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Former Michigan Radio Host Jenn White Named National Host of WAMU, NPR’s 1A

Jenn White

WAMU-FM (Washington, DC) announced on Thursday (5/7) that Jenn White has been selected as the new host of the nationally syndicated NPR show 1A. No stranger to public media, White comes to 1A from WBEZ Chicago, where she hosts the station’s midday talk program Reset with Jenn White. She also hosted WBEZ’s critically acclaimed podcasts Making Oprah and Making Obama. Her first day on 1A is July 6.

Jenn White will be a familiar name to many Michigan Radio listeners. From 2010 – 2016, she was the local host of All Things Considered on the station (WUOM-FM/WFUM-FM/WVGR-FM). During that time, she also moderated several political forums, including gubernatorial and mayoral debates for both public radio and television. She also served as Executive Producer and host of the television program, “Out of the Blue: The Michigan Difference,” on the Big Ten Network. A native of Detroit and graduate of the University of Michigan, she has worked in public media since 1999.

“I am excited to build on my love of the news by joining 1A as host, to moderate conversations around the most important issues of our time,” said Jenn White. “1A is a show by, and for our listeners, and I can’t wait to talk to them about the most salient topics facing our country, to find solutions and hold those in power accountable.” With a name that nods to the First Amendment, 1A is a daily, live show that encourages listeners to “speak freely” and stay connected – in an increasingly disconnected world. 1A provides a platform for Americans of all stripes to come to the table, talk, and – most importantly – be listened to, not just heard. Since launching in 2017, 1A has become a trusted source for public dialogue by more than 4 million listeners across over 375 NPR member stations nationally.

As the show’s new national host, White will moderate the daily dialogue and champion Americans’ right to speak freely. She joins 1A as the show continues to attract new listeners, especially as the country grapples with issues including COVID-19, the upcoming presidential election, a teetering economy and the rise in unemployment. Just since January, the show has added seven new stations, growing listeners across both terrestrial radio and on-demand audio. White takes over from Joshua Johnson, who stepped down in December of 2019 to join MSNBC as a television anchor.

“We are extremely proud of 1A’s success,” said WAMU general manager JJ Yore. “The show’s continuing growth demonstrates how much listeners rely on and trust 1A’s deep and unflinching exploration of all facets of American life. With Jenn leading the national conversation as host, I believe listeners across the country will become even more reliant on 1A and take the show to an even higher level of relevance.”

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