Schlanger New Host of World Cafe

Noncomm WXPN/Philadelphia, producer of the NPR-distributed daily music program World Cafe, announced that Talia Schlanger will succeed David Dye as the show’s new host, starting Monday, April 3 — the second host in the show’s 25-year history. Schlanger joined World Cafe as Contributing Host and Radio Producer last October. In November, Dye announced he was stepping down as World Cafe host and producer after March 31. He will continue to contribute to the show on a part-time basis and also host a new weekend music show, Dave’s World on WXPN starting Sunday, April 2 from 11am-noon.

A native of Toronto, Schlanger, 31, was previously an actress and a radio and TV journalist, producer and host for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Commenting on her exciting new gig, Schlanger said, “Like our listeners, I’m here as a music fan first. Discovering, sharing and connecting over artists is our collective passion, and it’s my mission to serve that as best I can on World Cafe. David Dye is so beloved and respected because for 25 years, audiences have been able to feel the genuine curiosity, excitement and care he has for the music he plays and for the artists who make it. I know this is a big change, but I hope our devoted World Cafe crowd will feel the same degree of passion and care coming from me as we charge forward with amps blaring.”

WXPN GM Roger LaMay said, “Talia brings great storytelling, digital fluency, and a love and knowledge of music to our marquee program. She adds a fresh perspective to a program that continues to give new artists a national platform and audience.”

WXPN will pay tribute to David Dye for his 25 years of service with a private event on Wednesday, March 1. The 25th anniversary of World Cafe will be celebrated by WXPN donors and members with two special concerts on Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4 at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. World Cafe is distributed to more than 200 U.S. radio stations by NPR, and can be heard on WXPN from 2-4pm weekdays. [Photo credit: David Spowart]