Program & Host Information
What's happening with the schedule changes?
Six months ago, Ideastream Public Media and WKSU public radio announced their intent to create one of Northeast Ohio’s largest news organizations. We have been working since then to bring our organizations together, merge our programming schedules, expand reporting and make other changes to expand our service in Northeast Ohio. The results of all that work will become a reality on Monday, March 28, when we’ll rollout a new schedule on our news station WKSU. Many of you may find your favorite programming has moved or is now airing at a slightly different time. We know it will take time to adapt to these changes, and the result is going to give our region more opportunities to access the quality news and programming that only public radio provides.
How did you make these scheduling decisions?
As we looked at how to structure our new lineup, we’re bringing together the unique aspects of WKSU and WCPN in a way that provides our listeners with the best experience. Our team members worked with leaders from NPR to provide a focused, dedicated news service on WKSU. Our foremost responsibility is to provide trusted local, regional and national news to – and for – the 22 counties we serve. It made most sense to focus our flagship news station entirely on news and information.
What happens to the hosts?
When news hit that WCPN and WKSU were joining forces, many wondered what would happen to the hosts. We’re excited to share that they will all remain on-air! Amy Eddings will be the host of Morning Edition on WKSU, the show she’s hosted on WCPN for five years. Amanda Rabinowitz will move to hosting All Things Considered on weeknights, a move that interests her personally and professionally. Rick Jackson will continue to host Sound of Ideas. Jeff St. Clair, who previously hosted All Things Considered on WKSU will host midday newscasts as we expand that service.
How are you expanding news?
The entire weekday is now filled with news starting at 5 am.
- Morning Edition begins every weekday at 5 am with host Amy Eddings
- The Sound of Ideas immediately follows at 9 am with host Rick Jackson
- We’re adding local midday news breaks with host Jeff St. Clair from Noon – 4 pm
- The City Club will broadcast live at noon beginning April 1
- All Things Considered with host Amanda Rabinowitz begins at 4 pm
- We’re adding PBS NewsHour from 7-8 pm
- Rick Jackson returns at 9 pm with a repeat of the Sound of Ideas
- Check out the full schedule here.
Bringing the Ideastream and WKSU news teams together will allow us to become a truly regional newsroom, add regional context, cover more local stories and establish an Akron/Canton news hub.
What else is new?
Veteran WCPN listeners will be excited to try out two new weekend food shows: The Splendid Table at 10 p.m. Saturdays / 2 p.m. Sundays and Milk Street Radio at 11 p.m. Saturdays / 3 p.m. Sundays.
Science Friday will now be on Friday nights at 8 p.m., which is a new program to the WKSU lineup and a new time for WCPN listeners. We’ve also added more opportunities throughout the weekend to hear some of your favorite public radio shows like Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! and It’s Been a Minute. And for night owls looking for a news fix, WKSU will now have BBC World Service on overnights. Take a look at the full schedule to find details on these and other programming changes.
What happened to the programs I don’t see on the radio schedule?
We will continue to offer a variety of programs on our digital channels. WKSU’s digital channels will continue to offer Folk Alley on HD2, All Classical on HD3, and News and More on HD4. The Hungarian and Polish programming that previously aired Sunday evenings on WCPN will now air on WKSU HD4 Sundays at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Fans of The Takeaway, On Being, Sound Opinions, and the 2-hour Folk Alley Sunday shows can also find those programs and more on the HD4 channel. These channels are available on the new Ideastream Public Media app, at ideastream.org and on HD-equipped radios. Complete HD schedules are available here.
What happens with classical?
A lot! Classical programming has been a beloved part of the traditions of WKSU and Ideastream Public Media. Moving our WCLV Classical service to 90.3 FM makes this timeless music accessible to a million more people in Northeast Ohio and celebrates local treasures including The Cleveland Orchestra, Apollo’s Fire, Lés Delices and more. Reflecting the intent to serve our new expanded coverage area, programming will also spotlight musicians in Akron and Kent. For full details on how to access WCLV, please visit ideastream.org/access. Listeners can also tune into 89.7 HD3 for an All Classical stream that delivers 24/7 classical music.
What happens with jazz?
Overnights on WCLV will now be home to Ideastream Public Media’s signature jazz programs. Weekdays from midnight to 6 a.m. on WCLV will be hosted by radio veteran and jazz aficionado Dan Polletta. Longtime WCLV jazz-and-classical host John Simna will continue to present his always-engaging insights and eclectic jazz mix on the weekends, along with offerings from Jazz Network.
We know we’re making a lot of changes in a short time, and we are asking our listeners for their patience as we complete this transition. These changes are done with the intent of preserving, growing and strengthening local media service and a time when many of our local media are facing unprecedented challenges. These changes allow us to offer:
- More access to public radio for more listeners
- More local and statewide news coverage
- A bigger regional newsroom and more reporting
- Expanded classical music programming
A full schedule of our programs can be found here.