Jay Cowit is Director of The Takeaway, the public radio show and podcast hosted by Melissa Harris-Perry
Jay has been with The Takeaway since its on-air inception in 2008, and has been the Show Director, Technical Director, and sound designer since 2009. Prior to WNYC, he worked at Air America Radio, also as a director, and WNYU, in various on-air and management roles. In 2016, he additionally took on the role of technical director for Freakonomics Radio, working both that show and The Takeaway for more than a year, before returning to The Takeaway in full capacity in 2017.
He is responsible for the show's aural style, including, but not limited to, selecting the music used on the show, mixing interviews, producing the daily podcast version of the show, and creating sonic design used to convey news concepts. Additionally, has directed live broadcast and worked with talent.
He is still thrilled to be working with an absolutely amazing staff, who work harder (and faster and better) than anyone he's ever seen.
Jay currently lives in Prospect Lefferts-Gardens with his amazing and wonderful wife Cate Contino Cowit, along with three cats. He produces music under the name J. Cowit, including music for The Takeaway and other podcasts.
Please reach out with any questions on music or otherwise at jcowit@wnyc.org.
Jay Cowit appears in the following:
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
David Gebel is an executive assistant for WNYC Studios who's been working with the business side of The Takeaway for years.
Saturday, April 22, 2023
The Takeaway is observing a very intersectional Earth Day Weekend.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
As we head into weekend two of Coachella, we check in with Pitchfork staff writer Allison Hussey about the highs, lows, and the lesser-known artists of the three-day music festival.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Larissa Fasthorse, playwright behind The Thanksgiving Play and member of the Sicangu Lakota Nation, joins The Takeaway to talk about her Broadway debut.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
September 27, 2021, A New York jury found R&B singer R. Kelly guilty on all 9 counts against him which included racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
Thursday, February 24, 2022
On Thursday morning, Russia attacked Ukraine resulting in dozens of deaths.
Thursday, November 04, 2021
For this week’s Deep Dive, Melissa and co-host Dorian Warren use the new film "Passing" as a jumping off point to explore the thorny questions raised by the concept of passing.
Tuesday, September 07, 2021
During the past month, we have been asking you to share slices of your life with us. Here's what you shared.
Thursday, September 02, 2021
Late Wednesday night, New York City saw record levels of rainfall which led to flooding in the streets and subways, a travel ban, and multiple deaths.
Thursday, August 26, 2021
All seven of the news plays premiering this season on Broadway were written by Black playwrights, a testament to the activism displayed by Black theater artists during the pandemic.
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Major League Baseball and the Players Union have donated $10 million to the Players Alliance to boost Black numbers in baseball.
Monday, July 27, 2020
The recent primary elections in Wisconsin showed there are still many issues with absentee voting that need to be addressed before November.
Monday, July 13, 2020
In 2016, director Loira Limbal started making a film about Dee's Tots, a 24-hour child care center, to highlight the essential caregiving that frequently goes undervalued in the U.S.
Tuesday, July 07, 2020
Best-selling author Jasmine Guillory joined The Takeaway to discuss the sudden interest in antiracism texts, the power of fiction, celebrating about Black lives, and more.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
What small things are you doing to create joy in this moment?
Monday, June 08, 2020
We asked listeners what they’re angry about right now. Here’s what they said.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Earlier this week, a viral video showed Christian Cooper, a black man, being threatened by a white woman, Amy Cooper, while he was birdwatching in Central Park.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
On Friday, the Takeaway and WNYC family lost a friend and beloved co-worker, Richard Hake. He died in his home at age 51.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Parents are feeling a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety from having to manage working from home while also homeschooling and entertaining their children.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
We spoke with the mayor of San Francisco, London Breed, about the tough choices ahead.