Tom Ashbrook in the studio
On Point is two hours broadcast daily across the country on NPR, hosted by award-winning journalist Tom Ashbrook. The show’s lively conversation covers everything from breaking news to ancient poetry, with newsmakers, thinkers, journalists, artists, scientists and ordinary citizens from around the world.
Broadcast live from 10 a.m. to noon ET, with listener call-in, from WBUR in Boston, the show airs throughout the day on more than 170 NPR stations coast to coast.
Here’s what Tom has to say about the show:
In ballet, “on point” means up on your toes.
In war, it’s the lead soldier on patrol
In conversation it’s the heart of the matter.
That’s where we strive to be every day with our listeners — up on our toes, out front, at the heart of what’s going on.
Here at On Point, we’re looking to create a different kind of conversation about the country and the world we live in — about who we are, and where we’re going. Maybe it’s the kind of national conversation you’ve always wanted. Fast, fun, serious, surprising. Open to everyone. And above all, unflinchingly honest. With voices from all over the planet. Fresh voices. Passionate voices.
On Point was born in the immediate aftermath of the attacks of 9/11, when the country was looking for answers and impatient with old certitudes. We still carry that urgency today: to test, challenge, and probe. And while we do it, to celebrate the people, arts and ideas that make life a joy.
We hope you’ll add your voice to the On Point conversation — on the air, and here online. We look forward to hearing from you.
-Tom Ashbrook
On Point staff
Tom Ashbrook is On Point’s host and managing editor. Jack Beatty, On Point’s news analyst, appears each Friday on our Week in the News roundtable and on other shows throughout the week.
On Point’s senior producer is Wen Stephenson. Our senior editor is Karen Shiffman. Our team of producers includes Julie Diop, Stefano Kotsonis, Hilary Barngrove McQuilkin, Sam Gale Rosen, and John Wihbey, with assistance from Pien Huang, Kelly Horan, and Will Roseliep. On Point’s director is Eileen Imada and our technical director is James Ross.
On Point’s website is designed and maintained by WBUR’s New Media department.
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On Point airs live nationally each day from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET, and is rebroadcast at various times throughout the day. See a list of NPR stations that air the show.
If you are a program director interested in learning more about On Point, please call us at 617-358-1468. For all other queries, please contact us here.
