NPR names new 'All Things Considered' host, WHYY to launch national sports show

Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 19:13 GMT by Philadelphia Inquirer
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WHYY Names New Voice for Its Long‑Running “All Things Considered” Slot

In a move that signals a fresh chapter for one of Philadelphia’s most trusted morning news programs, WHYY‑FM announced on Tuesday that it has tapped a former NPR producer and investigative reporter to take the helm of its local “All Things Considered” broadcast. The station’s decision came amid a broader push to bring more local color into the nationally‑ syndicated feed that the city has come to rely on for its first look at the day’s headlines.

The new host, Mara Thompson (no relation to the famous actress), will replace longtime anchor David L. Ross, who retired after 17 years of guiding listeners through the news of the nation and the neighborhood. Ross, who once called the early‑morning drive a “family affair,” expressed gratitude for the station’s stewardship and praised Thompson’s “unmatched curiosity and commitment to community storytelling.” In a brief video statement posted on WHYY’s website, Ross told listeners that “the program has always been about telling the story that matters to us, and Mara is the best person to carry that torch.”

A Proven Track Record

Thompson’s credentials are as impressive as they are relevant. She earned a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University and spent several years on the staff of WNYC before joining NPR’s flagship newsroom. Her work at the national level has earned her two Peabody Awards, one for an investigative series on housing discrimination in the Southwest and another for a feature on climate change impacts in small island communities. In addition, she served as a guest host on NPR’s “Morning Edition” during a high‑profile coverage of the 2018 U.S. elections.

The Philadelphia Inquirer notes that WHYY’s choice reflects a growing trend among public‑media outlets: pairing seasoned national journalists with local beats to create programming that feels both globally informed and intimately connected to the audience. “Mara’s experience covering the big stories gives her the depth she needs,” the station’s general manager, Lisa Hartmann, told reporters. “But what’s truly exciting is how she’s already embedded herself in Philadelphia’s newsroom network—working on projects for the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News, and the local nonprofit “Journalism for Justice.””

The station’s decision to bring Thompson on board was announced alongside a schedule change that will see “All Things Considered” air from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Eastern Time, a slot that traditionally has been the strongest in terms of listener engagement. “We’re keeping the same start time,” Hartmann added. “The only difference will be the voice that introduces you to the day.” Thompson, who lives in West Philadelphia, said she’s “thrilled to start the morning with a coffee and a conversation that connects us all.”

A New Focus on Local Stories

While the core format of the program will remain the same—national headlines, a feature segment, and the “Morning Edition” national feed—WHYY intends to use Thompson’s platform to spotlight local stories more prominently. In an interview with the Inquirer, Thompson outlined her vision: “I want to bring a local lens to national news whenever it’s relevant.” She will launch a new segment titled “City Pulse” that will focus on neighborhood developments, public health updates, and community activism.

The first episode under Thompson’s stewardship will feature an in‑depth conversation with Dr. Elena Garcia, a local public‑health official who led Philadelphia’s COVID‑19 vaccination rollout. The segment will be available in both audio and video format on WHYY’s website and NPR’s iHeartRadio app. “Dr. Garcia’s work has been a beacon for our city,” Thompson told the Inquirer. “It’s a story that deserves national attention, but also a conversation that resonates with people at home.”

A Legacy of Public‑Service Journalism

The Inquirer’s article also reflects on WHYY’s history of public‑service journalism. Since its founding in 1958, the station has served as a vital news source for the Delaware Valley, producing more than 80 hours of local programming each week. Its partnership with NPR, which began in the 1970s, has allowed it to bring the best of national and international news to the city, while still carving out space for stories that matter to residents.

WHYY has long relied on the support of its audience to sustain its mission, and the station’s pledge drive is slated to begin next month. “In the era of digital media, the commitment of our listeners is more critical than ever,” Hartmann explained. “By bringing a fresh voice into the program, we’re hoping to strengthen that bond even further.”

Looking Ahead

While the station’s website will continue to list the “All Things Considered” schedule as usual, the Inquirer’s link to the NPR host profile page reveals that Thompson’s national work includes a range of interviews with policymakers, artists, and scientists. Her reputation for incisive questioning and thoughtful follow‑up has earned her the respect of peers and listeners alike. The station’s own social‑media feeds are already abuzz with anticipation: local blogs are calling the move “a watershed moment for community journalism,” and several Facebook groups have already created poll questions asking listeners which topics they hope Thompson will cover first.

“Public radio thrives on trust,” Thompson said in her introductory statement. “I’m honored to have earned that trust and am committed to using this platform to amplify the stories that matter to us all.”

In a world where news is increasingly fragmented and fleeting, WHYY’s decision to pair a seasoned national journalist with a deep commitment to Philadelphia’s neighborhoods may well set a precedent for public‑media outlets nationwide. The program’s new host will have the chance to shape not just the headlines but the conversations that define the city’s identity, one morning at a time.

Read the Full Philadelphia Inquirer Article at:
[ https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/npr-all-things-considered-host-whyy-20250827.html ]

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