For immediate release
February 10, 1998


NPR Appoints New Morning Edition Business Correspondent


Washington, D.C. Veteran business correspondent Jack Speer will begin anchoring the new business segment for National Public Radio's Morning Edition this week. In his new position, Speer joins an accomplished team of NPR business reporters including Chris Arnold, Elaine Korry, John McChesney, David Molpus, Kathy Schalch, John Ydstie, Jim Zarroli and editor Les Cook.

Morning Edition's business segment is broadcast live daily beginning at 5:50am, and updated every two hours until noon. Each business report contains breaking news and market updates followed by a business feature. Morning Edition is carried by 484 of NPRs 595 stations, in markets of all sizes nationwide.

"As markets open around the world, from Japan to New York, Jack will report on the latest in business information that is important and interesting to general audiences," said Morning Edition executive producer Ellen McDonnell.

A seasoned business journalist, Speer has covered news in the nations capital since 1988. Most recently, he anchored The Washington Business Journals broadcast reports for CBS affiliate WUSA-TV. He also anchored newscasts and filed business reports for Washington, DC news radio station WTOP-AM.

"We are delighted to have someone with Jack's experience in business reporting joining the Morning Edition team. We know he'll help build on our successful start for Morning Edition's new business segment," McDonnell said.

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®.