News Summary
Las Vegas’ KNPR has revamped its ‘State of Nevada’ show due to funding challenges. The program will now air weekly in a one-hour magazine format, hosted by Paul Boger. This change comes after a significant reduction in federal support that has reduced staff and altered programming from a five-day schedule to a focused weekly hour. Key issues like mail-in voting and local events will still be covered, but call-in segments have been eliminated. Despite the restructuring, Nevada Public Radio remains committed to quality journalism.
Las Vegas, Nevada – KNPR’s “State of Nevada” has undergone significant changes in its format and hosting schedule due to funding cuts. The show is no longer airing every weekday and has transitioned to a one-hour, news magazine-style program. This new format debuted last week and will now air every Wednesday at 9 a.m. on 88.9-FM. Listeners can also access the show through streaming on the KNPR app, KNPR.org, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Paul Boger, a producer and reporter, hosted the inaugural episode under the new format, which covered several important issues, including mail-in voting and a cyberattack affecting state services. A featured segment on the cultural event “Wizard of Oz at Sphere,” presented by veteran journalist Mike Prevatt, added an entertainment angle to the show. With the new approach, “State of Nevada” has eliminated call-in segments, streamlining what was previously a week’s worth of programming into a focused hour.
The changes come as a response to funding challenges faced by Nevada Public Radio. The organization has seen a decline in federal financial support, notably as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has ceased operations due to congressional funding cuts. With the implementation of the congressional Rescissions Act, KNPR anticipates an annual loss of approximately $400,000, resulting in drastic measures, including a significant reduction in staff. According to reports, the workforce has shrunk from the “low 40s” two years ago to between the “high 20s and approaching 30” currently.
“State of Nevada” has been a weekday staple since its inception in 2003, and producer Paul Boger is set to be the dedicated host moving forward. The staff will still include seasoned contributors, such as Mike Prevatt and Heidi Kyser, Managing Editor of Desert Companion magazine, maintaining the quality of journalism for which the show is known. The staff’s experience and commitment are expected to be pivotal in adapting to the new magazine-style format.
The former host, Joe Schoenmann, departed the show in June after nearly a decade of service. His exit was based on personal reasons that led him to pursue writing a book about reporting in Las Vegas, rather than being associated directly with the funding issues that the station faces. Meanwhile, a temporary rotation of ten hosts will fill the gap until a permanent replacement for Schoenmann is found, as the organization emphasizes the need for a consistent and singular voice to effectively connect with the audience.
Despite these tumultuous changes, the President and CEO of Nevada Public Radio, Favian Perez, has expressed confidence in the organization’s future. He reassured listeners that the integrity and quality of journalism in “State of Nevada” will be upheld, despite the logistical challenges presented by fewer employees working on both “State of Nevada” and Desert Companion. The streamlined program is intended to deliver relevant news and stories that resonate with the public, highlighting the continuation of KNPR’s commitment to community engagement even in the face of funding obstacles.
In summary, while “State of Nevada” is no longer available every weekday and has shifted to a news magazine format under host Paul Boger, the essential functions of the show remain dedicated to serving and informing the Nevada community with quality journalism and diverse topics.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Las Vegas Faces Potential Cuts to Public Broadcasting Funding
Additional Resources
- Review Journal: Amid Funding Cuts, KNPR’s State of Nevada Moves to Once a Week
- Wikipedia: Nevada Public Radio
- Review Journal: KNPR’s Signature Show State of Nevada Losing Its Host
- Google Search: Las Vegas news
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Las Vegas
- Google News: Nevada Public Radio
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