Some sad news as we are midway into summer:
Fiona Ritchie's weekly NPR show The Thistle & Shamrock will end production on September 30 after over 40 years. This marks the conclusion of a beloved program that has been a longstanding favorite among WHRV listeners, airing on and off over the last three decades. As you can imagine, we here at WHRO were equally surprised to learn of the show's plan to sunset at the end of summer.
Along with WHRV, Thistle & Shamrock airs on an additional 236 member stations, delving into new and traditional Celtic music through interviews with singers, songwriters, and music experts.
"Gathering together through music, in person and on the radio, offers a space for empathy and understanding, a bridge across the barriers of language, custom, and even time," Ritchie said in her note. "Radio is magical in that way."
"When I'm asked what I like least about my work, there's only ever been one answer: the relentless weekly deadlines!" she added. "Now I want to continue to develop my other interests, including perhaps creating radio moments with more breathing space in between."
In the official news release, Ritchie estimated that she had shared 30,000 music tracks while hosting 400 guests and 200 live performances on the program. Ritchie is a Folk Radio Hall of Fame inductee and a Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame inductee. The release said she has six World Medals from the New York Festivals' International Competition for Radio Programming and a Flora Macdonald award from St. Andrews University.
"The history of NPR is defined by shows like The Thistle & Shamrock," said Keith Jenkins, NPR's VP of Visuals and Strategy, in the official release. "The sense of wonder, joy, and discovery that Fiona's show brought to listeners for over 40 years is irreplaceable, but we are eternally grateful we've all been able to take this musical journey with her."
So, while Thistle and Shamrock will be leaving WHRV's Sunday evening 6-7 p.m. lineup, we wish Fiona the best in the next chapter of her career and will deeply miss the void she leaves in the Celtic and folk music space. WHRV will announce a new show for Sunday's 6-7 p.m. lineup soon.
On behalf of the staff of WHRO Public Media, our members and supporters, and the countless artists who've called Thistle & Shamrock 'home,' we'll miss you, Fiona!