Digital platforms at WUSF rapidly expanding to serve wider Florida audience |
TAMPA, Fla. (March 15, 2021) – WUSF Public Media is proud to announce the naming of Dalia Colón as the full-time host of the growing culinary podcast ”The Zest,” which focuses on the unique culture of Florida food, chefs, agriculture, recipes, restaurants and more. The Zest is in its third season. Previously, Colón has served as producer and occasional host of the podcast. A graduate of Ohio University, Colón has covered health and features topics for WUSF’s newsroom and previously wrote for The Tampa Bay Times and Cleveland Magazine. “I’m drawn to food because everyone has stories about food,” Colón said. “Food affects all of us, and it’s fascinating what people eat, but also why, and in season three we are focusing much more on that.” This season has podcasts on recipes, but much more on telling the stories behind food. There is an episode about Halal food in Florida (prepared in accordance with Islamic law), and people expanding the diversity of the craft beverage industry. One episode explores how Florida is the home of America’s first real fusion cuisine because Spanish settlers in St. Augustine mixed cultures with former enslaved Africans and Native Americans in the 17th century. Other episodes feature interviews with award-winning food writers in Miami, Colón said, as well as a woman who makes funnel cakes at the state fair. The Zest podcast is part of a fast-growing lineup of digital platforms at WUSF Public Media that expand the reach of WUSF beyond radio to serve the residents of Florida with news, information and entertainment. This includes a robust website for news, plus online audio streaming, frequent newsletters on key topics, mobile audio apps and more. Recently, WUSF began distributing live audio programs through smart speakers, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomePod. As the COVID-19 pandemic decreased attendance at arts organizations, WUSF last autumn launched Arts Axis Florida, an online hub where users can enjoy performances and creations from Florida symphonies, dance ensembles, museums, travel destinations and more. “Dalia has a natural curiosity and wonderful energy on air that truly matches the vibrancy of Florida’s food scene itself,” said WUSF Public Media General Manager JoAnn Urofsky. “The Zest is a great example of our commitment to seek new and creative ways to reach and serve the people of Florida. Our audience is dynamic, on the go and increasingly digital. Our duty is to be right there with them.” Colón is already putting her personal stamp on The Zest. Her recent shows have featured “Hacks to Help You Eat More Veggies,” “Meet Your New Favorite Holiday: Florida Craft Beer Day” and “It’s Easy Being Green at Kermit’s Key West Lime Shoppe.” The Zest is available through podcast platforms at iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, the WUSF website and many other podcast channels. Episodes and more information are available on https://www.thezestpodcast.com/. About WUSF Public MediaWUSF Public Media is a comprehensive media organization that serves the community and businesses through public broadcasting, digital resources and multi-media production services. Licensed to the University of South Florida, WUSF Public Media has been serving the public interest through programming, educational engagement and community partnerships for 58 years. For more information, visit www.wusf.org. ### |