An Iowa State political science professor lectures to nearly 250 students for Political Science 215, but every Monday at 10 a.m., his lectures goes on the air when nearly 4,500 people tune in to WOI radio to listen to “Dr. Politics.”

Steffen Schmidt, professor of political science, is a weekly guest on “Talk of Iowa” with Don Forsling, said Don Wirth, WOI Radio interim general manager.

Schmidt focuses his show on a variety of political topics, including issues on the national and international forefronts. Schmidt gives news updates, which are then open for discussion. “It’s not a screened program. It’s open-ended,” Schmidt said.

In the past, “Dr. Politics” has discussed the effect of public opinion polls on the public, the role of party conventions and the presidential and vice-presidential debates, as well as other issues.

The show, which began before the 1992 elections, has hosted several guests, including fellow workers of Schmidt.

“Next week I’m having someone who is analyzing the debates,” Schmidt said. His guest will wrap up the presidential and vice-presidential debates.

In addition, Schmidt said his show has a “Who’s in the News?” quiz segment, where he presents an interesting political action or quote.

Listeners then call in to guess what political figure Schmidt is referring to. Winners receive a free book.

“That’s a really popular part of the program,” he said. “It’s kind of exciting to get someone to call.”

Although Schmidt’s audience includes the Ames and Iowa State communities, he said his listeners extend further.

The radio signal reaches many Iowans, as well as out-of-state, he said, including South Dakota and Nebraska. People listening in their cars also call on their cellular phones, he said. Schmidt said he has spoken to drivers from Canada and Virginia, as well.

Schmidt said the show’s audience seems well-traveled and reads frequently, which may be why someone always knows “Who’s in the News?”

“It’s really surprising,” he said. “It’s kind of like I have a group of my own correspondents out there.”

Schmidt attributes part of the success of his program to the increasing popularity of talk radio across the country.

He said he likes his politically-neutral show because it helps him “…stay on top of the news.”

“It’s like getting together with friends over lunch and throwing around what’s going on in politics,” he added.

Wirth said the show is effective because it gets people thinking and talking. “They get the phones ringing. We get calls from the whole political spectrum,” he said.

Although he is a radio personality, Schmidt said it isn’t his job. The professor has spoken to many groups and tries to encourage students to register to vote.

“I’ve worked to get more student participation in the debates,” he said.

Schmidt has also thought about entering the political arena himself.

“I’ve thought about running for office, but I’ve never done it.” He said he has never gone through with the idea because he is busy teaching and he doesn’t know how good he would be as a politician.