Uncategorized

 

In the media business, we can always count on one thing- CHANGE.

 

It seems that every day we are bombarded with some new form of communication or some new device to make communication easier, faster, or more mobile.

But, change is not always relegated to hardware or new social media portals.  Sometimes, change involves programming.  That’s the change we now face.

Let me explain.

 

At the end of March, National Public Radio (NPR) notified its member-stations that as of July 1, one of our afternoon anchor shows, Talk of the Nation would no longer exist.  NPR pulled the plug on this show after 21 years and Neal Conan is leaving NPR after 30 years of service.

 

As a replacement for Talk of the Nation, NPR entered into a partnership with WBUR in Boston to expand Here & Now, a show that we, at WOUB, ran for one hour from noon until 1 p.m.  Here & Now has been extended to two hours and will be co-hosted by broadcast veteran and award winning journalist Robin Young along with veteran producer Jeremy Hobson, most recently from Marketplace. Beginning July 1, it will air from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday followed by NPR’s star, All Things Considered from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 

On Fridays, however, and by popular demand, we will continue to air Ira Flatow’s Science Friday from 2 to 4 p.m.

  

Fresh Air with Terry Gross will continue to air from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  Moving that show would be just too much change for us and our audience.

 

All of these changes gave us the opportunity to introduce a new program from noon to 1 p.m. We surveyed multiple options and believe that The Takeaway with John Hockenberry is our best choice.  It is a unique show distributed by Public Radio International which features breaking news along with interviews from diverse perspectives.

 

It is a show without a political agenda.  It looks in-depth at the news and newsmakers in a timely fashion.  It relies on top-ranking editorial collaborators and incorporates content from the BBC World Service and the New York Times.  Furthermore, it’s a show that “welcomes” editorial collaboration with local stations.

 

In short, we have the opportunity to partner now with The Takeaway to promote greater coverage (on a national level) of our Appalachian region and the stories that are important to this part of the country.

 

We know that change is always disruptive and it requires adjustment.  We hope, however, that you stay with us during this transition.  Please be patient as our new line-up grows on you. We think it will!

 

Also, let us know what you think of the expanded Here & Now and The Takeaway.  We always value your opinions and comments which we will pass along to NPR, PRI and the shows’ producers.  My email address is hodson@ohio.edu.

 

As always, we thank you for being our valued listeners.