Steve Inskeep, host (with cohost Renee Montague)and Madhulika Sikka, executive producer, of NPR's Morning Edition. Steve Inskeep told students how he began his radio career as a sports announcer. (l-r) Steve Inskeep, David Sahr, Madhulika Sikka. The 8th grade had lots of questions!

NPR’s Morning Edition Makes an Afternoon Appearance

Two of the leading talents of the most widely heard radio program in the US--NPR’s Morning Edition--found an eager audience at NCS.

On Dec. 2, 8th-grade government students heard from NPR Morning Edition Executive Producer Madhulika Sikka and Host Steve Inskeep, in a free-wheeling session that touched upon many aspects of radio journalism.


Sikka explained that Morning Edition is a program designed to “set you up for the day,” a blend of news, current issues, contemporary culture, and the arts. “We try to bring our listeners things they might not know, and new insights into subjects they think they do know,” she said. Sikka, a veteran of ABC’s Nightline, also talked about the difference between television and radio, calling the latter a more "intimate" medium.

After briefly describing their career paths, the two answered students’ questions, many of which were about the interview process. Inskeep explained the importance of really listening, and sometimes even falling silent, describing one session with a subject where there was a 90-second pause.  “Sometimes you just have to be quiet,” he said. Students were also curious how the interviewer’s own beliefs play a part in the interview. Inskeep explained that as a journalist he tries not to express his opinions, but to ask questions from many perspectives, representing many points of view.


The most interesting places they’ve been? “Afghanistan,” said Inskeep.  “Pakistan,” said Sikka.


And the question everyone asks: when does Inskeep get up in the morning? “2:40 am,” he said, adding that it’s worse for his co-host Renee Montague, who’s on the West Coast, who gets up at midnight. Needless to say, both go to sleep early. Morning Edition has a 24-hour staff, which allows Sikka, mother of Priya Millward and Maya Millward in NCS’ 8th and 6th grades, respectively, to keep somewhat more normal hours; she listens to the program each morning to hear what the listener hears.


We are grateful to both Sikka and Inskeep for taking the time to visit NCS, and to Social Sciences Teacher David Sahr who arranged for the session, one in a continuing series of distinguished speakers at our school.

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    • Steve Inskeep, host (with cohost Renee Montague)and Madhulika Sikka, executive producer, of NPR's Morning Edition.

    • Steve Inskeep told students how he began his radio career as a sports announcer.

    • (l-r) Steve Inskeep, David Sahr, Madhulika Sikka.

    • The 8th grade had lots of questions!