In early February we conducted a survey about KRCU programming. We invited participants through on-air announcements, social media, and directly asked KRCU Circle members by letter. We’re thrilled with the response that we received; it was the most we've ever had to a survey. In it we specifically asked respondents about weekend listening and did receive a lot of useful feedback that in a significant way guides the following changes which will begin on Saturday, March 29th.
The Elliot Potter Show
A lot of respondents really like this program, and said wonderfully kind things about it. However, those people are a clear minority, and we therefore think that we can serve our audience better by providing other types of programming, and will cease production of The Elliot Potter Show. We hope that fans of independent music will continue to enjoy discovering new music on KRCU through features and interviews on NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered, as well as on some new shows we’ll be offering with these program changes.
We also learned just how much our audience likes good storytelling, having their curiosity satisfied, and being informed. Which isn’t a surprise, these are some of the things that Public Radio does best. Programs like This American Life and Radiolab were regarded very favorably among respondents, and it’s in that spirit that we’d like to introduce the first of four new programs being added to our lineup.
Saturday 1PM - Snap Judgment
This is the hot show in Public Radio right now. It’s a storytelling program not unlike This American Life but as Host Glen Washington says, has a beat. Washington is a master storyteller himself, a vivid writer, and will be an invigorating new voice to KRCU’s lineup. Posted below is a sample of the show, a story that got our office laughing and discussing.
Saturday 2PM – Radiolab
Of course this program is already familiar to many listeners, and we’re hoping that with this new time slot even more may discover the mind-bending moments that hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich bring every week. KRCU will continue to rebroadcast each episode Wednesday nights at 7:00. If you're not already familiar, check out the link below to a story about Golden Balls, a game show that forces contestants into participating in the classic Prisoner's Dilemma. One particularly shrewd contestant found an interesting way to "solve" the problem.
Saturday 3PM – The Ted Radio Hour
TED stands for “Technology, Entertainment, Design,” but even that broad description doesn’t quite encompass the variety of topics that brilliant thinkers explore at the renowned TED conferences. Host Guy Raz interviews TED speakers to explore concepts in society, medicine, economics and more. KRCU will continue to rebroadcast each episode Tuesday nights at 7:00.
Sunday 1PM – Fresh Air Weekend
After adding The Diane Rehm Show to KRCU’s programming the most requested program from listeners has to be Fresh Air. Indeed, a lot of respondents to our most recent survey expressed their desire for this program. So we’re introducing it with Fresh Air Weekend. Host Terry Gross has a reputation as one of NPR’s finest interviewers, and Fresh Air Weekend delivers highlights from recent episodes of Fresh Air with a focus on arts and entertainment. The following is an interview Gross did with actor Joaquin Phoenix. The seemingly interview-adverse Phoenix quickly relaxes with Gross, and entertains as he reveals his process in films such as Her and The Master.
Sunday 2pm – America’s Test Kitchen
From the Public Radio Exchange we bring you this radio magazine for foodies. Host Christopher Kimball and culinary expert Bridget Lancaster take listener phone calls, kitchen gadgets are reviewed, and a variety of people, from scientists, to film-makers, to wine critics are interviewed about the latest trends in the culinary experience.
Sunday 3pm – Wits
One of Public Radio’s funniest shows gets a new time on KRCU. Host John Moe writes skits for his guests that are as challenging as they are humorous and will reward listeners who are steeped in the vocabulary of pop culture. Past comedic guests include Patton Oswolt, Andy Richter, and Kristen Schaal. Past musical guests include such well regarded artists as Neko Case, Sara Watkins, and Open Mike Eagle.
Sunday 10am – Intelligence Squared
This slot will be reserved for various documentaries and specials, of which there are many. We're kicking it off with the Oxford-style debate series from NPR, in which important issues are rigorously discussed. Topics include NSA spying, gun-control, and whether or not “red” states, or “blue” states are better to live in.
We think these changes offer a lot of exciting new sounds to KRCU, and hope that our core listeners as well as new listeners will be finding more reasons to tune in stick with us all weekend long. Your input is always welcome; if you have any questions or comments about these program changes, or anything regarding programming at KRCU please email us at comments@krcu.org.
For those interested in the results of our survey, information about that can be found here.
