April 2, 2008, Amherst MA – 640 AM WNNZ, NPR News and Information for Western New
England, announces plans to carry special programming from China the week of April 14-18,
2008. The programs will air from 10 AM-noon each day as part of the daily, NPR interview and
call-in show, On Point, hosted by Tom Ashbrook.
During those five days this month, On Point will be broadcasting live from Shanghai. Program
topics will include economics, culture, politics and a range of other subjects, delving into life in the
world’s most populous country, as well as exploring China’s relationships with other nations.
Interviewees will range from politicians to artists, business leaders to activists. The upcoming
Olympic Games will very likely be a topic, as will China’s relationship with Tibet. On Point will
open the phone lines from Shanghai, so listeners can comment and pose questions.
Ashbrook is returning to a country he covered for a decade, in his early years as a journalist. He
says, “For me, our trip is a kind of ‘old home week’ journey to a changed home.” WFCR &
WNNZ’s Program Director Helen Barrington says she is excited about the opportunities this week
of programming presents. “I’m delighted that On Point is doing this week of special coverage with
a host who knows the country. China is a huge and still emerging country, whose influence is
growing and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. I hope our listeners have the
opportunity to tune in.”
On Point airs daily from 10 AM to noon on 640 AM, WNNZ.