Bob Edwards Leaving 'Morning Edition'

Bob Edwards has hosted Morning Edition since its inception in November 1979. hide caption

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Bob Edwards, the award-winning broadcaster whose voice has been associated with NPR's Morning Edition since the show's beginning in 1979, is leaving the morning news program effective April 30.

Edwards, a native of Louisville, Ky., who joined NPR in 1974 and became co-host of All Things Considered before moving to Morning Edition, will take on a new assignment as senior correspondent for NPR News.

"Morning Edition, the most popular morning program in all of broadcasting, enjoys a well-earned reputation for integrity in journalism," Edwards says. "I am proud to have served with my Morning Edition, colleagues, who perform a daily miracle at ridiculous hours when resources are not abundant. I am grateful for the many years of support from NPR member stations and look forward to continuing to visit them and meet our listeners. That audience is the best and the brightest in broadcasting, and it's a challenge to meet its expectations. Morning Edition, will continue to be my first source for news. I wish all the best to its new host."

Edwards' achievements have been recognized in numerous awards include two Gabriel Awards; the 1984 Edward R. Murrow Award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for "outstanding contributions to public radio"; an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for excellence; and the prestigious 1999 George Foster Peabody Award for his hosting duties at Morning Edition.

He is the author of two books, Fridays with Red, which chronicles his radio friendship with sports broadcasting legend Red Barber; and Edward R. Murrow and the Birth of Broadcast Journalism, to be published this May.

Beginning in May, NPR's Steve Inskeep and NPR's Renee Montagne will serve as interim hosts of Morning Edition pending selection of Edwards' successor.