WJCT Public Media announced the selection of Anne Schindler as the permanent host of “First Coast Connect,” WJCT News 89.9’s flagship daily public affairs program.
Schindler, a television news producer and former Folio Weekly editor, will begin her new role Oct. 30.
WJCT is a Jacksonville Daily Record news partner.
“I arrived in Northeast Florida at a time when Folio Weekly challenged elected officials and highlighted fringe tastemakers in equal measure. When I made the move to broadcast journalism, I had the opportunity to dig deeper into big stories. To bring everything I’ve learned to ‘First Coast Connect’ at this moment in our region’s evolution is a dream opportunity. I’m ready to listen — and to ask the hard questions that matter to our audience,” Schindler said in an Oct. 12 news release.
“Anne has a breadth of knowledge and insight about the First Coast that can only come from decades of on-the-ground experience, and we’re excited to welcome her as the full-time host of the region’s most important daily conversation, ‘First Coast Connect.’ Adding a journalist of her caliber is another important step in the strengthening of our newsroom team,” David McGowan, president and CEO of WJCT Public Media, said in the release.
Al Letson will conclude his tenure as interim host Oct. 13 with guest hosts from Oct. 16-27.
“As we welcome Anne, I also want to extend my deep gratitude to Al Letson for his exceptional service as the show’s interim host since July. Al’s talent, charisma and candor were on full display during the last months while we conducted the search for a permanent host,” McGowan said.
Since 2012, Schindler has been an executive producer of special projects for First Coast News, Northeast Florida’s NBC and ABC affiliates.
Previously, she spent 17 years with Folio Weekly beginning in the late 1990s, first as a reporter, and then editor-in-chief from 2002 until her departure.
Schindler’s credits include a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative journalism, eight Association of Alternative Newsweeklies Awards and five NATAS Suncoast Emmy Awards, including in the investigative reporting and topical documentary categories, the release states.
Schindler graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in journalism. She currently is chair of the Northeast Florida Media Committee and is a member of the University of North Florida School of Communication’s Professional Advisory Board.
“First Coast Connect’’ airs live on WJCT News 89.9 from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Monday-Friday. The show also rebroadcasts at 8 p.m. and 1 a.m., and episodes are posted daily at wjctnews.org and on podcast platforms.