Jim Braude Named New Greater Boston Host
Jim Braude has been named the new host and executive editor of WGBH’s Greater Boston and will assume hosting duties of the nightly news program on March 2.
Braude has a lengthy résumé in local media. He previously hosted The Jim & Margery Show on WTKK before the station was overhauled into an all-music venue. Both Braude and co-host Margery Eagan joined WGBH Radio in 2013 and now co-host the station’s midday news program Boston Public Radio on 89.7 FM. He also pens a column for Boston Globe Magazine.
According to a post on WGBH’s website, Braude will stop hosting his show on NECN, Broadside: The News with Jim Braude, but will continue to co-host Boston Public Radio.
The former political activist takes over the popular local news program from Emily Rooney, who hosted Greater Boston for 18 years. Rooney stepped down from hosting the show in December. She will continue to moderate WGBH’s media affairs program Beat the Press on Fridays.
When reached for comment, Rooney told Boston.com she is “thrilled’’ with the choice.
“Jim is somebody who fits in well at WGBH and with the team,’’ she said in a phone interview. “He’s also been doing a show similar to Greater Boston so it feels like a natural transition.’’
In a letter posted on WGBH’s site, Braude said, “I don’t mind confessing that I’m more than a bit daunted by the prospect of maintaining the high standards Emily has set … I hope you think WGBH made the right choice. I will work hard not to disappoint.’’
WGBH COO Ben Godley said the station is “very pleased’’ that Braude will assume hosting responsibilities and expressed confidence in the new Greater Boston host.
“When Emily made the decision to scale back her hosting duties, we started a comprehensive, national search for a new host who could equal her stature and represent the public trust that New Englanders place in WGBH,’’ said Godley in a statement. “Ultimately, that search ended right in our own newsroom at Jim’s desk, because it was clear that talent was already here.’’
Braude did not immediately return calls for comment.
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