Andrew Yeager

Managing Editor



It was probably inevitable that Andrew Yeager would end up working in public radio. The son of two teachers, NPR News programs often formed the backdrop to car rides growing up. And it was probably inevitable that Andrew would end up in news after discovering the record button on his tape recorder. He still remembers his first attempted interview - his uncooperative 2-year-old sister.

Originally from east central Indiana, Andrew earned degrees in broadcasting and political science from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. While there he spent more than his fair share of time at WOBN, the student-run radio station. After college Andrew worked for an educational non-profit and volunteered at WMUB in Oxford, Ohio. He ventured into public radio full-time as a reporter for WNIN in Evansville, Ind. Besides covering an array of local stories, Andrew's work has been heard on many public radio programs.

Andrew lives with his wife and two children in Birmingham. When not consumed by public radio work, he's often picking up items strewn about the house by said children, reading or heading out on a bike ride when not enveloped by the Alabama heat.

2022 Murrow Award — Overall Excellence

WBHM’s entry for overall excellence includes the following: 00:00 – “Birmingham Teachers Welcome Students Back to School Amid COVID Surge” (aired 08/02/21) 01:53 – Excerpt from audio postcard – “Alabama’s Frontline Providers: ‘We are Overworked And We are Frustrated” (aired 08/19/21) 04:45 – “Surge in Deaths Strains Local Funeral Homes, Morgue” (aired 02/12/21) 08:53 – […]

2022 Murrow Awards — News Series, Part Two

Second part of the news series “Gun Violence in the Magic City” This piece is titled “Birmingham Residents Offer Solutions to Gun Violence but Some Victims Feel Hopeless” and it aired June 29, 2021.

2022 Murrow Awards — Sports Reporting

Story titled “After a blowout pilot season, high school girls flag football could be an official sport in Alabama” which originally aired on Nov. 30, 2021

2022 Murrow Award — Breaking News, Part 2

Excerpts from morning newscasts on March 26, 2021, the day after a deadly tornado outbreak in Alabama

2022 Murrow Award — Breaking News, Part 1

Excerpts from WBHM’s afternoon newscasts on March 25, 2021, when a deadly tornados hit Alabama

School choice and permitless carry bills face rocky road in the Alabama legislature

Legislative committees passed both measures this week, but not before speakers at hearings expressed criticism of the proposals.

Congressional map ruling a ‘bombshell’ for Alabama lawmakers

A panel of federal judges ordered lawmakers to redraw congressional maps approved last year by Feb. 11.

Birmingham will host USFL’s inaugural season

The Birmingham Stallions will play the New Jersey Generals in the United States Football League's first game on April 16.

COVID relief funding package passes Alabama legislative committees

A plan to spend about $772 million is set for final passage as early as next week.

2022 ABBY Awards — Promo, Station Promotion

WBHM Thanksgiving promotion produced by Michael Krall and Ann Alquist

Alabama lawmakers already planning a special session just days into the regular one

Legislators would use the special session to discuss appropriating COVID relief funds. We have more in our weekly legislative update.

The 2022 Alabama legislative session starts Tuesday. Here’s what to expect

The COVID-19 pandemic will be an undercurrent to this year's legislative session. So too will the fact it's an election year.

WBHM Bids Farewell to Janae Pierre

Janae Pierre is leaving WBHM join WNYC, the NPR station in New York City, to host a new daily podcast. She sits down with Andrew Yeager to reflect on her time in Birmingham.

Alabama Hospitals Hit Plateau With COVID Patients But Facilities Still In Crisis

Alabama still has more ICU patients than available beds. Hospital officials need more nurses too.

Strong Campaign Propels Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin To A Second Term

University of Alabama at Birmingham political science professor Peter Jones said fundraising and a "boots to the ground" strategy gave incumbent Mayor Randall Woodfin his commanding victory in Tuesday's election.

Here Are The Full Results From Birmingham’s City Election

A runoff election is Oct. 5 for races in which no candidate won a majority.

Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson: ‘I’m Really Just Begging People To Help’

Wilson said Alabama's health care system was nearly crippled during a winter COVID-19 surge. The delta variant has the potential to be even worse.

How Birmingham’s Police Chief Plans To Slow The City’s Homicide Rate

Birmingham finished 2020 with a 25-year high in homicides. This year shows no sign of that slowing. WBHM talked with the city's police chief about how he plans to respond.

Legislative Wrap-Up: What Died And What Passed On The Final Day

Many bills made it out before Monday's deadline. But the lawmakers also expect a special session later this year.

Legislative Wrap-Up: Medical Marijuana And Yoga Bills Pass, Gambling Bill Stalls

A medical marijuana bill goes to the governor. Meanwhile a gambling bill looks unlikely to pass this session.

James Spann: April 27, 2011 Tornado Outbreak Will Remain ‘Part Of My Soul’

The loss of life from the once-in-generation storm still weighs on the iconic TV meteorologist.

UAB Health System CEO: ‘It really was that bleak.’

CEO Will Ferniany will end his health care career having led the organization through the coronavirus pandemic. He plans to retire later this year.

Secretary of State John Merrill Won’t Run For Office Next Year, Acknowledges Affair

Merrill was expected to announce a run for U.S. Senate in 2022.