In September, KEXP announced a suite of new programs to begin broadcasting in 2019, including a new public affairs program focused on music and culture. To lead production for KEXP’s new public affairs programming, KEXP has announced the hire of public radio reporter, host, and producer Emily Fox. Most recently host of NPR’s Morning Edition at her hometown station WKAR-East Lansing, Pacific Northwest listeners will recognize Emily’s voice from her prior work hosting Morning Edition on KUOW Seattle.
“I love telling stories of identity, race, sense of place, current events and history through music,” said Fox. “I’ve also been following KEXP since my Midwest college radio days. This is a dream job I feel like I’ve been working toward my entire career.”
A new two-hour public affairs program will air at 90.3-FM Seattle on Saturdays 7 AM - 9 AM, beginning in early 2019. Portions of the show will also be launched as stand-alone podcast offerings. The program uses interviews, artistry, commentary, insight, and conversation to illustrate why music and art matter. Contributors will include local, national, and international artists and musicians, community members and advocates, KEXP DJs and staff, and many others. This program will provide a platform for diverse creative and artistic communities not currently represented on the dial, with space to share and discuss topics and insight important to their communities.
“Our new programming will be focused on understanding music in a deeper level through narrative and storytelling,” said Fox. “We’ll highlight stories about local and regional musicians and artists, with an emphasis on finding those stories that connect with audiences around the world. We’ll focus on the ways that music describes and deconstructs the complexities of the human condition, and share what has inspired artists to make their art. Homelessness, gentrification and displacement, race and identity, law and politics - we’ll cover it all through a lens of music and culture.”
“We couldn't be more excited to focus on stories in our community that aren't currently being shared,” said Director of Programming, On-Air and Morning Show Host John Richards. “This is a chance for KEXP to go even further to support artists, musicians, and creators in sharing their perspectives, experiences, inspirations, and unique approaches to engaging with the world through art and music. This is the next chapter in KEXP programming and it’s an exciting one.”
More on KEXP’s new public affairs programming will be shared in the coming weeks.
KEXP will launch three new programs in early 2019; learn more about our new youth-centered program, public affairs program, and specialty show, Pacific Notions.
