RICHARD LEDERER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

CREATED A WAY WITH WORDS

SAN DIEGO - Richard Lederer, the founding co-host of KPBS-FM’s popular weekly language program “A Way with Words,” is retiring at the end of October. Lederer, who announced his retirement during “Morning Edition” today, has been a part of the program since its inception in 1998.
“After eight wonderful years with ‘A Way with Words,’ I have decided to retire as co-host,” said Lederer. “My involvement since the start of the show in 1998 has been one of the best things I have ever done in my life. I am grateful beyond words to the KPBS family for its unstinting support of ‘A Way with Words’ and to our San Diego, Wisconsin, and podcast audiences for their enthusiastic response to our word-happy hour.”

While Lederer is stepping down from the day-to-day duties of hosting the weekly radio program, he will not be completely absent from “A Way with Words.” Lederer has been appointed “verbivore emeritus” and will appear on the program with Martha Barnette from time to time.

“I plan to focus my life more on my writing and public appearances and look forward to a continued involvement as ‘verbivore emeritus’ with ‘A Way with Words,’” Lederer continued. “I am confident that the talented and dedicated team that remains with the program will take ‘A Way with Words’ to new heights.”

In addition, Lederer will remain an integral part of the KPBS family, appearing at events, writing for On Air magazine and helping the public broadcasting station during membership campaigns.

The first new “A Way with Words” program featuring Martha Barnette will air November 18. Martha joined Lederer as the co-host in the fall of 2004.

KPBS is a public service of San Diego State University, serving the region with TV, radio and internet content that is educational as well as entertaining – and free of commercial interruption. KPBS-FM is found at 89.5 in San Diego, and Borrago Springs. KPBS-TV can be viewed at channel 15 over the air and satellite, and on channel 11 on most San Diego cable systems. KPBS-HD is also available over the air and on cable systems in the county.