In-depth cover stories now featured on The World

Originally published in Current, Feb. 17, 1997

After a recent brainstorming session in Reykjavik, The World's Executive Producer Neil Curry and other senior staff members decided to replace the daily program's first-segment news stories with an in-depth "cover" story.

One of the tendencies in covering world news comprehensively is "to get around as fast as possible, without going in deep," says PRI program chief Melinda Ward. The cover-story approach will allow World to treat topics more substantively, and highlight their significance to American listeners, she says.

In another change, World will add the voices of commentators--intellectuals, writers and others from around the world.

Ward says producers are continuing efforts to distinguish World from the BBC's news offerings--something that stations requested early on. The British network co-produces World with PRI and WGBH, Boston. Newscasts emanate from BBC's Bush House.

Recently, some p.d.s have complained that World's hosts aren't making a strong connection with listeners. Ward said hosts haven't been directed to change their style, but KUOW General Manager Wayne Roth says he can hear a difference. The hosts--Tony Kahn, Mary Ambrose and Eddie Mair--are more engaging, more "forward," he says. The goal is "to get hosts more in the top of mind with our listeners."

World will be given to stations without charge through June, but many stations executive worry about the oncoming fees. Some say the show is expected to cost more than any they carry. Many are especially reluctant to foot a large bill because they don't air World in drive time.