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Ruing the Loss of TOTN

The Shop Talk panelists discuss Talk of the Nation, the long-running NPR talk show that aired for the final time last week.

Many local stations, including Tri States Public Radio, wish the network had not decided to end the program.  But NPR chose to put a greater emphasis on producing news magazine programs.

The talk program Here and Now from WBUR in Boston was pushed as a replacement for Talk of the Nation, but it appears few stations have decided to run it.

Shop Talk panelist Mike Murray said he appreciated TOTN’s low-key approach to talk radio. He said host Neal Conan allowed people to speak without cutting them off or trying to outshout them.

Panelist Rich Egger feels TOTN will especially be missed during breaking news. He said the program excelled at providing coverage as events unfolded. 

Panelist Lisa Kernek was a big fan of TOTN and said she was surprised when NPR announced this spring it would cancel the program. She appreciated the skill Conan displayed as host, and said the program at its best provided some truly intimate moments in radio.

Tri States Public Radio is now airing The Story with Dick Gordon at 1:00 weekday afternoons, Tell Me More with host Michel Martin has been moved to 2:00, and PRI’s The World airs at 3:00.

Rich is TSPR's News Director.