Michael Krall
Program Director
If you’ve ever had a question or comment about the station’s programming, or were looking for a story from WBHM or NPR, chances are you’ve spoken with WBHM’s Program Director Michael Krall. His job includes managing the sound of the station -- from overseeing the on-air staff to curating the program schedule.
You can hear Michael hosting Morning Edition or All Things Considered from time to time, and listen out for his interviews with artists and other interesting people who make their way through Birmingham.
Michael came to WBHM in 1998 from WCBU in Peoria, Illinois. A graduate of the University of Maine, he’s spent his entire career in public radio working in WKNO in Memphis and WSCL in Salisbury, Maryland, as well as Maine Public Radio.
In his free time, Michael enjoys hiking, attending concerts, and playing Scrabble.
Garrett McQueen: The Sound of 13
Garrett McQueen wants to diversify the perception of classical music. He argues that all cultures and people have music that should be considered classical.
Sierra Hull reflects on the meaning of time on her album “25 Trips”
Sierra Hull's list of achievements includes a three-time mandolin player of the year by the International Bluegrass Association. The mandolinist and singer/songwriter takes a reflective look at her life on her latest album.
New Schedule Effective Sept. 4, 2021
What’s happening? After an impressive 25-year run, Says You! is ending production. Billed as “A public radio show of bluff and bluster, words and whimsy,” the program airs Friday nights from 6:30 to 7, and for a while, it aired on Saturday mornings also in an hour-long format. Richard Sher, the original host, died in […]
Live: 2020 Election Updates And Results
November 3rd was the final voting day of the 2020 election. The presidency as well as several key Senate, House and gubernatorial races were on the line. Follow NPR’s coverage and results.
Live: Final Presidential Debate Between Trump And Biden
President Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden held a debate October 22 in Nashville, with Kristen Welker of NBC News moderating. This final debate had new rules established by the Commission on Presidential Debates. Follow updates and analysis.
Watch Live: Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings
The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding hearings on President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Barrett would fill the seat left vacant with the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Watch the hearings live. (Oct. 12-14 starting at 8 a.m. Central. This special coverage will preempt our regular schedule.)
Live: The 2020 Vice Presidential Debate
Vice President Pence and Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris debated in Salt Lake City. Their only face-off of the 2020 campaign comes with a wave of uncertainty with President Trump undergoing treatment for COVID-19. Follow updates and fact-checks on the debate.
Live Updates: 1st Presidential Debate Between Trump And Biden
Follow NPR’s live coverage of the first 2020 presidential election debate, including fact-checking and analysis. President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden were in Cleveland for the event, moderated by Chris Wallace of Fox News.
Fact Check: Trump’s RNC Speech
President Trump is accepting the Republican nomination for president on Thursday. NPR reporters are providing analysis of his remarks live.
RNC Live Coverage: Thursday, August 27
Follow live updates and analysis of Day 4 of the Republican National Convention. President Trump caps off the week with his address. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. Central
RNC Live Coverage: Wednesday, August 26
Follow live updates and analysis of Day 3 of the Republican National Convention. Vice President Pence headlines the night. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. Central.
RNC Live Coverage: Tuesday, August 25
Follow live updates and analysis of Day 2 of the Republican National Convention. First lady Melania Trump headlines the night. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. Central.
RNC Live Coverage: Monday, August 24
Follow live updates and analysis of Day 1 of the Republican National Convention, where the party is set to formally nominate President Trump as its presidential nominee. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. Central.
Fact Check: Biden’s DNC Speech
Joe Biden formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for president on Thursday. NPR reporters are providing live analysis of his remarks.
DNC Live Coverage: Thursday, August 20
Follow live updates and analysis of the Democratic National Convention. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is speaking Thursday night. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. Central.
DNC Live Coverage: Wednesday, August 19
Follow live updates and analysis of the Democratic National Convention. Wednesday’s speakers include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. Central.
