NCPR Expands its News Team with New Reporters
Date: September 18, 2026
North Country Public Radio (NCPR) has boosted its news team with the recent addition of two reporters: Catherine Wheeler as the Arts and Culture reporter and Richard Haller as the St. Lawrence Valley reporter. This expansion underscores NCPR’s commitment to enhancing coverage of the North Country’s diverse artistic landscape and serving underserved communities.
Wheeler, who co-hosted NCPR’s flagship morning news program Northern Light starting in 2024, expressed her enthusiasm for her new role: “For me, arts and culture is a dream beat. Artists make our North Country communities so vibrant.” Her expertise will contribute to deepening discussions around the arts and the challenges within the industry.
Having been with NCPR since August 2023, Wheeler previously served as a host for All Things Considered at Iowa Public Radio and holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia.
Richard Haller: Local Voice for Local Issues
Richard Haller, a North Country native who grew up in De Kalb Junction, joined NCPR as a St. Lawrence Valley reporter after interning with the station. He received the SUNY Chancellor’s award for outstanding professional achievement during his internship, where he contributed to numerous important stories, including those related to social justice and community issues.
Haller expressed his eagerness to tackle pressing challenges facing the region: “There’s a lot of community here, but right now we’re seeing a lot of issues with inflation and affordability.” His local perspective makes him well-suited to cover the St. Lawrence Valley, a region that has seen a decline in journalistic presence over the past two decades.
Continued Commitment to Quality Reporting
NCPR’s News Director, David Sommerstein, emphasized the significance of arts and culture within public radio’s mission: “Supporting arts and cultural institutions is a core pillar of public radio’s mission.” He highlighted the station’s recent accolades, including the 2025 Sigma Delta Chi Award for Best Public Service in Radio Journalism and two National Edward R. Murrow Awards.
Despite facing a significant federal funding reduction, NCPR remains committed to expanding its news services and music programs, thanks to the support of the local community. The station aims to navigate challenges while continuing to serve the North Country effectively.
Listeners can access news through NCPR’s two daily programs, Northern Light and Story of the Day, as well as online via the station’s website and app.
