Neal Conan from NPR reflects 11 years of hosting Nation’s speech And thanks to some of those who effectively contribute to the show along the way. He signed Conan 36 years later in NPR.
Neal Conan, the host:
And so it’s time to say goodbye. Probably, as you know, this is the last publication of the nation’s speech, and 36 years later, my last day in the NPR.
There are some people to thank before you go. First, my predecessors in this chair: John Hockenberry, Ray Suarez, Juan Williams and many substitutes that allow us to take time.
Over the years, dozens of people in the staff, the people you hear after the letter on Tuesdays, people who made this program took place. I can’t start listing them all, but I have to thank the crew for the last few difficult months. Tinbete ERMYAS, Libby Franklin, Monica Bushman, Laura Lee, Ad Quig, Jessica Reedy, Priska Neely, Editor Sarah Handel, Director Gwen Outen, Senior Producer Scott Cameron, Senior Supervisory Carline Watson. And we can’t get into the air without our technologies.
Again, we can’t start listing them all, but thanks to coach Melissa Marquis on behalf of them. And of course, I can’t skip the political addict Ken Rudin.
There are only two executive producers when I spent the show. So let me thank Leith Bishop, perhaps wherever it is, and especially Sue Goodwin. In this program and others, he and I have worked together for many years. More than all other people can demand credit for our achievements. I will miss him very much.
I have to thank the bosses who have decided to start this show and continue for more than twenty years. I have to thank the member stations, not only more than 400 carrying this program, but all stations that allows us to borrow sales points to talk to people around the country.
And I have to thank you. We were told that you listened to more than 3.6 million every week. This allows the nation to speak in the top 10 of all the speaking shows in the country. The broadcasting currency is the amount of eyes and ears that can be delivered to soap manufacturers and car manufacturers. To be honest, we’re doing it on the radio.
However, especially in the nation’s speech, the audience also has voices. This program works in the best way when we find your ways to find your stories about what is happening in your work and your children, you fears and successes, drought, fire, hospital, at work, at school, at school, Iraq or Vietnam.
I worked as a reporter, editor and producer for all my time in NPR. And as much as I like all these things, the last 11 and a half years, this business was the best. It was an honor to talk to you every day.
I counted them: 600 weeks. Take the time for the holidays, take the whole special scope, roll it in 5,000 hours. There is still a lot to talk about, but that should be enough.
So, in a minute, I’m going to go back to where I started on the publicly open radio. I will be one of you again, the listener. Yes, a listener sponsor, but a listener is critical. I’m going to cry, laugh and shout on the radio. And we listeners have a vital function. It is our job to keep member stations and NPR responsible.
Right here, I create its own special compact with my NPR and member stations. I will listen and yes, I will open my checkbook, but I need some services in return. Go and tell me the stories behind everything in the world today. Explain why and how it affects our lives. Do it every day. Tell me what’s important and don’t waste my time with stupid things.
Bye. NPR News, who signed to talk from the nation and NPR News in Washington, Ben Neal Conan.
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