Programming Changes, Additions

For CT Public Radio

Connecticut Public Radio has announced a few new program changes and additions to its schedule, just in time to ring in the New Year.

On Saturday, January 1, the popular program “This American Life” will begin airing at 8 pm, rather than at noon as it had been previously scheduled.

Built around the personal vision of host Ira Glass, “This American Life” offers a new kind of radio storytelling. Each week, it explores a theme  — fiascoes, sentencings, conventions, the job that takes over your life, etc — using a mix of radio monologues, mini-documentaries, “found tape,” and unusual music. Currently, the program commissions work from more original fiction writers than any other show on public radio.

The stories on “This American Life” range from humorous and engaging to disturbing and bittersweet. Mr Glass finds writers and performers whose work has not been heard on radio, and produces their stories alongside his own commentary in a way critics praise as “riveting” and “mesmerizing.” The series won a Peabody Award the first year it aired.

In addition, beginning Sunday, January 2 at 8 am, Connecticut Public Radio will begin carrying National Public Radio’s acclaimed newsmagazine “Weekend Edition Sunday.” The program offers an informative blend of news and analysis topped with colorful arts and human interest features that appeal to even the most eclectic tastes.

The program also includes news reports from NPR news bureaus in Washington, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, London and Moscow, and from NPR stations and freelance reporters nationwide.

An array of guest authors, commentators, musicians, poets and doctors join Ms Hansen in her morning discussions. Each Sunday, NPR senior news analyst Daniel Schorr offers his unique perspective on world events; Will Shortz offers listeners aural games and puzzles; and a variety of essayists provide insights into life in today’s world.

Connecticut Public Radio can be heard at 88.5 FM (WEDW, Stamford/Greenwich), 89.1 FM  (WNPR, Norwich/New London), 90.5 FM (WPKT, Hartford/New Haven), and 99.5 FM (W258AC, Storrs/Mansfield).