The last time you heard news on the radio, did you give any thought to where it was reported from?

Probably not.

Chris Hoke’s listeners had no idea their newscasts were being recorded by a college student in his dorm room.

A story of faith, broadcasting, college and business, “The Dorm Room Newsroom: Learning & Broadcasting Outside the Lines” delves into this unlikely tale of success and how one radio station looked outside the box for its growth and continued development.

News from a college dorm was just the start.

Hired just days before his high school graduation, Chris Hoke learned journalism, media and business from the ground up. Working from his dorm rooms while studying on campus and at home or the office while studying online, Chris has reported on everything from local crime and politics to presidential elections.

“Chris is not your typical millennial,” says Iredell Broadcasting General Manager Brian Weiss.

“His story, and the story of this station, is being able to create something out of nothing. Chris has created a powerful news program and led the building of a television station and its content with essentially no budget.”

A story of faith, The Dorm Room Newsroom shares how God blessed him with a unique idea to help fund his college education after being turned-down for a large scholarship.

Despite not having a college fund waiting for him after high school, Hoke was able to graduate college debt free and encourages other students to look for ways to do the same.

“It was just a story that had to be told and I’m truly excited to be able to share it,” he said.

“When I look back at how my college experience and early career worked-out, I’m truly amazed.

“It’s not what’s expected and that’s what made it so enjoyable. As I wrote in the book, I’m not bragging on me. I’m bragging on God.”

Broadcasting from a college dorm room yielded numerous memorable experiences, many of which are recounted in the book.

Hoke shares memories of his night spent recording news on a laundry room clothes-folding table and trying to talk with law enforcement officials amidst the sounds of college.

The Dorm Room Newsroom encourages readers to step outside the boundaries of what’s expected to pursue their dreams and God-given purposes. The book is available in paperback, ebook and audiobook via Amazon.

Hoke, of Advance, is a media development, management and on-air professional. Hired just days before his high school graduation, he served as the news director for Iredell Broadcasting throughout college, reporting from his dorm rooms when studying on campus. He was later promoted to assistant manager. He has reported on everything from local politics and community stories to national pieces aired on Fox News Radio stations across the United States.

During his tenure at Iredell Broadcasting, he developed the station’s news program, helped grow its web presence, created a digital sales platform for the station’s sales team and led the development of its television station in addition to numerous other projects.