MPR News Adds the BBC's "Newshour" to Its Weekday Lineup 2-3 p.m. Starting June 4

Jun 1, 2012

Flagship BBC World Service news program broadens MPR News' international coverage

(St. Paul, Minn.)--June 1, 2012--MPR News announced today it will add the BBC's "Newshour" to its weekday afternoon lineup 2-3 p.m. starting June 4. "Newshour" presents news and analysis of the day's top stories from around the globe, helping listeners to make sense of a rapidly changing world.

"Our listeners are more and more connected with the international community and need to know what's happening in the world right now," said Tim Roesler, general manager and senior vice president for Minnesota Public Radio. "The BBC is unparalleled in its ability to bring us excellent reporting and perspective from across planet--from Syria to Mt. Everest to the Olympics later this summer in London. MPR's newsroom brings the most essential regional news coverage. 'Newshour' alongside MPR News will provide a powerful local and world news service to our listeners."

"Newshour" is the BBC's flagship news program, specializing in bringing listeners the facts as well as the in-depth analysis and commentary behind the headlines. It presents 60 minutes of essential listening for people who want a fresh and clear perspective of stories from across the globe. Its newscasts, interviews, and analysis are presented by the BBC's most experienced correspondents -- Owen Bennett-Jones, Lyse Doucet, Robin Lustig, Razia Iqbal, James Coomarasamy and Julian Marshall.

"Minnesota is changing," Roesler said. "Virtually all of Minnesota's Fortune 500 companies are multi-national companies. Scores of different languages from around the world are spoken in the hallways of Minnesota's schools. Today, the Internet and mobile phones are connecting people in Shanghai to friends in St. Paul, and suppliers in Mumbai to businesses in Minneapolis. And we now understand that global stories have local impact. Minnesotans are wrestling with many of the same challenges that can be found in remote regions across all seven continents."

"Newshour" will replace the second hour of "Talk of the Nation" in the new timeslot.

"Newshour" is produced by BBC World Service.

TUNE IN: "Newshour" will begin airing 2-3 p.m. weekdays starting June 4, preceding "All Things Considered" on all MPR News stations, heard on KNOW 91.1 FM in the Twin Cities. A complete list of MPR News stations can be accessed online: go to MPRNews.org and click on "stations."