The State of Things is a radio

Radio

Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...

 talk show

Talk show

A talk show or chat show is a television program or radio program where one person discuss various topics put forth by a talk show host....

 produced by North Carolina Public Radio

North Carolina Public Radio

North Carolina Public Radio is a public radio network based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and operated by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It broadcasts NPR, American Public Media, Public Radio International, and BBC programming in an "all-news-and-information" format...

. The show airs live at 12 noon Eastern time Monday through Friday, and is rebroadcast Monday through Thursday at 9 PM. Hosted by Frank Stasio

Frank Stasio

Frank Stasio is an American talk radio host. He currently hosts The State of Things on North Carolina Public Radio. Prior to The State of Things, Stasio worked for National Public Radio on All Things Considered as an associate producer and as a newscaster, and on Talk of the Nation as a guest host,...

since June 2006, the show concentrates on topics of local or regional interest.

Format

The program is divided into three segments spanning the show's hour-long timeslot. While segments generally focus on different topics, some shows may devote two or more segments to a single topic.

Segment A

This portion of the show runs for 12 minutes and typically deals with a recent news item of particular importance to the state. Some examples include:

• The start of a NOAA research expedition to explore sunken German U-boats off the North Carolina coast. ("Preserving the Graveyard of the Atlantic")
• An announcement by Wake Forest University that applicants will no longer be required to submit SAT or ACT scores. ("Wake drops SAT, ACT")
• The launch of an ad campaign calling attention to alleged abusive labor practices at Smithfield Foods. ("Smithfield Justice Ad Campaign")

Segment B

This is the longest portion of the show, clocking in at 20 minutes. Because of the extra time, topics chosen for this segment often warrant deeper exploration and discussion by host and guests. Some examples include:

• A retrospective talk with former UNC Chancellor James Moeser. ("A Conversation With the Chancellor")
• A new publishing house's effort to inject life into Durham's literary scene ("Bull City Lit")

Segment C

The last segment of the show runs 17-and-a-half minutes. Frequently, topics chosen for this segment are more arts-centered than A or B segments, though the staff occasionally chooses to examine an off-beat or unusual topic during this timeslot. Some examples include:

• A comic "klatch" involving a group of North Carolina comic-strip authors who publish their work on the Internet. ("WebComic Coffee Klatch")
• Playwrights from a drama festival in Carrboro sharing the secrets of writing a short play. ("Ten By Ten in the Triangle")
• A look at a new novel in the Southern magic-realist genre. ("The Sugar Queen")

Participation

The show accepts both telephone calls and e-mails during the live broadcast. Listeners are also encouraged to submit ideas for future segments.