KCUR-FM will add three new programs to the broadcast schedule and expand local news coverage through the weekend with newscasts and feature reporting during Weekend Edition.
The decision was based on results from extensive research, including an audience survey commissioned by KCUR in early 2014. The changes will go into effect Aug. 9
Sound Opinions from public radio station WBEZ in Chicago will air Saturdays at 2 p.m., and public radio favorite Radiolab will air Saturdays at 3 p.m.
The Moth Radio Hour, which features true stories told live on-stage, will be added to the Sunday lineup at 1 p.m., and recent addition TED Radio Hour will be moved to the 2 p.m. time slot, and continue to be repeated Monday nights at 8 p.m.
Weekend Edition Saturday will be extended from two to three hours, and listeners will hear local newscasts during both Weekend Edition Saturday and Weekend Edition Sunday at 7:04 a.m., 8:04 a.m., and 9:04 a.m. KCUR reporters will also file feature news stories for broadcast during the weekend news magazines.
“The expansion of KCUR news into the weekends is logical and will only complement the outstanding coverage of the NPR morning news magazines," said KCUR Program Director, Bill Anderson.
Along with the new program additions, American Routes, Thistle & Shamrock and Hearts of Space will be discontinued and Whad'ya Know will be reduced to one hour. On The Media, Studio 360, Fresh Air Weekend and our documentary series will be moved to new time slots.
KCUR recognizes each of the canceled shows still has fans, but listenership has been in decline. We felt the time was right to remove these shows from the schedule to make room for some new programs that listeners have been requesting.
You can take a look at the new on-air schedule here. We welcome feedback at feedback@kcur.org.