FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2006
Contact: Bobbie Fisher, Director of Corporate Communications
WHRO – 757.889.9107 ph 757.451.6862 fax
bobbie.fisher@whro.org
CATHY LEWIS TO HOST MORNING TALK SHOW ON WTAR 850AM
Popular public radio personality continues to host HearSay with Cathy Lewis on WHRV 89.5FM
(Norfolk)— Veteran public radio host Cathy Lewis joins the line-up at 850 WTAR-AM to host “The Cathy Lewis Show” weekdays from 7-9 AM. The program debuts Thursday, July 27. She will continue to serve as host of “HearSay with Cathy Lewis” at Noon on WHRV 89.5 FM.
Cathy is consistently included in Hampton Roads’ “best of” lists. In fact, she was named one of the “Women We Love” and one of the “100 Best People, Places and Things in Hampton Roads” by PortFolio Weekly. She was also named one of the “50 Very Important People” by Hampton Roads Magazine.
“With Cathy on the schedule, we’re offering two different, dynamic talk radio products on our AM stations,” said Bob Sinclair, President of Sinclair Communications. “Tony Macrini is a legend on 790 WNIS and Cathy’s show is a landmark on public radio in Hampton Roads so we’re excited to have her on the AM dial.”
Cathy will continue to host “HearSay with Cathy Lewis,” the lunchtime public affairs program which marks ten years on the air in October on WHRV-89.5 FM.
“Cathy has been an important part of WHRV for nearly a decade and I’m delighted she’ll continue to host ‘HearSay with Cathy Lewis,’” said Joseph Widoff, President and Chief Executive Officer of WHRO. “Having one host on both public and commercial radio is a first in Hampton Roads, and it’s a win for both of our stations and for the community.”
Cathy also begins her fifth year as Executive Director of the CIVIC Leadership Institute, the region’s only senior-level leadership organization bringing together leaders from both sides of the Hampton Roads harbor. “Cathy’s breadth of knowledge of the issues in Hampton Roads is extraordinary,” said Anne Conner, President of the Board of Directors of the CIVIC Leadership Institute. “I’m glad more people will get to experience her unique brand of wit and wisdom.”
On the home front, Cathy is the wife of an Episcopal clergyman and the mother of an active student athlete. Her humor essays about clergy family life have been featured on the Hallmark channel.
Cathy is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, known for her ability to create safe, inviting, enjoyable conversation space for people both on the air and in person. A member of the prestigious National Speakers Association, Cathy has addressed groups of all sizes on media issues, civic engagement, and the challenges of contemporary family life.
“Time is probably the most valuable currency in the culture today,” said Cathy Lewis. “So, my goal is to bring listeners a show that’s worthy of their time. It’s about news, weather and traffic. It’s about issues we all care about. But it’s also about living smarter, connecting with family and friends and sharing a laugh or two along the way.” Lewis paused and added, “For me, it’s probably also about finding a Starbucks that’s open at 5AM!”
WHRO is a regional media company that promotes education, culture and citizenship to the citizens of Hampton Roads, Virginia through a variety of services. Every day, thousands of viewers and listeners tune in to broadcast programming on WHRO's public television and two public radio stations. Since its founding more than 40 years ago to support education, WHRO has employed creativity and technology to serve its mission to enrich audiences through content that educates, entertains and promotes understanding. Owned by 15 local school divisions, WHRO delivers educational and new media services to 286,000 students and 25,000 educators per month as well.