WOSU 'All Sides' host Ann Fisher to retire
One of the most recognizable voices in Columbus radio will leave the airwaves when Ann Fisher retires on May 26.
The host of WOSU Public Media's "All Sides with Ann Fisher" since 2009, she said she will miss "the culture of daily news," as well as her co-workers and listeners.
'Pillar of the community': Radio host Ann Fisher retires, reflects on career
"I've been in daily news most of my career, many years in newspaper, and what we do now is daily news," she said. "I feed off that."
Ann Fisher's career
Prior to switching to broadcast journalism, Fisher spent three decades in the newspaper industry, including a stint at The Columbus Dispatch, where she covered Appalachia, sat on the editorial board, served as state editor for six years and wrote a metro column for more than three years.
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Fisher also worked for the Grand Rapids Press and the Toledo Blade. "I love the energy of the newsroom," she said.
Fisher said there have been many highlights during her years with WOSU.
"I think the best thing is when we've been able to cover breaking news during the show. We had a show the day they ruled on Obamacare (in 2021); that was really exciting. We also were on the air when the (knife)-wielding attacker was on campus," she said, recalling the 2016 incident.
"I've interviewed a lot of famous people, too, but sometimes, my favorite interviews were with not-so-famous people."
Fisher also is one of numerous media professionals involved with Columbus City Schools’ Columbus Journalists in Training program. Sponsored by The Dispatch and Central Ohio Society of Professional Journalists chapter, the program combines two things she loves: her profession and the youth following in her footsteps.
"I'm a big believer in trying to attract people to the profession and I love young people," she said. "So, it was a no-brainer."
As for what the future holds, Fisher hasn't settled on that yet. "I'm going to see what the universe brings me," she said. "My natural inclination is worrying and planning, but I'm not going to do that. I'm going to be in the moment."
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ann Fisher host of All Sides on WOSU to retire on May 26
