Inside Iowa State

Feb. 29, 2008

New program replaces WOI's Talk of Iowa, Midday

by Erin Rosacker

Some central Iowa listeners may have been surprised this week when tuning in to WOI radio's Talk of Iowa or Midday. On Feb. 25, Iowa Public Radio launched Talk@12, an hour-long show hosted by Katherine Perkins. National Public Radio's Fresh Air moved to 11 a.m. (its former 3 p.m. slot is filled with the BBC's Newshour).

"The show is an evolution of Talk of Iowa and Midday," Perkins said. "The idea was to try to keep the best parts of both shows intact, while using our limited resources in the best way possible."

Several regular guests on the former WOI shows still appear on the new statewide broadcast, including weekly segments with ISU political scientist Steffen Schmidt ("Dr. Politics") on Wednesdays and ISU horticulture experts on Fridays. Midday co-host Doug Cooper (Extension market news) and Extension climatologist Elwynn Taylor also will be regular contributors, with almost daily appearances.

Perkins also plans to include occasional segments featuring area specialists Jeff Balvanz (computers), Bill McAnally (home improvement) and Jim Pease (wildlife), as well as movie reviews by Tom Beell and Loring Silet.

Perkins said the new show complements IPR's The Exchange, which airs at 10 a.m. Both shows are produced by Greg Shanely and coordinated to eliminate duplication, yet collaborate to fully cover the issues.

"A statewide broadcast allows us to define local programming in a different way. Local is Iowa. We're hoping to link listeners throughout the state by addressing issues of concern to the entire state," Perkins said. "Each of the IPR stations had its own philosophy and approach -- or 'voice' -- when it came to local programming. With the addition of Talk@12 to the statewide lineup, we're further refining Iowa Public Radio's voice."

Talk@12 originates in Iowa City's WSUI AM/KSUI FM studios and is broadcast statewide on IPR's news network.

Iowa Public Radio debuted Talk@12 Feb. 25, an hour-long show that replaces WOI radio's Midday and Talk of Iowa.

"The show is an evolution of Talk of Iowa and Midday. The idea was to try to keep the best parts of both shows intact, while using our limited resources in the best way possible."

Katherine Perkins