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.
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.
Arc Stories: April 2017 Edition
Four stories recorded in Birmingham in which each person is put in risky situations by some of their closest family members.
Arc Stories: March 2017 Edition
Four stories, each recorded throughout Birmingham at different Arc Stories events. A young boy thinks he’s figured out the secret to never having to wrestle with the regret; a young man’s attempts to rise above the legacy left by his father; a new husband forced into a precarious situation because of the incompetence of others, and […]
TEDx Birmingham 2017: Possibility
This year's theme was “Possibility”. Each speaker challenged the status quo and looked for better ways to impact Birmingham and the world. Program Director Michael Krall attended and spoke about his experience with Andrew Yeager.
Arc Stories: February 2017 Edition
Stories about growing up during the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham. A young black boy who lives in the basement of a wealthy white family’s home and then becomes a key player during the civil rights movement; a young woman who was arrested by Bull Conner, then driven in his car to be dropped off […]
Black History Month Specials on WBHM
In honor of Black History Month, WBHM presents four documentaries highlighting America’s racial past and the long, dramatic struggle for civil rights. Also, jazz with significant commentary on the African-American struggle, and a special themed Arc Stories featuring stories about growing up during the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham Say it Loud: Great Speeches on […]
Alabama Symphony Orchestra: Carlos Conducts Copland
WBHM's Michael Krall talks with Carlos Izcaray about this weekend's upcoming Masterworks concert.
Arc Stories: January 2017 Edition
Arc Stories features live storytelling from right here in Birmingham. No notes, no outlines. Just great storytellers sharing great, true stories. Sometimes funny, sometimes moving, and always engaging.
Latest Birmingham Metro Area Weather Information
Sunny and cold today, with highs in the upper 20s to low 30s. Precipitation has stopped, but icy roads have been reported across much of Central Alabama. Travel still isn’t advised in many areas, the National Weather Service says. For live traffic camera feeds of roads and traffic information, visit ALGO Traffic. -January 7 at […]
Meet the Host of 1A: Joshua Johnson
Meet Joshua Johnson, the host of 1A -- a new program which will succeed The Diane Rehm Show.
Arc Stories: Holiday Edition 2016
Arc Stories features live storytelling from right here in Birmingham. No notes, no outlines. Just great storytellers sharing great, true stories. Sometimes funny, sometimes moving, and always engaging.
