CHICAGO (February 28, 2024) – WBEZ will debut a new lineup of midday programs on March 4 to deliver a dynamic mix of local and national news, culture and conversation on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The new schedule includes national news magazine Here & Now from NPR and WBUR Boston, local Chicago talk show Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons and Fresh Air, the nationally syndicated, Peabody Award-winning interview program from WHYY Philadelphia, co-hosted by Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley.

WBEZ listeners will continue to find shows they love throughout the day, including Morning Edition, BBC Newshour, 1A, All Things Considered and Marketplace. The new weekday schedule on WBEZ includes:

• 5-9 a.m. — NPR’s Morning Edition

• 9–10 a.m. — BBC Newshour

• 10–11 a.m. — 1A with Jenn White

• 11 a.m.–noon — Here & Now

• Noon–1 p.m. — Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

• 1–2 p.m. — Fresh Air with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley (Monday-Thursday. Science Friday will air Fridays at 1 p.m.)

• 2–3 p.m. — Here & Now

• 3-7 p.m. — NPR’s All Things Considered, including Marketplace at 4:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.

News You Can Rely On with ‘Here & Now’

WBEZ is changing the times it offers NPR’s midday magazine Here & Now to better deliver national and international news throughout the day. Instead of offering a two-hour block of the show from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., WBEZ will air Here & Now live from 11 a.m. to noon and live again from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Each hour is a mix of news and culture produced by NPR and WBUR Boston for a national audience, expertly hosted by Robin Young, Scott Tong and Deepa Fernandes. Featuring the NPR program in two distinct time slots allows WBEZ to bring listeners the absolute latest on important stories in real time as they develop. In the upcoming months, Here & Now will be essential for listeners seeking the latest on the 2024 presidential election, the migrant crisis in the U.S., the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and much more. The program also covers everything from tech to health to climate change to, yes, competitive ice canoeing.

“Here & Now earlier in the day on WBEZ means more opportunities to learn the latest on the stories shaping our world and more chances to hear conversations that inspire awe and motivate action,” said Heidi Goldfein, Vice President of Programming at WBEZ.

Essential Chicago Conversations on an Updated ‘Reset’

Meanwhile, WBEZ’s Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons will shift formats to better provide Chicago news and conversation for its midday listeners and its growing audiences on digital platforms. On the broadcast, the move from two hours (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) to one hour (noon-1 p.m.) will allow the production staff to introduce new features, including more listener engagement, more timely and relevant news coverage and regular segments on Chicago history, health and wellness, arts and culture, the environment and more. Several key elements in the radio show remain, including the Weekly News Recap on Fridays, weekly food coverage, interviews with musicians and What’s That Building?

“Reset is an extraordinary daily program that will continue to play a vital role in informing and connecting Chicagoans from all walks of life,” said Reset host Sasha-Ann Simons. “I’m honored to continue using my voice to serve the community in this next phase and excited about forging stronger bonds with our audiences on broadcast and digital platforms.”

When it comes to digital, the programming change will help Reset put more resources toward meeting new and existing audiences where they read, listen and watch. Going forward, Reset interviews posted online will feature more in-depth write-ups and Q-and-As alongside the audio. The show will deliver compelling daily video content on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Producers will continue to take the daily podcast and daily newsletter in new, more user-friendly directions. And for the first time ever, Reset will have a regular presence on Instagram.

“Reset will now provide news and conversation on more platforms than ever before,” said Dan Tucker, Reset executive producer. “We look forward to serving our existing audience with the content and coverage they want and need while expanding Reset’s overall reach significantly.”

Tune in to Reset weekdays at noon starting March 4. And check out Reset on its podcast, daily newsletter, posts on WBEZ’s Instagram and full archive of interviews online.

‘Fresh Air’ Returns To WBEZ Middays

For over 35 years, Fresh Air host Terry Gross has delighted audiences with her insightful conversations with authors, actors, artists, musicians and newsmakers that shed light on popular culture and the news. On March 4, WBEZ once again joins hundreds of public radio stations that air the program in the middle of the day. WBEZ will also continue to air Fresh Air in the evening.

“Fresh Air and its two exceptional hosts help listeners better understand our world through powerful interviews and insightful conversations,” said Tracy Brown, Chief Content Officer for Chicago Public Media. “We’re delighted to bring the show back into the heart of our midday programming.”

To understand the show’s impact, look no further than the two trusted voices at the helm. Host and co-executive producer Terry Gross was a recipient of a 2015 National Humanities Medal, and on her watch, Fresh Air became a two-time winner of the Peabody Award, one of journalism’s highest honors. In April 2023, the show added veteran broadcaster and podcaster Tonya Mosley as co-host, and together Gross and Mosley have taken one of public media’s most beloved programs in exciting new directions.

“Fresh Air continues to break new ground with its must-listen interviews with politicians, journalists and movers and shakers in arts and culture,” said Heidi Goldfein, Vice President of Programming at WBEZ. “Terry Gross is, deservedly, a legend. And Tonya Mosley is one of the most exciting voices working in radio today. They’re a perfect match for WBEZ.”

Tune in to Fresh Air at 1 p.m. on WBEZ Monday through Thursday starting March 4.

About WBEZ Chicago

WBEZ, Chicago’s NPR news station, serves the community with fact-based, objective news and information. WBEZ’s award-winning journalists ask tough questions, dig deep for answers and expose truths that spark change and foster understanding. In addition to its local and national news programming, WBEZ Chicago is home to a growing portfolio of popular podcasts, including the “Making” series; Nerdette; Curious City; and The Rundown. WBEZ Chicago has a legacy of innovation as the birthplace of nationally acclaimed programs such as This American Life, and Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! and the ground-breaking podcast, Serial.

Download the WBEZ app, available in the App Store and Google Play. Learn more about WBEZ Chicago and its award-winning programming and on-demand digital content at wbez.org or on Instagram.