Hello there,

Jonathan Dyer here, On Point’s new Executive Producer, with a few words about why I am delighted to be with this show — and some insights about what we’re working on at the new On Point.

I have spent what seems like a lifetime making newsmagazine shows. And given that I started my broadcast journalism career producing the BBC World Service’s Newshour, at a time when editing meant razor blade and reel-to-reel tape, it might actually be a lifetime. My most satisfying days at the helm of a show have always been when a story warranted taking up most, if not all, of that day’s output. We could explore every angle and bring in every voice, from the academic with deep knowledge and insight to the person on the ground with lived experience, and spend time to dive deeper to explore a story through the prism of history or culture and peel away the layers to reveal the essential truth at the heart of it.

So, I am truly excited to be leading the talented team behind the new On Point. I get to do that deep dive thing every day. We get to explore a story with so much more nuance than you would in a traditional magazine show. And we’re investing more time, enterprise reporting and storytelling craft into each minute.

Case in point: our April 16 edition looking at the trial of former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, from the perspective of 30 years ago when four Los Angeles police officers went on trial for beating Rodney King. Hearing the recollection of Rodney King’s daughter, and John Burris, the civil rights attorney who represented Rodney King in his civil lawsuit against the LAPD in 1994, speak about what has and hasn’t changed in America between then and now was nothing short of compelling.

We were thrilled to learn last week that the RTNDA has recognized On Point with a regional Murrow Award for best News Documentary for What The President Knew, through our home station WBUR. And while we are not a documentary program, we are able to bring the kind of depth and original perspective that can win us an award for news documentary. I think that’s something a daily show can brag about.

I’m also really proud of our new series, Amazon: The Prime Effect, exploring the myriad ways Amazon is shaping how we live and work today. This series came directly from Host Meghna Chakrabarti — she is smart, conversational, eager to connect with real people to get their take and experts who can answer her probing questions. I think it’s a great showcase for the kind of revealing, impactful, smartly produced journalism that is On Point’s signature. Look out for that as it rolls out through the summer.

If you have feedback or questions about the show, please reach out to your station relations representative – they’re always interested to hear from you! Keep an eye out for future communications from the On Point team – you’ll be hearing from us every few months. And thanks.

Jonathan Dyer
Executive Producer, On Point