World Cafe Seeks New Host
• Talia Schlanger surprised a few folks this week when she announced her intention to step down as host of the NPR-distributed music show World Cafe this fall to “pursue new creative endeavors.”
The show’s flagship station, University of Pennsylvania-owned non-comm WXPN/Philadelphia broke the news on Wednesday to Current, the non-profit news service that covers public media. “Call it an occupational hazard, but talking to people about creativity and courage has inspired me to take a leap and return to my own creative roots,” Schlanger said in a statement.
Schlanger succeeded original World Cafe host David Dye in April 2017, becoming only the second host in the show’s 28-year history. Before joining World Cafe, Toronto native Schlanger was an actress and a radio and TV journalist, producer and host for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
“Talia has made an indelible mark on World Cafe, broadening the musical diversity of our guests and enhancing the journalistic scope of the show,” said Bruce WarrenExecutive Producer & WXPN Associate GM. “We look to build on those contributions as we seek a new host for the program.”
And speaking of which, the job posting for a new World Cafe host is now available online (Ref. #81-32259). The description reads, in part, “WXPN is looking for a host/producer for World Cafe, its 2-hour daily national music program distributed by NPR. S/he will primarily be responsible for interviewing guests, writing and recording the daily show, and collaborating with World Cafe staff on various production elements for radio and digital.”
