‘State of Things’ public radio host Frank Stasio announces his retirement
Frank Stasio, host of the popular WUNC radio program “The State of Things,” announced on Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the year.
Stasio confirmed the news in an email to The News & Observer.
In an email sent to WUNC colleagues, Stasio wrote that “The State of Things” has been “an illuminating and thrilling part of my journey. I want to continue that journey while I still have some energy and good health. The sudden rupture created by the pandemic makes this the perfect moment to follow the adventure in new directions.”
“The State of Things,” which focuses on people and topics central to North Carolina, launched in 1999 and Stasio took over as host in 2006. The hour-long show airs live at noon, Monday through Friday, and recently expanded into the Asheville and Wilmington markets.
Connie Walker, president and general manager of WUNC, told The News & Observer on Tuesday that Stasio, who came to the station from National Public Radio, had been a valuable part of WUNC’s portfolio of hosts.
“His intellectual capacity will be missed,” Walker said. “He’s highlighted numerous issues of interest to North Carolinians over the years. To have a host of his caliber has provided a wonderful resource to our audience.”
Walker said the tentative plan is to keep the show going after Stasio leaves, and that WUNC will likely conduct a national search for his replacement.
Anita Rao, managing editor of “The State of Things,” has been hosting the show one day a week and on days when Stasio was on vacation.
This story will be updated.
This story was originally published September 1, 2020 at 10:02 AM.
