Tuesday, April 8, 2008

John Hockenberry to webcast from MIT April 9; new radio show begins April 28


John Hockenberry

Here's the blurb from the MIT Soap Box series Web site, where you can access the webcast: "Hugh Herr directs the Biomechatronics Group at the MIT Media Lab and has been working with award winning journalist, author and editor, and now a Distinguished Fellow at the MIT Media Lab, John Hockenberry. They will discuss their joint work on human augmentation. Hockenberry's news reporting from war zones and newsrooms has enlightened and inspired a generation of news devotees. His books include A River Out Of Eden and Moving Violations: War Zones, Wheelchairs and Declarations of Independence."

An Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist Hockenberry, who is a wheelchair user, and award-winning international and legal journalist Adaora Udoji will begin hosting a new drive-time morning news program, "The Takeaway," on WNYC Radio April 28.

WNYC says "The Takeaway" will be different from other radio news shows because it "will be broadcast live, rather than featuring pre-recorded interviews and long pre-produced features. It will deliver all the journalistic depth and excellence that WNYC listeners expect, while offering a dynamic and conversational tone. It will feature two hosts talking together live in the studio, interviewing guests and responding to listeners on-air and online. Listeners will hear the day’s news and cultural stories — as they are happening — with live reports from the field, along with commentary and analysis from a range of contributors around the table and around the world."

The program will have live updates from news hotspots around the world, featuring journalists from WNYC, the BBC and The New York Times.