A nationwide search conducted by NPR to fill its morning show host position culminated with the hiring of Los Angeles-based personality A Martinez, the organization announced.
Martinez has been the host of Take Two at KPCC in Los Angeles since 2012, before that he spent several years at 710 ESPN as the host of In the Zone. Considered an unlikely candidate to transition to the news/talk format a decade ago, Martinez has carved out a nice career for himself at NPR.
“Nine years ago, I had never listened to public radio. I was about to start a new path that would change my career, and in a deeper way, my perspective on life,” said Martínez. “The time I’ve spent at KPCC proves that public radio journalism can be accessible, relatable and understandable to ANYONE, regardless of their background or educational pedigree.”
Martínez will be joining Steve Inskeep, Noel King, and Rachel Martin on this bi-coastal, 24-hour news operation. He fills the vacancy in the host lineup that was left after David Greene’s departure in 2020.
“We are delighted to have A join the Morning Edition team anchoring from the West Coast. He brings a remarkable record of journalism and empathy that allows him to truly connect with audiences and stories,” said Sarah Gilbert, NPR’s Vice President for News Programming. “He brings intelligence, a sense of humor and a deep curiosity that will fit right in with the show’s commitment to telling distinctive stories that make a difference to our understanding of the world.”
