Regular listeners to Morning Edition may notice some changes starting Monday, November 17. 

NPR is implementing updates to the programming clock they use to plot out each hour and determine what you hear and when.  This program clock, or roadmap, allows NPR to sync the segments of the hour they produce with the segments of the hour WNYC produces.  That structure has been the long-standing model that guides how NPR and local public radio stations both contribute material to provide you with the full breadth of international, national and local news each day. 

Much has changed since the program clocks for Morning Edition and All Things Considered were created many years ago.  The evolution of technology has created new ways for you to customize and personalize how and when you get your news.  Many of us now consume news on our smartphones and tablets, often times within minutes of news breaking.   NPR felt, and member stations agreed, that it was time to take a fresh look at the structure of the hourly clocks and update them to keep in step with the changing lifestyles and demands of listeners.

So what does all this mean to you?  It will mean that instead of hearing news updates at the top and bottom of the hour during Morning Edition, you’ll now hear them more frequently throughout the hour. You may also notice the lengths of some segments will be shorter or longer.  If you’re one of those people who tell time by which Morning Edition segment you're hearing (i.e. the daily Gig Alert is on, better get in the shower, Soterios just wrapped up the bottom of the hour newscast, time to go to work), you may want to watch the clock a little more closely this week as we all adjust to the new format.  Of course, we’ll do our best to make sure you’re still getting everything you need from WNYC every day, including frequent time checks.

There will also be some minor adjustments to the All Things Considered program clock, but the changes to Morning Edition will probably be more evident, particularly given the regularity of morning routines.

We hope and expect these updates will provide an even more relevant service that better fits the needs and demands of your lifestyle.  We would love to hear your feedback about these changes. Feel free to leave your comments below.

– Jacqueline Cincotta, WNYC Program Director