ON POINT
Revealing conversations on the most pressing issues of the day.
On Point helps listeners understand how the world works, at a time the world is more complex than ever. Its unique, curiosity-driven combination of original reporting, first-person stories, sound design, and in depth live analysis creates an experience that strives to make the world more intelligible and humane.
“Meghna, I have never heard anyone that matches you. You are the ultimate host and interviewer. You strike the absolutely perfect balance in covering a subject in superb detail, but do so in a such a reasonable, humane, balanced and informed manner.”
-Bill, On Point Listener
“My friends and I think you [Meghna] are a rock star. You took a good show and made it the Gold Standard. The subjects are better. The guests are more accessible. And the host is divinely feisty. I love how you push back. You demand the answers that I used to pathetically scream at my radio.”
-Alex, On Point Listener
“This is a stunningly fabulous show! Meghna Chakrabarti and her guests — each one as solid and knowledgeable and brilliant as the others — were wonderful. Thank you. These programs are consistently excellent and I wish I got a chance to listen to more of them. Thank you for all your fine work.”
-Nancy, On Point listener
Host
Meghna Chakrabarti
Length
00:59:00
Frequency
Ongoing, weekdays
Producers
Jonathan Dyer, Executive Producer
Jonathan Dyer has been On Point’s Executive Producer since February 2021. Prior to that he was Managing Editor of the public radio show The World and played a key role on the team that devised and launched The Takeaway. During his time with On Point, the show has been awarded a National Edward R Murrow Award in the news documentary category as well as a Gracie Award in the radio documentary category. Jonathan says “On Point is not a documentary series, but these honors show the power of what a show like ours can do and how we can reimagine what it means to do daily journalism.”
Eileen Imada, Senior Managing Producer
James Ross, Senior Technical Director
Resources
- WBUR Program Website
- ContentDepot
- Listen to a sample episode
- Listen to a sizzle reel
- Read about program updates on our blog
- Request a cutaway
Listener Inquiries
617-353-0683
onpoint@wbur.org
Social Media
On-Air Promos
- Download daily & generic promos from ContentDepot
- Need a custom promo spot? Please complete our form.
Fundraising
On Point is happy to assist you in fundraising and offers stations ONE cutaway by request between :33–:35; with a rejoin at :40. Requests for this cutaway should be submitted via this request form. Please give at least 2 weeks’ advanced notice. As always, listen for the outcue, “I’m [HOST]. This is On Point.”
During Coordinated Fundraising Weeks, cutaways will continue to be scheduled as follows:
- Cutaway between :33–:35; Rejoin at :40.
- Cutaway between :52–:54; Goes until the end of the program—no rejoin.
Upcoming coordinated fundraising weeks:
- December 10 - 16, 2022
- March 18 - 24, 2023
- September 9 - 15, 2023
- December 9 - 15, 2023
Find fundraising episodes, segments and promos on ContentDepot.
Find suggested pitch pointsfor your on-air fundraising.
Marketing Tools
Promote your On Point broadcasts with customizable tune-in ads
Don't see what you need, or need a different format? Our creative team is happy to help. Please submit a request.
Meghna Chakrabarti
Host, On Point
Meghna Chakrabarti is host and editor. Her curiosity and empathy is a signature element of On Point and she has won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the Associated Press, and the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation for her reporting and hosting. Previously, Meghna was the host of Radio Boston, WBUR’s acclaimed local weekday show. She was also the host of Modern Love: The Podcast, a collaboration of WBUR and The New York Times (2016-2020). A former fellow at the Metcalf Institute for Environmental Reporting, Meghna holds bachelors degrees in civil and environmental engineering from Oregon State University, as well as a master’s degree in environmental science and risk management from Harvard University, and an MBA from Boston University. She is the mother of two bright sparks, and the lucky spouse of a wise and patient man.
Follow Meghna on Twitter @MeghnaWBUR
Host Photos
Show Logos
Program logos and digital assets cannot be altered or co-branded (with your station logo, etc.) without APM approval. Don't see what you need, or need a different format? Our creative team is happy to help. Please submit a request.
On Point airs weekdays and is available via ContentDepot
Air window: Weekdays 10:00 a.m. ET - 11:59 p.m. ET
Please refer to the Rundown for full details.
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Essential Trust: What Trust Is, Why We Need it, and What Happens When It’s Lost
Trust is a bond. It holds everything from families to entire nations together. But are we living in a world where those bonds are breaking? In this five-part series Essential Trust: What Trust Is, Why We Need It and What Happens When It’s Lost we explore how trust is created from the neural networks of an individual human brain, to institutions and societies at large. How do we rebuild trust once it’s broken? And why is trust so essential for our survival?
Each epsiode is one-hour.
Access all files on ContentDepot
Episode 1: Trust in the Animal Kingdom
Available: April 3 - September 4, 2023
It’s easy to think that evolution rewards ruthlessness, but is trust the train that allowed humanity to survive and thrive? We look to the animal world for answers
Episode 2: The Brain Science of Trust
Available: April 4 - September 4, 2023
What happens in our brains when we trust someone? Neuroscientists explain how our brains process trust, and why it’s worth the risk.
Episode 3: Lessons from Brazil’s Trust Crisis
Available: April 5 - September 4, 2023
For decades Brazil has ranked near the bottom of surveys that assess trust in society. In one recent survey, 63% of citizens said they distrust their communities, compared to 20% in the U.S. What has led to such low levels of trust in Brazil, and what impact has this had?
Episode 4: How Healthy Skepticism Builds Trust
Available: April 6 - September 4, 2023
Trust is essential to a functioning society. But absolute trust is risky, too. We examine the role of skepticism in the act of trusting. How do we strike the right balance to achieve a good life and a good society?
Episode 5: How to Rebuild Trust in America
Available: April 7 - September 4, 2023
Trust — in our institutions, our leaders, in each other — can erode away. But trust can also be rebuilt, even after devastating events. How can humans rebuild trust?
ContentDepot File Transfer
Preview available: If available, two weeks prior to first air window opening
Promo spot available: One week prior to each episode air window
Program rundown available: One day before each episode air window
Date content will be uploaded: One day before each episode
Special Series Broadcast Rights
Available to all APM affiliates. Affiliate stations may carry each episode multiple times before the air window closes. The program must be carried in its entirety - no excerpting is permitted. Simulcast streaming rights are available for this program. Prior to carrying this program, stations must contact their American Public Media Station Relations Representative.
Research
On Point is heard by 1.5 million listeners each week.*
- 49% female, 51% male.
- Median age of 62, with 33% between the ages of 25 – 54.
- 72% hold bachelor’s degree or higher.
- 55% have an annual household income of $75,000 or more
*Source: ACT1 Systems based on Nielsen Audio Nationwide DMA P12+ Audience Estimates, Spring 2022
Broadcast Rights
Full broadcast rights for this program can be viewed and downloaded here. Prior to carrying this series, stations must confirm carriage with American Public Media.
Questions about carrying On Point or your affiliation?