Beginning June 1, Walter Hosts a Weekly National Politics Conversation from Washington, D.C.
Joins Tanzina Vega, Who Makes Her Debut Today as Host of the Program
CONTACT: Julia Yager, PRI, 612.330.9231, jyager@pri.org
(New York & Minneapolis – May 7, 2018) – Public Radio International (PRI) and WNYC today announced that political analyst Amy Walter will host the Friday edition of the nationally-syndicated public radio news program The Takeaway. She joins reporter and columnist Tanzina Vega, who makes her debut as host of the weekday program today.
Since its inception 10 years ago, The Takeaway has offered context and insight into the day’s news by featuring the voices of Americans who are being affected by events and policies. As the show enters its second decade, it will explore the intersection of policy and daily life more deeply, with Vega at the helm of the show Monday-Thursday and Walter hosting on Fridays.
Beginning Friday, June 1, Walter will lead a weekly hour-long conversation exploring the current state of politics with a focus on specific policy issues, their backstory, and their often overlooked consequences and impact. At a time of incredible distraction and distortion, Walter will go beyond the headlines to help listeners understand more fully how we got here, what it means, and why it matters to them.
Described by Washingtonian Magazine as “a force in political analysis,” Walter is a leading voice in national political journalism whose work has spanned four administrations. Currently, she is National Editor of The Cook Political Report, where she writes a weekly column. She also provides weekly political analysis for PBS NewsHour’s “Politics Monday,” and is a regular panelist on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier” and CBS's “Face the Nation.” Previously, Walter served as the political director of ABC News.
“With the news cycle moving so quickly, we need to create the space and time to examine the policy changes that are very tangibly changing the lives of people across the nation,” said Arwa Gunja, Executive Producer, The Takeaway. “Amy has an inimitable understanding of how the decisions made in D.C. connect to everyday Americans. We’re thrilled to welcome Amy and Tanzina – who starts today – as they lead The Takeaway into its second decade on the air, bring a much needed focus on the intersection of policy and daily life, and usher in a great new era of public radio.”
“Understanding policies made in our nation’s capital and their impact on citizens is vitally important,” said Melinda Ward, PRI’s Chief Content Officer. “Amy’s vast experience in political analysis, combined with her interest in the effects of policy on people, make her the perfect person to convene The Takeaway’s Friday conversations. We are delighted to welcome her to The Takeaway team.”
"We are living in a fascinating era of disruption. But, this disruption can feel terrifying when we don't understand why and how it happened and feel unprepared and blindsided by it,” said Walter. “I am excited to join The Takeaway to help explore, explain and demystify the torrent of information that bombards us each and every day."
For The Takeaway’s first week with new host Tanzina Vega, the program will explore the theme of “identity” through examinations of the ways religion, wealth, party affiliation and politics, and race form our sense of self, and what that means for our collective identity as a country. Walter will join Vega as a panelist on today’s show to discuss the ways in which policy changes are impacting Americans.
The Takeaway airs stations across the country (check local stations) and streams live at 9am ET on TheTakeaway.org and PRI.org
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