89.3 WFPL News has hired James Bickers as the local host and producer of the NPR flagship news program, Morning Edition. Jonathan Bastian has been hired as WFPL’s new midday host and producer of The Diane Rehm Show, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, Here and Now and Kentucky’s statewide newscast.
Bickers has been a familiar voice on WFPL and sister station 91.9 WFPK Radio Louisville for nearly 20 years. He has hosted a variety of programs, including an eight-year stint as the morning drive host on WFPK. In his new role, he will be the local voice for “the most listened-to news radio program in the country” (NPR.org). Morning Edition airs on WFPL weekdays from 5-9 a.m., offering national and international news and analysis, as well as coverage of business, arts and sports. During the broadcast, WFPL News provides award-winning local and state reporting to the community.
On his new appointment, Bickers commented: “I'm thrilled to be back on the morning airwaves at LPM. It's a real honor to be a part of the listener's morning routine. The staff of WFPL is doing amazing work, and I'm proud to be part of this team.”
Jonathan Bastian returns to WFPL as host overseeing midday programming, including the statewide daily newscast service for the Kentucky Public Radio Network (KPRN) which serves a combined audience of almost 350,000 Kentuckians. Bastian previously served as Morning Edition host on WFPL and hosted “Up Front With Jonathan Bastian,” an interview program on KET, Kentucky’s PBS affiliate. Before coming to Louisville, Bastian worked for Aspen Public Radio, where he hosted All Things Considered.
"This is an exciting time for WFPL. We're reaching listeners not just in Louisville, but all across the state now with the Kentucky Public Radio collaboration. I'm thrilled to be back," said Bastian.