Shumita Basu

Reporter & Host, WNYC News

Shumita Basu is a reporter, host and producer in the newsroom. You can follow her on Twitter @shubasu.

You'll hear her on Morning Edition, where she responds to the news of the day with a New York/New Jersey angle. Whether she's catching you up on a local story, debunking a partly-true post that's in your news feed, or asking you to call in with your thoughts, her goal is to get you thinking about the role news plays in your day.

Previously Shumita was the social media and digital producer at The Brian Lehrer Show, which involved interacting with the show's highly-engaged, thoughtful audience across all digital platforms on a daily basis. It was, in few words, the best.

Read Shumita's latest reporting on Gothamist.

Shows:

Shumita Basu appears in the following:

What the Viral Video in Central Park Says About White Privilege

Thursday, May 28, 2020

The viral video raises questions about who can or cannot weaponize the police in the U.S.  

Comedian Tawny Newsome Enlists in Netflix's 'Space Force'

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Comedian Tawny Newsome joins The Takeaway to discuss her role on the Netflix's 'Space Force,' and what the pandemic means for her comedy going forward.

Birdwatching While Black

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.

"Quarantine Fatigue" and Navigating the Risks of Expanding Our Bubbles

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Lockdown measures are becoming harder to follow as the weather warms up and people are increasingly feeling the mental and emotional strain of isolation.

The Present and Future of Air Travel

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The Takeaway talks to air travel experts about how the airline industry is changing due to the pandemic.

Thousands of Cruise Crew Members Stuck at Sea Because of COVID-19 Pandemic

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Some workers aren’t being paid, and in many cases, they don’t yet know when they can go home. 

What to Read for a Great Escape This Summer

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

With travel plans foiled for the summer because of COVID-19, many of us will be turning to novels for an escape. Vox's Constance Grady joins The Takeaway with her recommendations. 

His Name is George Floyd

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

A deadly Minneapolis encounter between a police officer and an unarmed black person sparks calls for justice.

Coastal Communities Weigh Health Risks as Public Beaches Open

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

As beaches and other outdoor spaces around the country open to the public, it's worth asking: is there a way to enjoy these spaces responsibly during a pandemic?

COVID-19 Gives New Urgency to Doctors Running for Office

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

COVID-19 has given us all a newfound appreciation for health care workers. But could that kind of enthusiasm translate into votes?

What COVID-19 Looks Like in Indonesia

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

We head over to Indonesia, where the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has been steadily growing, while cases in other parts of Southeast Asia have been decreasing.  

The Military's Role During COVID-19

Monday, May 25, 2020

Can the Department of Defense effectively battle a virus while maintaining U.S. combat capabilities? 

The Art of the Obituary in the Age of COVID-19

Monday, May 25, 2020

In the absence of traditional mourning rituals like funerals, the obituary pages are becoming a communal space for us to grieve together in this moment. 

How Quarantine Could Be Affecting Your Sleep

Monday, May 18, 2020

Changes in your circadian rhythm, anxiety, sense of isolation, and lack of a normal routine could all be leading to your irregular sleep.

Trump Administration Puts a Strain on Health Care Systems Abroad by Continuing Deportations

Monday, May 18, 2020

Even as immigration into the U.S. has virtually ground to a halt, the Trump administration has continued deporting large numbers of ICE detainees.

Is Sweden's Coronavirus Strategy Working?

Monday, May 18, 2020

Sweden has taken a different approach than most countries to the coronavirus outbreak and has avoided large shutdowns. How is that strategy working?

First-Generation Graduates Take the Virtual Stage

Thursday, May 14, 2020

During a global pandemic, with stay-at-home orders in place, graduation this year is looking quite different.

Major League Baseball Owners Push to Play Ball in Early July

Thursday, May 14, 2020

This week, reports emerged that Major League Baseball is hoping to start its season in early July, meaning players and ballpark staff may have to weigh significant health concerns. 

Pregnant People Are Turning to Midwives During Pandemic

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Midwives are seeing a surge in demand across the country, but in some states, there are restrictions in place preventing people from accessing their services.  

Is the U.S. Experiencing a Megadrought?

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Some scientists warn that for the first time in centuries, the southwestern U.S. is in the midst of a megadrought.