One of Boston’s main spoken word secular noncommercial radio operations has cancelled its midday local news program, concluding a 15-year run.
The end of “Radio Boston” is part of “a reimagined approach to local coverage” at WBUR-FM, the top-rated News/Talk station owned by Boston University.
But, no staff are losing their jobs, as WBUR station management says staff associated with the program will be reassigned.
In the November 2024 Nielsen Audio ratings for Boston, WBUR was No. 1 among non-commercial outlets and second to WBZ-FM in the spoken word arena. Noncomm rival WGBH-FM was below it by 0.3 shares, and between the two stations is WRKO-AM.
As WBUR sees it, the axe was given so WBUR can invest in both morning and afternoon shows. Additionally, a newly formed production team focused on local issues is on the way.
WBUR Local Newsroom Executive Editor Dan Mauzy commented, “The exceptional work of the Radio Boston team will continue, but in a new way that goes beyond the confines of an hour-long daily radio show. This shift is a more contemporary approach to daily journalism – and will fuel our public news service throughout the day and across platforms.”
Yasmin Amer, the current Executive Producer of Radio Boston, will lead this new production team. The change will also extend Morning Edition, adjust the airtimes for BBC NewsHour and On Point, and focus on delivering multiplatform content.
Radio Boston, which became a daily show in 2010, has been WBUR’s only program solely dedicated to local news. Earlier this year, Radio Boston host Tiziana Dearing transitioned to hosting Morning Edition. Radio Boston’s final episode will air on December 20.
WBUR in March reported a nearly 50% decline in on-air sponsorship income over five years, leading to layoffs of seven staff members and voluntary buyouts by 24 others, impacting 14% of the workforce.
— Additional reporting by Cameron Coats
