After nearly three years with 1A, host Joshua Johnson will be stepping down Dec. 20 to join MSNBC as an anchor.
With a name inspired by the First Amendment, 1A replaced the long-running Diane Rehm Show in January 2017. Ever since, the show has explored important issues - policy, politics, technology, pop culture, sports, and even humor - with a goal to “act as a national mirror, taking time to help America look at itself and to ask what it wants to be.”
“In 2017, we proved that 1A could create a national conversation,” said Johnson during today’s broadcast. “1A proves that public media is well equipped to meet the nation’s need for news and information, including adapting to our changing times. We built something amazing, with a uniquely diverse and creative team, providing a space where anyone, anywhere can speak freely. I’m proud to have helped build that, and I look forward to seeing what 1A will become.”
According to a release issued by WAMU earlier today, this move to television has been a long-held ambition for Johnson.
“Joshua told us he has dreamed of hosting a national show since he was a young child,” said JJ Yore, general manager of WAMU. “We are pleased that Joshua was able to achieve that dream at WAMU and NPR. The vision for 1A, the staff, and the growing audience all came together to create the success we see today, and that magical mix creates a strong foundation for a new host to take 1A to even greater heights.”
Work is already underway to determine the best candidate from a strong and robust pool of talent. Until then, Todd Zwillich will serve as host starting on Jan. 2.
As noted by WAMU, 1A is made by one of the most talented teams in the country, and it is their research, experience, and skill that curate the show's signature style. This team will maintain the work flow and quality of the show as the search continues for a new host.
Station carriage of 1A has grown more than 115% since its launch, with a current audience of more than 4 million listeners nationwide. Looking ahead, the program has big plans for 2020. They will be on the road again, returning to selected communities and states showcased in the “1A Across America” reporting project. It will build on the relationships it has made this year – and will guarantee those rarely heard from in national campaigns have a platform.