Noel King Enters Vox’s “Today, Explained” as Co-Host and Editorial Head
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Chapter 1: A New Era for Today, Explained
In the ever-evolving podcast landscape, some networks have opted to flood the market with shows that echo existing formats or introduce hosts lacking new insights. However, Vox is charting a distinct course. This multimedia company is committed to expanding its talent roster and nurturing in-house podcasters, ensuring that its offerings remain original and insightful, while also seeking out overlooked voices and perspectives.
As a prime example, Vox executives Allison Rockey and Liz Kelly Nelson have revealed that acclaimed broadcast journalist Noel King is joining “Today, Explained,” the network's flagship daily news podcast, as co-host and editorial director. King will not only host discussions on a variety of topics—from domestic policy and the chaotic rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to her experiences with artificial intelligence—but also steer the podcast toward new avenues of growth. This includes crafting special series and ambitious storytelling, all while collaborating with Sean Rameswaram, the current co-host and Vox Audio’s creative director. The partnership will allow both hosts to engage in long-term projects while enhancing “Today, Explained”’s reach across different platforms. King is set to begin her role at Vox on January 3, 2022, and will start appearing on the podcast shortly thereafter.
Moreover, Vox Media has announced a collaboration with WNYC Studios to distribute “Today, Explained” to public radio stations throughout the U.S. starting in 2022. This partnership signifies Vox Media’s first significant terrestrial radio distribution initiative, following an hour-long special edition of the Vox podcast “Unexplainable” that was distributed by American Public Media earlier this fall.
Section 1.1: King’s Impressive Background
Before joining Vox, King was a co-host for NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “Up First.” Her team at NPR received the Edward R. Murrow Award and was a finalist for the duPont-Columbia Award for their comprehensive reporting on the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” policy. Additionally, her coverage of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis earned her a Gracie Award for best feature interview. King has also provided live coverage of significant national events, including elections, inaugurations, and impeachments.
Subsection 1.1.1: Career Milestones
Prior to her tenure at “Morning Edition,” King held various roles in radio, including correspondent for Planet Money, producer for “The Takeaway,” and reporter for Marketplace. She began her career as an independent producer overseas, covering vital events such as the Arab Spring and conflicts in Darfur, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for Voice of America and PRI’s “The World.”
“I have been listening to Today, Explained since the show first launched, and I’ve always admired its intellectual sharpness, sonic creativity, and dry sense of humor. I’m thrilled to be joining the talented journalists who make the show. Sean’s ambitions, and those of this team, are clearly boundless, and I can’t wait to add my own to the mix,” expressed King.
Section 1.2: A Warm Welcome from Rameswaram
“I guess this makes me the queen of Today, Explained?” Rameswaram joked. “In all seriousness, I am thrilled to welcome Noel King to the show as a co-host and an editorial lead. I’m already used to listening to her every day on the radio. Now I get to learn from her, create exceptional content with her, and dream up even more ambitious projects with her and the rest of the phenomenal team at Today, Explained.”
Chapter 2: The Future of Today, Explained
WNYC Studios, which will begin distributing “Today, Explained” in 2022, is known for managing the radio distribution of popular programs like “Radiolab,” “Freakonomics,” “On Being,” “On the Media,” and “Science Friday.” Additionally, WNYC Studios will collaborate with the Vox Media Podcast Network to explore more shows in its portfolio to present to a national radio audience.
“We’re excited to partner with Vox to bring ‘Today, Explained’ to public radio stations across the United States,” remarked Armando Gutierrez, Chief Financial Officer at New York Public Radio. “Its intelligent and irreverent daily half-hour look at the news and personalities driving our world is critical at this moment.”
“Today, Explained has always aimed to provide context and clarity to the news and our world. A significant part of that mission involves elevating the voices of local journalists and experts where the stories unfold. We look forward to partnering with WNYC to extend our show to communities and listeners nationwide,” added Liz Kelly Nelson.
Launched in 2018 with Rameswaram as host, “Today, Explained” has nearly 1,000 episodes to its name. It was recognized as the Best News Podcast at the inaugural Ambie Awards and the 2021 Webby Awards. The podcast has introduced special series like “Today, Explained to Kids,” “Infrastructure Week,” and “The Future of Work.” It has also been instrumental in nurturing new shows from Vox Audio, including “Unexplainable,” a science podcast exploring the unknown.
The Vox Media Podcast Network boasts over 150 active shows featuring leading editorial voices and storytellers from Vox Media and beyond. For more information about the Vox Media Podcast Network, click here.
PHOTO CREDIT: Stephen Voss for Vox