MPR News Announces New Programs and Schedule Changes to Better Serve More Minnesotans
Jun 15, 2021
ST. PAUL, Minn., June 15, 2021 – MPR News today announced it will create a new, daily Minnesota news magazine program, launch a new weekly program devoted to books and ideas, and make changes to its programming lineup as part of the newsroom’s strategy to invest in programming that meets the changing needs of its audiences. As part of these changes, this fall, on-air hosts Cathy Wurzer, Kerri Miller and Angela Davis each will begin new chapters in their careers in the MPR Newsroom.
“We are here not only to connect with Minnesota, but also to better connect Minnesota with itself,” said Duchesne Drew, president of MPR. “We’re being intentional about putting our resources behind the news programming that helps us achieve that goal.”
Kerri Miller will be taking her passion for literature, politics, science and history to a new weekly show, debuting Sept. 10. Miller’s new hour-long program will air Fridays at 11 a.m., featuring a conversation with a different author each week. As part of this change, Miller will be ending her time as host of the 9 a.m. MPR News with Kerri Miller on Aug. 6. Angela Davis will succeed Miller as host of the weekday 9 a.m. hour, effective Sept. 7, moving MPR News with Angela Davis from the 11 a.m. hour.
“I'm so grateful for those who have called in, listened or joined us in studio to discuss and learn about what matters in our state and beyond,” Miller said. “That curiosity has always inspired me and I'm excited to follow it into new endeavors within MPR and beyond. Angela is a long-time friend and I wish her the best as she takes the reins at 9 a.m. I'll be listening and supporting her in her new role in any way that I can.”
Having joined MPR News in late 2018, Davis has served a strong audience interest in conversations about big questions Minnesotans face today – ranging from education and mental health, to racial disparities and the economy.
“I’m eager to get started on this new opportunity for MPR News with Angela Davis,” said Davis. “Kerri has built a devoted audience at 9 a.m., and I’m looking forward to building on that and inviting more Minnesotans to join the conversation about our lives as Minnesotans, as many of us resume our morning routines and commutes.”
Longtime MPR News Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer will continue to start the day for MPR listeners in addition to creating and hosting a new daily news show during the noon hour. Scheduled to launch Sept. 7, Wurzer’s new midday magazine program will be focused on the day’s news through a Minnesota lens.
“What a gift to be given an hour to create a show that reflects all of Minnesota and goes beyond the day’s news to include segments on arts and culture, music, history and life in our state,” said Wurzer. “Listen at noon, and you’ll learn things about Minnesota you didn’t know before.”
MPR News Presents, currently airing daily during the noon hour on MPR News, will continue to air on an occasional basis, determined by schedule availability and program content.
“Cathy, Kerri and Angela and their production teams represent a wealth of skill and knowledge in connecting with and informing our listeners,” said Stephanie Curtis, MPR News’ Director of Programming. “These changes align our teams’ tremendous skills with our vision for serving our audiences, our communities and our state in new ways.”
Further details about the new MPR News programs will be shared when available on MPRNews.org.
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About MPR News
MPR News has long been recognized as one of the foremost journalistic organizations in the Upper Midwest, reaching news consumers across all platforms. Reaching more than 500,000 listeners each week, the MPR News radio signal can be heard by 95 percent of Minnesotans. MPR News has received numerous awards for its reporting, including George Foster Peabody Awards, the Alfred I. DuPont Award and the RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Award. Visit mprnews.org for the latest regional, national and international headlines.
Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio, PSA and PPM Persons 12+, Spring ’20.