Henry Epp will continue reporting on the economy and state government accountability, which he’s focused on in recent years as host of VPR’s afternoon news magazine. He will also continue to host The Frequency, VPR’s morning news podcast, with Anna Van Dine.
“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to report full time for VPR,” Epp said. “My plan is to focus on economic and infrastructure issues in Vermont, building off of some of the work I’ve done in the past few years. I’m looking forward to talking to Vermonters from all walks of life in this new role.”
Epp joined VPR in 2017 from New England Public Media in western Massachusetts, where he was the local host of Morning Edition.
Abagael Giles will move from her role as a digital producer to a newly created position dedicated to reporting on climate change and the environment.
This position was developed earlier this year as part of a collaborative fundraising initiative with NPR. VPR is one of 15 stations in the country working with NPR to raise funds for joint projects.
Giles will work with NPR’s Science Desk to share best practices in providing climate change coverage, expert resources and tools and to help connect the dots between climate change impacts at the local level to trends being seen across the country and world.
“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to cover the environment in Vermont, and hope to help Vermonters tell stories that reflect their experiences with climate change,” Giles said. “I hope to bring both a science and equity lens to creative reporting on climate and energy, and to make audio stories that transport listeners to Vermont’s many compelling landscapes.”
Before joining VPR as a digital producer in 2019, Giles covered the ski industry, water policy, climate change and land use for independent magazines and newspapers in Vermont and Eastern California, including the Addison Independent, Vermont Ski & Ride and Vermont Sports.
“Henry and Abagael are invaluable members of the news team, and I couldn't be more excited to see them transition to full-time reporter roles,” said Managing Editor Mark Davis.
“Our excitement is compounded by the fact that they will be taking on beats—climate change, the environment and the economy—that are of the utmost importance to Vermonters. Our newsroom is taking a significant step forward with these moves.”
A national search for a new local All Things Considered host has begun. Epp will remain host until a replacement is hired.
