Fiona Ritchie’s weekly NPR show The Thistle & Shamrock will end Sept. 30 after more than 40 years.
Ritchie revealed the show’s end in a note to listeners on NPR’s website Friday.
The Thistle & Shamrock airs on 237 member stations, delving into new and traditional Celtic music through interviews with singers, songwriters and music experts, a news release said.
The program debuted on American Public Radio in 1983 before changing to NPR in 1990, according to the release. In 2003, the show offered NPR’s first free MP3 download.
“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 news release, Ritchie estimated that she has shared 30,000 music tracks while having 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. She has six World Medals from the New York Festivals’ International Competition for Radio Programming along with a Flora Macdonald award from St. Andrews University, the release said.
“The history of NPR is defined by shows like The Thistle & Shamrock,” said Keith Jenkins, NPR’s VP of Visuals and Strategy, in the 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.”
I could just listen to Fiona Ritchie talk for an hour and not even play any songs.
Congratulations on four decades of magic, and a well-earned retirement. While it’s hard to imagine an NPR without the Thistle & Shamrock, it’s as hard to think it’s been going on for that long, even though I’ve been aware of much of it. Thanks for every second, it’s been amazing, and the world is definitely a better place because of your efforts.
Your show has been a weekly staple in my life. You will be missed
No. Don’t stop. You’ll be back.
This is sad.
Good grief! More than sad. It doesn’t look like your station is looking for a replacement (not that anyone can replace Fiona). I didn’t realize her show was leaving until I couldn’t find it, and thought to look online. I was peeved back in the 1990’s when its time slot got changed, and then again when it got changed to Sunday nights. I followed it from station to station and time slot to time slot. I can’t imagine there isn’t some creative radio person just champing at the bit to take over this spot – and not the one that’s there now. They don’t have me as an audience. I want to hear Celtic music and interviews. With the upcoming election, it makes me very depressed not to be able to listen to Fiona tonight.
While I wish your well, Fiona, in your future endeavors, I wish you could have produced a Selkie to take over. Although not as dependable as you, could create a new perspective.
Good fortune to both Fiona and whatever radio station is inclined to employ a “replacement” Celtic program.
Cheers!
So very much miss Fiona, her guests and the music. I am lucky to have in that my local WFUV.Org has Irish Sunday, which is quite good,
However, the broader reach into Scotland was glorious, much appreciated and greatly missed . Grateful for the past but hopeful for things to come.