The New Yorker Radio Hour: "Coming Soon"

Release Date: October 17, 2015
Host: David Remnick
Produced by: WNYC Studios & The New Yorker

Episode Overview

This episode introduces The New Yorker Radio Hour, a new experiment in radio hosted by David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker. Remnick outlines the show's ambitions to deliver storytelling, profiles, humor, and in-depth conversations, drawing inspiration from the magazine but promising a unique audio experience. The episode teases the range of stories and voices listeners can expect, emphasizing exploration of ideas central to contemporary life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Show’s Concept & Vision

• David Remnick describes the podcast as an "experiment" rather than a simple extension of the magazine or website.
  • Quote: “This won't be an audio version of the magazine or the website. It'll be its own thing.” (David Remnick, 00:27)
• The show promises:
  • Weekly stories, profiles, and humor inspired by The New Yorker.
  • In-depth conversations with writers, artists, and editors from the magazine at their One World Trade Center offices.
  • Topics that range from the national to the deeply personal.

2. Preview of Content and Tone

• The episode provides glimpses of what’s to come:
  • Playful banter, e.g., “You like dogs or cats better.” (Guest, 00:39)
  • Serious, provocative discussions on identity and society:
    • Quote: “I was the dream of Malcolm X, that we could separate ourselves, that we could divorce ourselves from what this was.” (Guest, 00:43)
    • Remnick challenges the guest: “Do you want that?” (David Remnick, 00:48)
    • Guest: “I want that.” (Guest, 00:49)
  • Human interest stories:
    • “One of the first things Nina told me was that Bob Dylan really loved your father.” (Host/Producer, 00:55)
  • Urban tales and local flavor:
    • “How much money have you found this year on the streets of New York? My total is $36.52...” (David Remnick, 01:02)

3. International Reach

• Coverage and reporting will not be limited to New York:
  • “Are you still in Cuba?" (Host/Producer, 01:11)
  • “Yeah, I’m in Santiago de Cuba.” (David Remnick, 01:13)

4. Personal Connection to Radio

• Remnick shares his lifelong love of radio, rooted in childhood insomnia:
  • Quote: “I’ve listened to radio all my life. And there was a good reason for that. I was a childhood insomniac... Radio brought me to other worlds.” (David Remnick, 01:14, 01:36)
  • He references the impact of legendary radio figures Bob Fass and Long John Neville, and the storytelling power of music radio.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• David Remnick on the Show’s Purpose:
  “We’re going to bring you stories and profiles and humor, all of it inspired somehow by the New Yorker magazine.” (00:12)
• Guest on Separation & Identity:
  “I was the dream of Malcolm X, that we could separate ourselves, that we could divorce ourselves from what this was.” (00:43)
• Remnick on Radio as Exploration:
  “Radio brought me to other worlds. And that's what we'll try to do for you.” (01:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:06 — David Remnick introduces himself and what listeners can expect
• 00:12-00:39 — Outline of the show’s experimental nature and content preview
• 00:40-00:49 — Sampling an in-depth conversation about identity
• 00:55-01:11 — Teasing upcoming human stories and city reporting
• 01:13-01:47 — Remnick’s personal radio inspirations and the ambition to transport listeners
• 01:52 — Closing note on where to subscribe and listen

Tone & Style

• The episode maintains an inviting, intelligent, and slightly playful tone, reflecting the ethos of The New Yorker magazine.
• Combining thoughtful curiosity with a touch of whimsy, e.g., shifting from debates about cats vs dogs to conversations about social identity and urban curiosities.

Conclusion

This “Coming Soon” episode sets expectations for a smart, wide-ranging, and uniquely New Yorker take on radio storytelling. Remnick and his team promise to illuminate, provoke, and delight—while making radio “its own thing,” just as the magazine has always done in print.