Political Analyst Amy Walter to Join WNYC’s and PRI’s "The Takeaway"
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
(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
About New York Public Radio
With an urban vibrancy and a global perspective, New York Public Radio produces innovative public radio programs, podcasts, and live events that touch a passionate community of over 26 million people monthly on air, online and in person. From its state-of-the-art studios in New York City, NYPR is reshaping radio for a new generation of listeners with groundbreaking, award-winning programs including Radiolab, Freakonomics Radio, On the Media, and Carnegie Hall Live, among many others. New York Public Radio includes WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, and New Jersey Public Radio. Further information about programs, podcasts, and stations may be found at www.nypublicradio.org.
About PRI
PRI is building a more informed, empathetic, and connected world by creating multi-platform content that empowers people to enrich their lives and the world. PRI’s award-winning content reaches more than 20 million people each month, through over 900 public radio stations in the U.S. and PRI.org, and millions more through podcasts and online. An affiliated company of WGBH, PRI produces PRI’s The World®, The Takeaway (a co-production with WNYC), and Studio 360®. It produces in-depth reporting on topics including gender equity (Across Women’s Lives), international security (Seeking Security), and American identity and immigrant life (GlobalNation). It represents producers of great audio, including Live Wire and CBC programs in the United States. More information about programs, podcasts and funders may be found at www.pri.org.
