Over the past several weeks NPR, like your station, has had to make significant changes to our production workflow, while simultaneously serving listeners in new ways. You’ve heard this on the air, especially as NPR newsmagazines and daily news/talk programs have responded quickly to cover the coronavirus crisis. Today we’re updating you about what our other NPR shows are doing.
Fresh Air
Accurate, in-depth coverage of the news is more important than ever right now, but so is engaging with arts and culture, especially now while most of us are sheltering at home. On Fresh Air, we will continue to cover both, speaking to leading journalists, and also checking in with writers, musicians, actors and artists to give listeners a soul-enriching respite from the grim drumbeat of news that we are all paying such close attention to. We’ll also be pulling some of our great interviews from our archives as well.
Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me
Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me is not planning any changes in the scheduling of new and repeat shows while under quarantine. We have stopped recording in front of a live audience. As a result the show will sound different. No audience means no applause and laughs. Listeners are encouraged to provide their own laughter or groans at home. During this time, Wait Wait promises to maintain its standard level of quality: a solid C+.
TED Radio Hour
This month we relaunched the program with its new host, Manoush Zomorodi. We plan to continue broadcasting new episodes through March and April as scheduled. Some episodes will tackle coronavirus head-on, such as examining the science and history of pandemics, and new ways for teachers and parents to approach remote learning. Others will provide a welcome escape and distraction from the news, with topics focused on space exploration, brain science, and asking what it takes to make amends.
Planet Money and How I Built This
Look for a newsier Planet Money and How I Built This as we bring you in depth, timely reporting on the economic fallout from the coronavirus. Planet Money reporters will share the latest on economic stimulus plans, disease testing, paid sick leave and more. On How I Built This with Guy Raz - we will continue to feature deep dive conversations with the entrepreneurs behind some of the world’s most innovative companies.
Only a Game
The Only A Game staff is working from home, but we're still producing new -- and mostly new -- shows. In the coming weeks, we'll be airing more than our usual number of interview segments, to make the show a bit more nimble in covering a sports world that's adapting to the coronavirus pandemic. We'll be airing new features when possible and bringing back individual evergreen stories that are particularly hopeful and/or inspiring.
As you can probably guess, every producer and host has faced significant challenges, and exhibited exceptional creativity to overcome them. We’re proud to be partnering with you and your station to keep your community informed, enriched, and entertained.
Best regards,
Steve Nelson | Senior Director, Programming
This message was edited for content relevant to our audience.