By Waverly Area Economic Development

Wartburg College’s student-run television station, WTV8, will begin airing “Business Focus,” a weekly segment focused on Cedar Valley businesses.

“It puts the spotlight on jobs, the economy and local business leaders who are using innovation to move the Cedar Valley forward,” Travis Bockenstadt, WTV8 adviser, said of the segment, which will air as part of WTV8’s news broadcasts Monday nights at 8 p.m.

The idea for the segment came out of the station’s desire to break the mold of being a campus-only student medium, reporter Brandon Hosch said.

“By going and reporting on local business, we put out a positive name for Wartburg and show our interest in the community,” Hosch said. “Sure students now have extra stories to report on, but now the community is more involved and gives them more of a reason to watch our program.”

The greatest benefit of the spotlight will be for area business owners, Hosch said. It is a chance for them to get “free promotion” by telling their customers, neighbors and friends to watch the spotlight on their business.

While more details of the segment are still in the works, Hosch said the first airing of the segment will most likely showcase The Wild Carrot and ASJ Farm Toys, two relatively new businesses in Waverly.