ProPublica and WBUR’s “On Point” announced this week that they are partnering to bring ProPublica’s deeply reported journalism to the airwaves. The new collaboration will bring listeners special episodes that combine ProPublica’s groundbreaking investigative reporting with the incisive analysis of “On Point.”
The series kicked off Thursday at 10 a.m. Eastern on 90.9 WBUR, Boston’s NPR news station, and will air throughout the day and evening on more than 300 stations coast to coast. The first episode features ProPublica reporter Lisa Song’s investigation “Selling a Mirage,” which reveals the shortcomings of a method of chemical recycling boosted by the plastics industry as a “solution” to the plastic waste crisis.
“On Point” is produced by WBUR and distributed by American Public Media. The show is also available digitally through WBUR’s website, apps and its online archive, in addition to its regular podcast. Leading this partnership between organizations is Katelyn Harrop, a senior producer at WBUR.
“‘On Point’ consistently brings its listeners smart conversations about the most pressing issues of the day,” ProPublica Managing Editor Ginger Thompson said. “It’s an ideal home for ProPublica’s work, and we’re excited about the opportunity this partnership offers to expand our reach and impact.”
“ProPublica’s deep investigative reporting is the perfect partner for ‘On Point’’s signature rigorous analysis and in-depth conversations,” said Meghna Chakrabarti, the show’s host. “This opportunity to join forces will bring our listeners new reporting from across the country on issues that are changing the way we all live.”
Prior collaborations between ProPublica and WBUR include a National Headliner Award-winning investigation into state-funded housing vacancies in Massachusetts and regular appearances of ProPublica reporters on WBUR and NPR’s midday newsmagazine, “Here & Now.”