KRFY to kick off new Friday news program

Want to get more local news ... or just want to hear a different take on the latest headlines from local journalists and observers?

Then 88.5 KRFY, Sandpoint's nonprofit community radio station, has something for you coming every week, starting this Friday. That's when the station launches a new program, "News of the Week," airing live each Friday at 8 a.m.

The new show will feature rotating program hosts and local journalists, on various occasions with Daily Bee reporters including Lauren Reichenbach. They'll provide a rundown of the biggest local stories of the week, plus some insights from the journalists who cover the news.

"The idea is to provide a place where listeners can tune in and get up to speed on local news they may have missed during the week," said KRFY associate station manager Jack Peterson.

Peterson will serve as one of the "News of the Week" program hosts, in rotation with three other volunteer KRFY broadcasters, Will Love, Mark Warren and Chris Bessler. Along with Daily Bee reporters, Zach Hagadone of the Sandpoint Reader will be a regular; Peterson said other current and retired journalists will be invited, and the program will occasionally include guest interviews with various officials and newsmakers from around the region.

"We want the show to raise interest in local news and help our local residents be better informed," said Peterson. "We have a pair of excellent local newspapers for such a small town, and we hope the brief treatment we can provide with 'News of the Week' gets residents picking up their local papers to get the in-depth journalism that fuels good decision-making by our local governments and leaders."

Peterson added that "News of the Week" is a test balloon for KRFY; the contributors are committing to a three-month trial, and intend to then evaluate whether the program is providing a worthwhile service to be continued.

Information: krfy.org