DNC Live Coverage: Tuesday, August 18
Follow live updates and analysis of the Democratic National Convention. Tuesday’s speakers include New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former President Bill Clinton. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. Central
DNC Live Coverage: Monday, August 17
Follow live updates and analysis of the Democratic National Convention. Monday’s speakers include Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former first lady Michelle Obama. Coverage begins tonight at 8 p.m. Central.
Roger James Retires From Alabama Symphony Orchestra After 35 Years
COVID-19 put an abrupt end to the 99th season of the ASO and that meant no public send-off for those who are retiring. Roger James reflects on learning to play the violin, how to keep the passion when playing familiar songs, and when to make an exit.
2020 Program Change FAQs
As valued listener, we want you to know about some new and exciting changes to our program schedule. Beginning Saturday March 7, 2020, nine new programs are coming to WBHM! Weeknights will now include Marketplace and more classical music. Weekends will include It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders, Sound Opinions, Bluegrass Breakdown, Highway 61, […]
Juliana Hatfield Sings The Police
Musician Juliana Hatfield's latest album is a cover of songs from The Police. We spoke with Hatfield about her career, how she defines success, and her earliest memories of the group.
R.E.M.’s Mike Mills: Classical Music Isn’t Stodgy
The bass player talks about his latest project, the Concerto for Violin, Rock Band and String Orchestra, as well as his time with the iconic rock band.
Cowboy Junkies: All That Reckoning
Their sound is quiet. And in a way, that came about by accident. We spoke with the Canadian band Cowboy Junkies about how they've managed the demands of family and band life over decades.
Composer Martin Kennedy Debuts Original Work: ‘Forest Dark and Stars Above’
Every year, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra features an up-and-coming composer. This season, it’s Alabama native Martin Kennedy. Thursday night, the orchestra gives the world premiere of Kennedy's Forest Dark and Stars Above. Kennedy spoke with WBHM's Michael Krall about his approach to composing. Their conversation began with Kennedy describing the piece and features some of Kennedy’s other music.
Robert Siegel: Looking Back at a 41-Year Career
Friday is the last day for Robert Siegel at NPR. The longtime host of All Things Considered will retire after more than 41 years with the network.
Miles Hoffman: ‘Random sounds are rarely soothing.’
Miles Hoffman says when it comes to classical music, there’s no substitute for a live performance. Hoffman is Morning Edition’s music commentator, and he’s the founder and artistic director of The American Chamber Players.
Musical Healing: ASO’s Izcaray Begins Second Season
A new season of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra kicks off this weekend. The symphony’s music director Carlos Izcaray dealt with quite a bit of personal adversity last season. But he says he was fortunate to have been able to keep working throughout the ordeal. Friday and Saturday’s Masterworks concert includes works by Haydn and Beethoven. We begin […]
Arc Stories: July 2017 Edition
Four stories, each recorded at different Arc Stories events throughout Birmingham. What oneman discovers about his wife when she has to endure a major medical procedure; a young woman who moves to Africa to become a teacher though she has no training in how to do that; what happens to a guy when he inadvertently […]
Arc Stories: June 2017 Edition
Four stories where plans put into motion take some rather unexpected turns. One young woman’s attempt to have a little fun at some protester’s expense; a boy who is taken on the ride of his life; a family forced to deal with the loss of nearly all of their possessions; and, bus trip goes astray. […]
Scott Simon Brings Weekend Edition to Birmingham
NPR's Scott Simon brings Weekend Edition Saturday to The Lyric Theatre on June 10. He spoke with WBHM's Michael Krall about the broadcast.
Arc Stories: May 2017 Edition
Birmingham’s own true stories. A man’s encounter with perhaps the world’s worst burglar; a woman overlooks some early warning signs in the pursuit of love; and student recalls a beloved teacher who’s influence doesn’t take root until years later. Originally aired: May 25, 2017 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 26, 2016 at 2 p.m. and […]
Itzhak Perlman Returns to Birmingham
World-renowned Violinist Itzhak Perlman performs at UAB's Alys Stephens Center Sunday. He talks about his career and whether classical music is still relevant today.
