Tanzina Vega to depart "The Takeaway" — Melissa Harris-Perry to serve as interim host

by Admin PRX

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Colleagues, 

We’re writing with news regarding the daily national news program “The Takeaway” from WNYC in New York and PRX. 

Beginning this Monday, broadcast journalist Melissa Harris-Perry will become the interim host of “The Takeaway” through the end of 2021. Public radio audiences have become connected and familiar with Melissa’s brilliant work as guest host on the show for the past two months. Many also know her as an esteemed scholar, social media maven, columnist, and for the massive following she built over the years as host of MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry. In addition to having earned her Ph.D. in political science, Melissa is also the Maya Angelou Presidential Chair in the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Wake Forest University. More information 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 criminal and social justice, the economy, and racial disparities. 

Over the last three years, Tanzina Vega and the “The Takeaway” team have worked together to produce an essential daily national news program that champions diverse perspectives and now airs on more than 290 stations and reaches many listeners online. Today, we are announcing that Tanzina is leaving her position as host of “The Takeaway.” We wish her the very best on her next chapter.

In Tanzina’s words: “As the first Latina to host “The Takeaway,” I’m very proud of the work I did transforming the show into a national success that explored the societal gaps of wealth, empathy, and truth in our daily lives. During my tenure, we increased our digital audience, plowed through a global pandemic, and introduced fresh perspectives from communities that are often ignored in the media. After three years, I’ve decided to leave the show. My goal has always been to balance the nuance and rigor that is critical to making high-quality journalism. I’m grateful to those who’ve supported me on this journey and to the thousands of listeners and guests who shared their insights and experiences. I also want to thank The Takeaway staff for their work on the show and wish them the best.”

Thank you for your ongoing support of the mission of “The Takeaway” to serve as America’s weekday conversation––please reach out to the station services team at PRX with any questions. 

We wish you a healthy and restful rest of the summer,

- Sean Nesbitt, Senior Director of Industry Partnerships at PRX and Lee Hill, Executive Producer of “The Takeaway”