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For millions of listeners, Bob Edwards is public radio. During his 30 years hosting news programs at NPR, he created a bond with listeners that has no match in public broadcasting. As host of NPR's MORNING EDITION for nearly 25 years, Edwards built the largest weekly audience in morning broadcasting — radio or television.

Edwards' newest adventure in public radio is BOB EDWARDS WEEKEND, an in-depth interview program that reflects the style of its host. The program's interviews are closer to conversations — thought-provoking rather than gratuitously provocative, frank rather than confrontational. And the new format gives Edwards more time to be himself. It's the same understated, calm style listeners are familiar with, but they get to hear a more personal side of Edwards. The interviews reflect his interests, his wry wit, and his sense of humor.

The new format is looser. The length of an interview is determined by its quality, not whether it fits into some pre-determined program segment. Some interviews run five minutes, others an hour. Each week, the two one-hour programs feature newsmakers, historians, authors, artists, musicians, business leaders, scientists, actors and other folks with something interesting to say. Each hour includes a variety of interviews and sound — music, readings and film clips — to create solid, compelling radio.

Bob Edwards, a valued and respected journalist, has extraordinary rapport with guests and listeners. He understands that public radio audiences want to hear conversations that are intelligent, entertaining and interesting. Interviews have ranged from author Joyce Carol Oates to former President Jimmy Carter; from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, to actors George Clooney and David Strathairn; from opera singer Renee Fleming to rocker Jeff Tweedy.

And Edwards travels the country. He produced a program in Oklahoma City on the tenth anniversary of the bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. He interviewed Studs Terkel at his home in Chicago. He talked to bands and filmmakers at the South By Southwest Festival in Austin, TX, and he visited the Homegirl Café in Los Angeles to talk to former gang members and the priest who helps them turn their lives around.

BOB EDWARDS WEEKEND grew out of Bob's love for public radio. This new partnership with PRI adds a rich dimension to WNED-AM’s weekend schedule and will be welcomed enthusiastically by his millions of loyal fans.

BOB EDWARDS WEEKEND is produced by XM Satellite Radio and distributed nationwide by Public Radio International.