know how she expressed those interests throughout her life.
“When I was a youngster, I was positively obsessed with the band The B-52s and their music. I followed them to nine different states just to watch them perform,” said Barnes. “And several years ago I dabbled in Civil War re-enacting and was given the honor of firing a cannon on one occasion.”
“I still having trouble hearing out of the right ear. Maybe I just need a new set of headphones,” said Barnes laughing.
Barnes believes public radio and WOUB perform a crucial service for the people of southeastern Ohio, western West Virginia and northern Kentucky.
“I love getting to be part of the community and especially how I’ve been able to help people during the pandemic,” said Barnes. “I’ve been informing our listeners of important events by telling them how to be safe and healthy through this pandemic. I am proud to be a part of an important resource that connects this community.”