Veteran TV journalist named new host of WJCT News radio program 'First Coast Connect'
Veteran Jacksonville journalist Anne Schindler is adding radio to her resume after lengthy stints in local print and TV journalism.
WJCT Public Media announced that Schindler has been named the permanent host of “First Coast Connect,” the daily public affairs program on WJCT News 89.9.
For more than a decade, Schindler has served as an executive producer of special projects for First Coast News, a Times-Union news partner, working both in front of and behind the camera for the local news brand of Jacksonville’s NBC and ABC affiliates.
In her move to WJCT News, Schindler will take over “First Coast Connect” hosting duties following the departure of Melissa Ross, who left the program this summer after 14 years to join Mayor Donna Deegan’s team as director of strategic initiatives and media liaison.
The hourlong weekday call-in show featuring local newsmakers airs at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday.
“Anne has a breadth of knowledge and insight about the First Coast that can only come from decades of on-the-ground experience, and we’re excited to welcome her as the full-time host of the region’s most important daily conversation," said David McGowan, president and CEO of WJCT Public Media. “Adding a journalist of her caliber is another important step in the strengthening of our newsroom team.”
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Before joining First Coast News in 2012, Schindler spent 17 years at Jacksonville’s alternative weekly, Folio Weekly, first as a reporter and later as its editor-in-chief for a decade.
“I arrived in Northeast Florida at a time when Folio Weekly challenged elected officials and highlighted fringe tastemakers in equal measure,” Schindler said. “When I made the move to broadcast journalism, I had the opportunity to dig deeper into big stories. To bring everything I’ve learned to ‘First Coast Connect’ at this moment in our region’s evolution is a dream opportunity. I’m ready to listen — and to ask the hard questions that matter to our audience.”
“First Coast Connect” launched in 2009 with Ross as its first host. Following her departure in June, Al Letson took over as interim host of the show. With his tenure ending Friday, guest hosts will helm the show until Schindler takes over as permanent host on Oct. 30, WJCT said.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Anne Schindler named new host of WJCT News public affairs program
