WXPN Names Talia Schlanger New ''World Cafe'' Host

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 24, 2017

Talia Schlanger

WXPN-FM/Philadelphia, a member-supported public radio outlet of the University of Pennsylvania, has announced that Talia Schlanger will succeed David Dye as host of syndicated music radio program "World Cafe," starting on Monday, April 3. A native of Toronto, Schlanger joined "World Cafe" as contributing host and radio producer in October. She will become only the second host in the show's 25-year history.

Schlanger was previously a radio and TV journalist, producer and host for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), based in Toronto. A graduate of Ryerson University's Radio and Television Arts program, she was also an actress in professional theater productions, including the first U.S. national tour of Green Day's American Idiot.

Schlanger said, "Like our listeners, I'm here as a music fan first. Discovering, sharing and connecting over artists is our collective passion, and it's my mission to serve that as best I can on World Cafe. David Dye is so beloved and respected because for 25 years, audiences have been able to feel the genuine curiosity, excitement and care he has for the music he plays and for the artists who make it. I know this is a big change, but I hope our devoted World Cafe crowd will feel the same degree of passion and care coming from me as we charge forward with amps blaring."

"Talia brings great storytelling, digital fluency, and a love and knowledge of music to our marquee program," added WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay. "She adds a fresh perspective to a program that continues to give new artists a national platform and audience."

"World Cafe" is currently distributed to more than 200 U.S. radio stations by NPR, and can be heard on WXPN from 2-4pm weekdays. In November, David Dye announced that he would step down as "World Cafe" host and producer after March 31. He will, however, continue to contribute to the program on a part-time basis. Dye will also host a new, one-hour, weekend music program on WXPN starting on Sunday, April 2 called "Dave's World," that can be heard Sundays from 11am-12pm.