COOKEVILLE – Originating “Local Matters” host Judy Duke will step away from her duties as host of the show at the end of 2019.
Duke spent more than two years presenting the stories behind the lives of local neighbors and friends every Monday afternoon at 5:30 p.m.
To honor Duke’s tenure on the show, News Talk 94.1 will present “Thanks Judy” from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.
The day will feature some of Judy’s very best interviews with local people. And the tables will be turned, as Stonecom President Larry Stone interviews Duke about her fascinating life in education and entertainment.
The one-hour interview will be the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving special airing at 12 noon Thursday.
“When we first described the idea of “Local Matters,” Judy was the first name we thought of,” Stonecom Operations Manager Marcia Lee said. “She has built a strong tradition in the role and we will miss her.”
“Local Matters” features local people on issues from health to education to religion every weekday at 5:30 p.m.
Local Matters Mondays will be taken over by Lewis Matheny, local historian and preserver of Upper Cumberland life. Duke will interview him during her final show Dec. 16. He begins Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Matheny joins Dr. Bob Bell who focuses on education each Tuesday, Tiffany Anton hosts each Wednesday as she interviews local business leaders. Local Matters Thursday focuses on health. Friday’s Local Matters discusses living a spiritual life with Ron Allen and Dwight Henry.
“Thanks Judy” airs Thanksgiving Day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600. The “Local Matters” podcast airs on NewsTalk941.Com.
News Talk 94.1 is a division of Stonecom, home to Lite Rock 95.9, 106-9 Kicks Country,
Rock 93-7 and UCSportsNation.Com.
