'The Story' will end with departure of host Dick Gordon

"The Story" will end. Award-winning journalist Dick Gordon has announced that he plans to step away from the popular and nationally syndicated show that he hosted for North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC, and the final broadcast is slated for October 11.

"The Story," co-produced by American Public Media, featured an hour of stories told as long-form conversations. After an eight-year run, Gordon said he would return to his native Canada to be closer to family. He started his career with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

“After 36 years as a journalist and program host, I have decided it’s time to make a change. My mother is getting older and I want to be closer to her at this stage of her life,” Gordon said in a statement from WUNC and APM released Monday. "My daughters are also some distance away in Canada, and I find the tug of family is strong. I’m grateful to WUNC, APM and the listeners and sponsors who made ‘The Story’ possible.” 

“The Story” and its staff have racked up several national awards over the years, including the Harry Chapin Media Award, a number of awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, a Silver Medal from the United Nations for coverage of the war in Iraq, and Best Host for Dick Gordon from the New York Festivals.

APM stated that it would work with stations, including KPCC, to find other programs of equal value and quality to meet audience needs.

“It’s been a wonderful partnership with WUNC over the years,” said Dave Kansas, American Public Media chief operating officer, in the statement. “We respect Dick’s decision and appreciate his contributions, which made ‘The Story’ such a success over the years."