Rhode Island PBS announced this week that Hummel Report host Jim Hummel will be new moderator to the public affairs program “A Lively Experiment.”
A Lively Experiment will also introduce a modified format. The changes begin Friday, September 23, 2016.
“We are excited to have Jim as the program’s new host,” said WSBE President David W. Piccerelli. “Jim’s award-winning background in investigative reporting and his inquisitive nature will stimulate lively debate and thought provoking conversation.”
The show’s format will now include two to four panelists discussing local politics. New to the format will be introduction of a pre-produced interview or story package featuring content to be discussed by the panel.
“I’m excited to be an integral part in the next chapter of A Lively Experiment’s nearly 30-year history,” Hummel said. “We have a great team in place that will be working every week to make this the premiere weekend public affairs show in our market and must-watch television for both public officials – and those who are watching them.”
“We plan to build on what has always made Lively unique in this market,” Hummel continued. “The broad array of panelists who bring a depth of knowledge across many fields to the program every week. Our viewers can also look for some changes as we get settled in this fall.”
Jim Hummel is executive director and senior investigator of The Hummel Report, heard every week on WPRO. Known for his WLNE-TV/ABC6 You Paid for It segments, Mr. Hummel spent 13 years as chief reporter for ABC6, and 13 years at The Providence Journal. In his career, Mr. Hummel earned the Radio and Television News Directors Association’s prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting.
Hummel is only the fourth permanent moderator in the show’s 29-year history. Former WPRO host Steve Kass moderated the show from 1987 until 2005, when he accepted a position in then-Governor Donald Carcieri’s administration. James Hagan, former president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, moderated the show from 2006 until Dyana Koelsch took over in 2011.
