"The Story,” a nationally syndicated public radio news interview program hosted by the award-winning journalist Dick Gordon, will broadcast its final program on North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC on October 11, 2013.
Gordon plans to return to his native Canada, where he started his journalism career with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, to be closer to his family.
Connie Walker, WUNC’s president and general manager, said Gordon recently made the difficult decision to step away from the program, which is produced at WUNC and offers an hour of stories, five days a week, in a long-form conversation format.
"Stories and voices were heard that would never have been heard before, and Dick’s compelling interviews were shared with listeners across the nation." - WUNC President & Station Manager, Connie Walker
“We were proud to have been able to produce this ‘The Story’ for so long. Stories and voices were heard that would never have been heard before, and Dick’s compelling interviews were shared with listeners across the nation.” Walker said. “The program was designed around Dick’s unique skills and personality, so after much consideration, we have decided not to continue to produce it. We wish Dick the very best and thank our listeners, underwriters and stations that supported and carried the program over the years.”
“The Story” debuted in 2005 with a focus on finding people whose experiences illuminate the news. Gordon was sought out by a passionate group of WUNC listeners when “The Connection” a program he hosted in Boston for four years, ended. Since coming to North Carolina, Gordon has shared thousands of deeply personal stories and compelling conversations with his audience. He delved into the news and history for hidden stories and, in the Studs Terkel tradition, introduced listeners to everyday people living extraordinary lives. The program has been co-produced with and distributed by American Public Media (APM) since its inception.
“After 36 years as a journalist and program host, I have decided it’s time to make a change. My mother is getting older and I want to be closer to her at this stage of her life,” Gordon said. "My daughters are also some distance away in Canada, and I find the tug of family is strong. I’m grateful to WUNC, APM and the listeners and sponsors who made ‘The Story’ possible.”
“The Story” and its staff have earned several national awards, including the Harry Chapin Media Award, as well as a number of awards over the years from the National Association of Black Journalists. The Story also was recognized by the New York Festivals for Best Host and Top International Reporting with Ahmed Fadaam in Baghdad, and won a Silver Medal from the United Nations for coverage of the war in Iraq.
