D. Watkins, Baltimore’s journalistic powerhouse, has landed a new show on WYPR called “The Engagement.”
The program, which begins Oct. 19, will run Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m. on WYPR 88.1 FM.
Baltimore Public Media, home of WYPR and WTMD, made the announcement that “The Engagement” will be a news-driven public affairs program hosted by Watkins, a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and professor at the University of Baltimore. The show will cover everything from news of the day to politics, community, arts, and culture.
“The Engagement reflects our commitment to providing an essential public service that amplifies the voices of Baltimore and strengthens connections across our community,” said Craig Swagler, president and CEO of Baltimore Public Media. “Deeply rooted in Baltimore, D. Watkins brings an authentic voice and a demonstrated commitment to telling the stories of our city and region. This program will represent what we aspire to be at Baltimore Public Media: a trusted place founded in truth, where people feel heard, informed and connected.”
The show will explore the stories and conversations shaping Baltimore and the surrounding region, focus on engaging conversations, tackle tough questions, and look towards future possibilities. Beyond the broadcast, there will be chances for ongoing engagement with the people and communities WYPR serves. “The Engagement” is designed to move between the studio, newsroom, and community so that conversations continue beyond the radio broadcast.
“The Engagement couldn’t arrive at a better time,” Watkins said. “As we are fighting to survive this era of misinformation, I believe we’re going to make an honest attempt to continue the legacy of public radio by creating a space where the truth isn’t only required but celebrated.”
Watkins’ career spans journalism, literature, television, film, and education. A Baltimore native, he has been published in The New York Times, Esquire, The New York Times Magazine, The Guardian and Rolling Stone, among others. He was a writer on HBO’s “We Own This City,” host of its companion podcast, and executive producer of the Hulu film “Hoops, Hopes and Dreams.”
He co-wrote Carmelo Anthony’s memoir, “Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised,” and helped produce and design Anthony’s “House of Melo” exhibit at the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Central Branch. Anthony was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2025. He spent a significant part of his youth in Baltimore, which is why he chose the Pratt for the exhibit.
“The Engagement will embody the best of what WYPR stands for: trusted journalism, meaningful conversation, and a deep connection to the communities we serve,” said Danyell Irby, chief of content for Baltimore Public Media. “Through this multiplatform program, D. Watkins, a homegrown talent recognized nationally for his authentic storytelling, will invite people from across Baltimore City, Baltimore County and the broader region into conversations that reflect the full mosaic of Maryland.”
Beginning October 19, “The Engagement” will air Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m. on WYPR, Maryland’s NPR News Station. On Fridays, the WYPR News Roundup, hosted by News Director Matt Bush, will move to 11 a.m.
