News from “The Takeaway” - Melissa Harris-Perry Named Host and Managing Editor

by Guest User

Dear colleagues, 

I’m writing today with an exciting update regarding "The Takeaway," the daily news show from WNYC in New York and PRX: Melissa Harris-Perry will serve as the program’s permanent host and managing editor, effective immediately.  

This follows an update from us in July that Melissa would be serving as interim host through the end of this year. We’re ecstatic that she will now continue to be a presence in the lives of listeners into the future.

Public radio audiences have become connected and familiar with Melissa’s impactful work. "The Takeaway" has recently covered representation in Hollywood productions, explored vaccine inequality between rich and poor countries, devoted coverage to political and social upheavals internationally, and conducted an interview with Professor Anita Hill around the 30th anniversary of her testimony in Justice Thomas’ confirmation hearings.  

Many also know Melissa for the following she built over the years as a host at MSNBC from 2012 through 2016, where she was awarded the Hillman Prize for broadcast journalism. Melissa has also written for outlets such as The New York Times, Essence, The Wall Street Journal, The Root, and The Nation. In addition to having earned her Ph.D. in political science, Melissa is the Maya Angelou Presidential Chair in the Departments of Politics and International Affairs and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Wake Forest University. More info about Melissa is available here.

"The Takeaway" will continue to deliver its distinct journalism in the form of daily mind-expanding conversations that prompt people to locate themselves within the narratives that bring us together and sometimes divide us, paying special attention to social justice, the economy, and racial disparities. 

In the words of Melissa Harris-Perry:

“'The Takeaway' enjoys a truly authentic relationship with our listeners, and that community makes this hosting experience especially rich and rewarding. I’m excited to create captivating radio with the dedicated, creative, and professional team of 'The Takeaway' each day.”

I also want to share with you perspectives from PRX and from WNYC: 

“Melissa’s north star has always been the impact of world events on the lives of people, often those whose stories have been left out of the media. She is the perfect host for 'The Takeaway,' a show dedicated to voices and perspectives often overlooked in broadcast media, and we’re excited to work together to expand our service to a broader audience.” 

— Goli Sheikholeslami, President and CEO of New York Public Radio

“Audiences trust 'The Takeaway' to deliver critical information about the day’s news. The real strength of the show is to expand our views through bold, empathetic conversation on topics of justice, politics, and power, and where it all intersects with us personally. Melissa has served as a remarkable host of 'The Takeaway' for the past few months and we’re thrilled that she will continue to lead the show into the future. We’re proud to work with our partners at WNYC to bring the program to you and hundreds of public radio stations across the country.” 

— Kerri Hoffman, CEO of PRX

Please join us in our enthusiasm for this good news as we look forward to Melissa Harris-Perry as host and managing editor of" The Takeaway." 

We thank you for your ongoing support of the show’s mission to serve as America’s weekday conversation — please reach out to the station services team at PRX with any questions. 

Onwards, 

Sean Nesbitt
Senior Director of Industry Partnerships at PRX