USA Today Network Ohio reporter Anna Staver named new host of WOSU's 'All Sides'
USA Today Network Ohio Bureau reporter Anna Staver has been chosen as the new host of WOSU Public Media's "All Sides." She succeeds longtime host Ann Fisher, who retired on May 26 after 14 years.
Staver will serve as host of the station’s flagship program, a daily public affairs talk show covering important issues and events that shape life in central Ohio.
The USA Today Network Ohio Bureau covers state politics for the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and other papers across the state. During her four years at the bureau, Staver wrote probing stories about the Ohio Statehouse, covering topics from school finance, gun control and budgets, to public pensions and legislative races.
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“I have a passion for helping people make sense of their government. My favorite stories to pursue are the ones that others might label too complicated or opaque or too in the weeds for people to care," said Staver, who has contributed to "All Sides" on several broadcasts and hosted the USA TODAY Network's "Ohio Politics Explained" podcast.
"I firmly believe that if a subject is important, it can also be interesting. I’m excited to bring that passion to WOSU and help our listeners better understand their government and their world," she said.
The winner of a Heartland Emmy for best politics/government reporting, Staver's extensive résumé includes stints at The Denver Post, 9NEWS in Colorado, The Statesman Journal and The Idaho Press Tribune.
Her other honors include a best writing award from the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association. She also earned a certificate in school finance from Georgetown University.
“We’re excited to welcome Anna to WOSU. Her journalism experience, strong knowledge of Ohio and creative ability to connect with listeners will help 'All Sides' grow," WOSU Chief Content Director of Radio Mike Thompson said in a press release.
USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau Chief Anthony Shoemaker described Staver as a reporter with a zeal for getting "into the weeds" and discovering how Ohioans' lives will be impacted by lawmakers' decisions.
“(Staver) loves to use multiple platforms to reach the public. From hosting our political podcast to doing live interviews, she can do it all," Shoemaker said. "We will miss her on our team, but she’s still here informing the people of Ohio about the issues that matter and that’s what’s most important.”
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Staver's final day with the bureau will be Oct. 6, and she will begin as an WOSU employee on Oct. 23, though her hosting duties will start at a later date.
"I hope folks will come to think of me as a trusted source, a person who can provide context, challenge assumptions and sometimes spark a little creativity," said Staver.
"All Sides" with Anna Staver will be aired on WOSU on weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 8-10 p.m. on 89.7 NPR News. Listeners can contribute to live conversations and submit questions via telephone, e-mail, Facebook and Twitter.
bpaschal@dispatch.com
Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: USA Today Network Ohio reporter Anna Staver to host WOSU's 'All Sides'
