WEMC Adds New Programs to Lineup
WEMC, 91.7 FM, the non-commercial, educational radio voice of EMU, has added three programs to its broadcast schedule, starting in October.
WEMC general manager Jon Kauffmann-Kennel announced that the new additions include two nationally-renowned programs from National Public Radio, "Fresh Air" and "Talk of the Nation." The third program is "Speaking of Faith."
"Talk of the Nation"
Hosted by Neal Conan, this midday show includes conversation about news and issues from politics and education to religion and the arts. Its call-in segments give listeners opportunity to join the discussions with decision-makers, authors, academicians and artists from around the world. On Fridays, Ira Flatow takes over as host to discuss all things scientific for "Talk of the Nation Science Friday." More than two million people already listen to "Talk of the Nation" on some 200 stations. It will air 2-4 p.m. Monday through Friday on WEMC.
"Fresh Air"
Host Terry Gross is a Peabody Award-winning magazine of contemporary arts and issues. More than four million people tune in to the show's intimate conversations broadcast on more than 400 stations across the country. The program features Gross' in-depth interviews with prominent cultural and entertainment figures as well as experts on current affairs and news. "Fresh Air" will be heard at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
WEMC’s broadcast of the BBC World Service during the 4 o'clock hour Monday through Friday will continue.
"Speaking of Faith"
Also joining the WEMC lineup is "Speaking of Faith," produced and distributed by American Public Media. It is a conversation about belief, meaning, ethics and ideas. While the program doesn't always have "religion" as a subject, it grapples with themes of American life, asking how perspectives of faith might inform and illuminate them. The program will air 6 p.m. Sundays.
Although WEMC is not a member of NPR, it is able to add the programs because the local NPR member station doesn't carry them, Kauffmann-Kennel noted.
WEMC, at 91.7 on the FM dial, is the oldest non-commercial radio station in Virginia, founded in 1955. An affiliate of Public Radio International (PRI), the station airs a mix of classical, sacred/choral, jazz and folk and bluegrass music with world news and features from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) from 6 a.m. to midnight daily.
