For immediate release
February 6, 1998


Bonnie Grice to Leave NPR's Anthem


Washington, D.C. -- Bonnie Grice, co-host of NPR's Anthem, has announced she will leave the show to return to her home in New York. Grice's last show will be March 28.

Renee Montagne, an NPR senior correspondent based in Los Angeles, will join Anthem co-host Rick Karr until a permanent replacement is found for Grice. Anthem, a new, upbeat Saturday afternoon program, presents a vibrant slice of American culture each week, covering a wide range of arts and music. A live performance and conversation with a critically acclaimed musician or group well-known or relatively undiscovered forms the centerpiece of each show.

"Bonnie was key in helping to shape Anthem and introduce it to NPR audiences as one of our new Saturday shows. She was a natural on Anthem, but we respect her decision," said Murray Horwitz, NPR's vice president of cultural programming. "Anthem will continue to move forward and we expect it to develop a loyal audience for its fresh mix of information and entertainment," he said. "We're fortunate that Renee, a true NPR veteran with extraordinary experience as a reporter, can step in as an interim replacement to contribute to this program."

"Working with Rick, producer Neenah Ellis and the rest of the staff has been remarkable and I've learned many things from what I know will become a great radio show," Grice said. "I can only wish them and NPR the absolute best for the future, and I'm proud to say I've been a part of getting the show on the road."

A familiar voice on NPR, Montagne is fresh from spending a year as an Arts Fellow at the University of Southern California. She was a co-host of NPR's flagship evening newsmagazine All Things Considered for nearly two years, a special correspondent and substitute host for Morning Edition, and has covered political developments in South Africa extensively.

Anthem is produced at NPR's headquarters in Washington, DC. Staff includes co-host Rick Karr, senior producer Neenah Ellis, executive producer Andy Trudeau, music producer Margaret Howze and features producer Alice Winkler.

National Public Radio, a membership organization of 591 public radio stations nationwide, produces and distributes the award-winning programs All Things Considered®, Talk of the Nation®, Weekend Edition® and NPR's Performance Today®.