Jim Fleming Retires as Host of To The Best Of Our Knowledge, Long-time Interviewer Anne Strainchamps Named Successor
Beginning in February, "To the Best of Our Knowledge" will launch an updated version of its Peabody Award-winning program - the most significant makeover of the program in its 23-year history. Jim Fleming will retire and long-time interviewer and producer Anne Strainchamps will become the new host. "To the Best of Our Knowledge" will continue to feature in-depth conversations with its ensemble of seasoned interviewers, but the program will also make some significant changes in its format.
"Listeners can expect the same salon-style approach to exploring new ideas and cultural trends, but they'll also experience a less formal, more conversational sound, with more timely content, a mix of short and long segments, more online content and even new theme music," says Executive Producer Steve Paulson.
Strainchamps has more than 30 years of experience in public radio as a journalist, editor, host and producer and is looking forward to hosting "To the Best of Our Knowledge." "I've believed in the power and intimacy of the interview format since producing Diane Rehm's daily talk show at WAMU in the early 1980s," said Strainchamps. "This is an exciting opportunity, but bittersweet because we've all learned so much from working with Jim," she said.
"I have loved working on this show, being surrounded by all the talented people who make each hour such a joy to listen to. I look forward to being among the bright and interested people who listen to our program and to hearing Anne warmly welcome us all to the radio each week," Fleming said. The show, which is distributed by Public Radio International and is heard on 175 stations around the country, was created in 1990 by Fleming, Paulson and Strainchamps.
"Jim has always been a trusted guide to the listener and a valuable leader of the production team for the show. Anne is excited about the challenge of hosting and we all look forward to building on Jim's success with the program," added Michael Arnold, WPR's Director of Content.
Tune in for To The Best of Our Knowledge on Sundays at 10am on 88.9 WFSU-FM or Sundays at 9am on 89.1 WFSW-FM.
For more on Jim's legacy, Anne's insights and a look behind the scenes with the entire team follow "To the Best of Our Knowledge" on Facebook, Twitter and TTBOOK.org.