NPR Great Susan Stamberg spends time with KPBX

Spokane Public Radio kicked off its 20th Anniversary Sept. 23, 1999 at the Met with “The Mother of NPR” Susan Stamberg, and music by piano quartet Tedesca.

Stamberg spoke about old radio ghosts, and whether public radio really has a future. Her talk was interspersed with unusual anecdotes, including ‘what Bob Edwards is really like.’ After the talk and performance, Cobblestone Bakery provided their delicious raspberry bars, and Caterina Winery served a selection of wines.

George Cole, the "Father of KPBX," addresses the first supporters of Spokane Public Radio.

Susan Stamberg meets Susan Cole, who lived for several years with fledgling radio station KPBX in her basement.

Underwriting the event were Avista Corporation, Express Personnel, and Spokane Chrysler Plymouth. Thanks also to NPR, the Piano Technician Guild, Franklin Park Florists, American Linen, Flower Design, Peerless Sunpuft, Hotel Lusso, Auntie’s Bookstore, Luna, and the event volunteers.

The evening began with a special reception for the Charter Members of KPBX. Those who gave their financial support to bring KPBX to the airwaves met with Susan Stamberg, and George Cole, the man who began the first version of KPBX back in the 1970s from his home basement. (See the history of KPBX for the story.)

Cameo Catering and Events hosted the reception, which featured jazz by pianist Danny McCollim and bassist Brian Flick. The reception was made possible by Lukins & Annis PS.

About Susan Stamberg:

Quirky. Friendly. Down-to-earth. A great sense of humor. These are only a few descriptions of Susan Stamberg, the award-winning journalist who has been part of National Public Radio since the network began 28 years ago.

Novelist E.L. Doctorow called Stamberg “the closest thing to an enlightened humanist on the radio,” because of her conversational style, sassy intelligence, and knack for finding an unusual angle to a story. She has been honored with every major award in broadcasting, including induction into both the Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame.

For years, millions of people ended their workday by listening to her voice on the evening newsmagazine All Things Considered. She was one of the pioneers of National Public Radio, and the first woman to anchor a national nightly news program. She has been the guest host for several NPR programs, including Morning Edition, Weekend Edition Saturday and the quiz show Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me.

Doug Berman, producer for both Wait, Wait and Car Talk, agrees that Stamberg has a wonderful sense of humor. “The scores of a certain segment of the show are named after the first people who achieved those scores … so for the first year, zero right was called ‘a Stamberg.’ When she guest-hosted, she was very funny in protesting the beginning of the show,” Berman says. “Also, she is really responsible for getting the Car Guys their start on NPR. How’d you like to have THAT hanging over your head!”