New Radio Programming 2021
During the fall of 2020, we rolled out a number of changes to our radio schedule, and more changes are happening in early 2021. On NEPM 88.5, building on our core commitment to arts and cultural programming, we’re adding more music shows — jazz and world music components and even a show that specializes in Latino classical music! You’ll find audio documentaries that celebrate heritage months and themed offerings on “The Long Form,” and see that we’re adding new programming to serve the local Latino community. On the NEPM News Network, you can enjoy the fine art of storytelling on Saturdays, and on Sundays you can satisfy your intellectual curiosity. Here are some new programs to look out for in January:
Jazz Night in America
Fridays at 8 p.m. on NEPM 88.5
A national jazz series presented by some of the leading producers of jazz content in the U.S., Jazz Night In America is a weekly syndicated jazz program that reflects our times. It showcases the artists who are on the scene today, at the height of their creative powers, and offers listeners a way to discover and connect with the world of jazz using the technology that's available to them. Christian McBride, the extraordinary bassist and bandleader, is the host of the show.
Afropop
Saturdays at 11 p.m. on NEPM 88.5
Afropop Worldwide is a Peabody award-winning radio program and online magazine dedicated to music from Africa and the African diaspora. Hosted by one of Africa’s best-loved broadcast personalities, Georges Collinet, and produced by Sean Barlow, its vision is to increase the profile of African and African diaspora music worldwide, and to see that benefits from this increased profile go back to artists, music industry professionals, and the countries that produce the music.
Planet Money
Sundays at 1 p.m. on the New England News Network
Imagine you could call up a friend and say, "Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy." Now imagine that's actually a fun evening. Planet Money launched in 2008 during the financial crisis and, since then, it has won many awards including a Peabody and an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2017 for its investigation into Wells Fargo's retaliation against whistle-blowers.
Innovation Hub
Sundays at 2 p.m. on the New England News Network
Innovation Hub features today's most creative thinkers - from authors to researchers to business leaders. It explores new avenues in education, science, medicine, transportation, and more. Guests have included Michael Pollan, Sal Khan, Marissa Mayer, Clayton Christensen, Jared Diamond, Paul Farmer, Sherry Turkle, and Brian Greene.
NEW PROGRAMS ADDED FALL 2020
1A
Weeknights at 9 p.m. on the New England News Network
With a name inspired by the First Amendment, 1A explores important issues such as policy, politics, technology, and what connects us across the fissures that divide the country. The program also delves into pop culture, sports, and humor. 1A's goal is to act as a national mirror -- taking time to help America look at itself and to ask what it wants to be.
Fresh Air Weekend
Saturdays at 7 a.m. on NEPM 88.5
Fresh Air Weekend is everything you love about Fresh Air — tailored for Saturday and Sunday. It highlights the best interviews and reviews from past weeks, and new program elements specially paced for weekends.
American Routes
Saturdays at 6 p.m. on NEPM 88.5
American Routes is blues and jazz, gospel and soul, rockabilly and country, Cajun and swamp pop, Tejano, Latin… and beyond. Songs and stories from musicians describe a deep and diverse nation with sounds and styles shared by all Americans. From the bayous to the beltways, from crossroads to crosstown, on interstates and city streets, turn up your radio for the sonic journey!
It’s Been a Minute
Sundays at 4 p.m. on NEPM 88.5
Each week, Sam Sanders interviews people in the culture who deserve your attention. Plus weekly wraps of the news with other journalists. Join Sam as he makes sense of the world through conversation.
The Long Form
Sundays at 6 p.m. on NEPM 88.5
This is the place on the NEPM schedule for stand-alone hidden gems — ‘long form’ audio documentaries from independent voices on a wide range of topics. Sometimes we will offer a collection of programs to celebrate nationally recognized Heritage Months. Other times we’ll devote a number of weeks to explore a specific theme — education, the environment, etc. From week to week, you may not know what to expect, but we expect you’ll like it!
Fiesta
Sundays at 10 p.m. on NEPM 88.5
Fiesta is an original production devoted to Latino concert music, and brings artistically significant compositions from Latin America, Spain and Portugal to your listeners. The acclaimed composer, musician, performer, and professor Elbio Barilari is the host and creative force behind this series. He invites listeners to enjoy and learn about the lively and compelling sounds of Latin American classical music — “the hottest Latin-American music from the 16th to the 21st centuries.”