DC Radio: Diane Rehm Signs-Off At WAMU, NPR

After 37 years, it's the end of an era. Radio icon Diane Rehm hosted her final live show Friday morning at WAMU 88.5. Her broadcast is produced locally but it is heard by nearly three million loyal listeners each week on 200 NPR stations across the country.

Since her WAMU debut in 1979, Rehm has been celebrated for fostering civil discourse about a range of important topics.

“She brought a kind of directness and fearlessness with people who are in power and empathy for people who don't have power,” said WAMU General Manager JJ Yore.

Diane Rehm

According to WJLA-TV7, she received calls from author Isabel Wilkerson, journalist John Dickerson, Sen. Cory Booker and singer/actress Julie Andrews. She was even serenaded by Judy Collins, who sang “There Are Places I Remember.” Collins also sang “Amazing Grace” at Rehm’s request.

Listeners told her how much they valued her program. Some became emotional as they thanked her for her many years on the radio.

In the new year, Rehm's timeslot will feature a new WAMU show, called "1A,” hosted by Joshua Johnson. It will also be distributed to many NPR stations across the country.

Meanwhile, Rehm insists she is not retiring.

“I am simply stepping away from the daily microphone because it's time,” she told her audience.
The 80-year-old host plans to continue working at WAMU. In fact, she will soon start a podcast.