WYPR radio station to end ‘Midday’ program, overhaul schedule

A wave of changes is coming to WYPR’s daily programming schedule, including the station’s flagship show “Midday” ending on Thursday, April 2.

“Midday’s” conclusion is part of a comprehensive update to the public radio station’s schedule, which aims to deepen local coverage and integrate news throughout the listening day.

Tom Hall, “Midday’s host and senior news analyst, announced his retirement in December 2025, prompting the show’s end. WYPR (88.1 FM), Baltimore’s NPR radio station, plans to replace it with another show devoted to commentary, debate, and civic engagement, but has not yet shared details of the format or host.

“This new schedule aligns with Baltimore Public Media‘s mission to connect, inform, and enrich the voices and communities of Baltimore and the world,” said Maxie Jackson, WYPR’s programming director, in a statement. “From Annapolis to Frederick and beyond, programming additions like the BBC Newshour bring international perspectives to the global community that calls Maryland home, while a new approach to shifts empowers our on-air talent to deepen their engagement with local journalism as they host NPR’s flagship news programs.”

There will still be familiar voices during the new programming. Erica Kane is being promoted to weekday host of “All Things Considered,” bringing with her 20 years of experience in media journalism at outlets including WEAA, WMAR, and WPGC.

“I’m honored to step into this role at WYPR and to connect with listeners across Baltimore and beyond,” Kane said in a statement. “Radio has always been a powerful tool for building understanding and amplifying voices, and I’m excited to help tell the stories that matter most to our communities each day.”

Taylor Holbrooks, who joined WYPR in December 2024, will continue to host “Morning Edition.” In the early afternoons, Gabe Ortis and Shawn Murphy will host an updated roster of shows focusing on breaking news during the week and arts, culture, and lifelong learning on the weekends. Starting April 10, news director Matt Bush will host the live “WYPR News Roundup” every Friday at 2 p.m., focusing on news, events, and Maryland-centered topics.

Baltimore Public Media will also expand its podcast and digital content. In fall 2025, the station debuted “Five Minutes of Baltimore Histories” and “Thoughts on Tech and Things.” The award-winning mini-series “Pass the Mic” will become a full-feature weekly show with support from the T. Rowe Price Foundation. This spring, to coincide with the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution, a new podcast on Maryland history will debut about the landmark events that have shaped the state’s pursuit of “liberty and freedom for all.”

“These new projects would not be possible without an expanded creative team, including the recent additions of Executive Producer Amy Walters, formerly of National Public Radio and Al Jazeera Media Network; Senior Producer Malarie Pinkard-Pierre; Producer Elizabeth Nonemaker, formerly Executive Producer of Podcasts at WQXR; and Senior Podcast Producer Mark Gunnery,” Jackson said. “This growth would not be possible without our members, who have stepped up in a major way since the dissolution of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. We’re seeing historic levels of engagement in our fundraising drives and translating that investment into action and expanded options for our audiences.”

Danyell Irby, chief of content for WYPR, assured listeners that as the station builds and expands on its digital and short-form content, long-time listeners will still hear the beloved voices of Sheilah Kast and Hall, even as “Midday” comes to an end. The two will continue as community ambassadors and contributors for the station.

“Every element of this schedule reflects our commitment to being present wherever Marylanders are—and whenever they tune in,” Irby said in a statement. “From the morning drive to late-night listening, from your radio to your podcast feed, Baltimore Public Media is investing in the stories and voices that connect this community to itself and to the world. We’re proud of what we’re building, and we’re just getting started.”