KPR announces new ‘Morning Edition’ host

LAWRENCE —  Kansas Public Radio has welcomed a new program host with deep roots in public radio.

Matthew Algeo began as KPR’s new “Morning Edition” host on Memorial Day, May 26.

Algeo has hosted public radio programs on stations in Seattle, Minnesota, St. Louis, Maine and Rhode Island. He has also worked on NPR’s Newscast desk, writing and editing anchor copy.

In addition to his radio experience, Algeo is also the author of eight books, including “Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure,” which tells the story of a road trip Harry and Bess Truman took shortly after leaving the White House. Algeo has also written for many major publications including The Atlantic, The New York Times and The Washington Post.

For the past 20 years, Algeo has been traveling the world with his wife, Allyson, who will soon retire from the U.S. Foreign Service. They have lived in Mali, Italy, Mongolia, Mozambique, Bosnia and, most recently, Botswana. They have a daughter, Zaya.

Algeo is originally from Philadelphia and holds a degree in folklore from the University of Pennsylvania. He’s also worked as a convenience store clerk, a Halloween costume salesman and a hot dog vendor in a traveling circus.

“I am thrilled to join Kansas Public Radio,” Algeo said. “I believe deeply in the mission of public radio and in the importance of local news. My family will put down deep roots here, and we look forward to engaging with the many vibrant communities that KPR serves.”

Algeo added, “I am painfully aware and slightly ashamed to say I am not a native Kansan, and I hope KPR’s listeners will be forgiving if I mispronounce a name or two as I find my footing. And I’m sure they won’t hesitate to correct me if I do.”

KPR, a 22-time winner of the KAB’s Station of the Year, licensed to the University of Kansas, broadcasts on 91.5 FM and 96.1 FM (KPR2) in Lawrence, 89.7 FM in Emporia, 91.3 FM in Olsburg-Junction City, 89.9 FM in Atchison, 90.3 FM in Chanute, and 99.5 FM and 97.9 FM (KPR2) in Manhattan. KPR can be heard online on the KPR website, and KPR2, a news-talk programming stream, which can be heard on an HD receiver or on KPR’s website.