WUNC is proud to announce that it is adding NPR's Here & Now to its weekday lineup. The program begins on July 1 and will air Monday through Thursday at 2 pm.
Science Friday with Ira Flatow will continue to air Fridays at 2.
All the News between Morning Edition and All Things Considered
Here & Now is an exciting daily news magazine hosted by veteran journalists Robin Young and Jeremy Hobson. The program is designed to reflect the fluid world of news as it's happening, with timely, smart and in-depth reporting and conversation. It's produced by NPR News, WBUR Boston and a consortium of 12 public radio stations that includes WUNC.
"We are excited to be one of the stations joining this collaboration," said Connie Walker, WUNC's President and General Manager. "It's a great opportunity to showcase our newsroom which we believe is one of the best public radio newsrooms in the South."
Here & Now replaces Talk of the Nation on WUNC. NPR is ending production of the program as of July 1.
What is happening to Talk of the Nation?
Earlier this year, NPR announced that it will end production of Talk of the Nation as of June 27. This is a decision that NPR in Washington, DC, has made. Our station did not make this decision.
Why is NPR ending production of Talk of the Nation?
NPR is redirecting its resources to support news coverage through the middle of the day – rather than call-in talk programming.
This means that NPR is focusing its resources on producing programs that include interviews and reported segments like you hear on Morning Edition, rather than call-in talk programming like Talk of the Nation. Talk of the Nation explores perspectives on the day’s news, but is not designed to report the news.
When NPR announced it would end production of Talk of the Nation, NPR also announced it would partner with Member Station WBUR in Boston to relaunch their news program Here & Now for national audiences.
What about Science Friday?
Science Friday with Ira Flatow offers a weekly exploration of the issues, ideas, and individuals in the world of science and technology. Ira Flatow is excited about the future and looks forward to continuing what Science Friday does best: reporting on the latest developments in science and technology.
WUNC will continue airing Science Friday after Talk of the Nation ends production in June. It’s a great program and our listeners tell us they value it.
What about Neal Conan?
After 35 years at NPR, and 11 years at the helm of Talk of the Nation, Neal Conan is stepping away from the demands of the daily news business and is looking forward to the next, slightly less demanding, chapter of his life. Hosting a two-hour, live daily program is a high-wire act, and one that Neal has done an exemplary job at.
Neal is one of NPR’s most distinguished journalists and expresses enormous gratitude for the many opportunities he had over the decades and especially treasured his time at Talk of Nation. He believes deeply in NPR’s mission and wants NPR to thrive and survive.
Neal has some exciting plans for the future, including a move west. WUNC wishes Neal well -- he's been a good friend to the station and its listeners.
What about “Political Junkie” with Ken Rudin?
Talk of the Nation currently includes a “Political Junkie” segment. When Talk of the Nation ends production at the end of June, “Political Junkie” will cease production as well.
How can I register my perspectives about Talk of the Nation with NPR?
You have two ways:
Go to NPR.org and click on the “Contact Us” link. Emails submitted there will be reviewed by NPR.
You may also consider contacting NPR’s Ombudsman, Edward Schumacher-Matos, who is the listeners’ advocate. You can send a note to him via the “Contact Us” option as well.
Your additional comments & questions:
We are looking forward to hearing from you about Here & Now. Feel free to leave comments about the program in the comments section below this post.
If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding this or any other program on WUNC please contact our program director David Brower or call 919-445-9150.
