Posted by chicagomedia.org on November 23, 2009 at 20:45:22:
NPR's Carl Kasell: Wait wait … I'm semi-retiring
By Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune
Carl Kasell, a National Public Radio newscaster for 34 years who did the first newscast for the first edition of its "Morning Edition" program in 1979, is relinquishing that role (and its requisite 1:05 a.m. wake-up call).
Kasell will, however, continue as official judge and scorekeeper of the Chicago Public Radio-produced quiz program, "Wait Wait … Don't Tell Me!," "the show that turned him from a newsman into a rock star," as noted in a memo to staff Monday from David Sweeney, NPR's managing editor for news, and Margaret Low Smith, its vice president of programming.
The memo noted Kasell, 75, also will continue to travel to stations on NPR's behalf.
A broadcasting veteran of more than 50 years, Kasell joined NPR as a part-time newscaster in 1975 and became a full-time staffer by 1977, helping to launch "Morning Edition" 30 years ago this month and remaining with it ever since.
"Carl has raised more than a generation of listeners with his calm and authoritative newscast and has been the first voice many people heard each day," the NPR memo said. "He also has been a teacher and role model for NPR newscasters ... not only because of his skill and experience, but also because of his kindness, integrity, and professionalism."
Kasell's final newscast is scheduled for Dec. 30.