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.
Meet WBHM’s New General Manager
Meet WBHM's new General Manager, Chuck Holmes. He spoke with WBHM's Michael Krall about his background and vision for WBHM.
Arc Stories: October 2016 Edition
Three stories about the lasting impact other people can have upon our lives. An educator is trying his best to create some teachable moments for his students, and it’s through one encounter with a relative of Martin Luther King, Jr., that they finally have a breakthrough. A man who gets arrested and learns a lot about both […]
Arc Stories: September 2016 Edition
Three stories where our storytellers find themselves in situations completely over their heads. A woman has the opportunity to fulfill a dream she’s been pursuing most of her life; one woman’s discovery of whether or not you really can come home again; and another where a man struggles to create a connection across barriers of […]
Alabama lottery bill dies in Special Session
The proposed Constitutional amendment died Friday (Aug. 26), when Senators voted not to concur with changes made by the Alabama House of Representatives and give the bill final approval.
Arc Stories: August 2016 Edition
This month on Arc Stories, we have four stories where our storytellers can’t quite comprehend what’s happening to them.
A Preview of the 2016 Special Session
A special session of the Alabama Legislature begins today (Monday, August 15). Governor Bentley called the special session to solve financial problems which he says, have held the state back for decades. Bentley is proposing a lottery which he says is expected to raise $225 million dollars. Don Daily is host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public […]
Arc Stories: July 2016 Edition
Four stories where the storyteller learns something new about themselves and others. A man attempts to find reconciliation with a childhood friend he betrayed 30 years before; a husband discovers something about his wife after she endures a major medical procedure; a young woman without any training moves to Africa to become a teacher; and what happens to a […]
Commentary: Paula Odogwu “…living life as the person I want to be.”
High school is a time when most students get a better idea of who they are, and what they want to be. For commentator Paula Odogwu (oh-DOUGH-goo), that transformation wasn’t easy. But in the end, she found her true self. When I was four years old, my mom, my sister and I left Lagos, Nigeria, and […]
Arc Stories: June 2016 Edition
Stories where plans put into motion take some 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, and a family forced to deal with the loss of nearly all of their possessions. (Originally aired June 30, 2016 at 2 […]
Commentary: She’lah Shreve “Have You Ever Used the F-word?”
With summer underway, some former high school seniors have a few months before they begin college. For commentator She’lah Shreve, there was a time when it looked like he might not even make it to high school graduation. Have you ever used the F-word? I’m talking about the word failure. My name is She’lah and I […]
Arc Stories: May 2016 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 26, 2016 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Listen to Says You! Recorded Live in Birmingham!
Listen Friday at 6:30 p.m to Says You! live from Birmingham! Featuring Birmingham’s own Reed Lochamy, these two performances were recorded Saturday, May 7, at UAB’s Alys Stephens Center in the Jemison Concert Hall before a sell-out crowd. The first Birmingham show airs Friday, May 20 from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 22 from 1-2 p.m. […]
Commentary: Berucha Cintron “I Will.”
With area high school graduations this month, some students can find themselves at a crossroads as they determine what's next in their life. For commentator, and high school senior Berucha Cintron, this crossroads took place in the form of a short, emotional conversation she had with her mother several years before.
for the beauty of: Birmingham
Charity Ponter is a photographer specializing in capturing artists in their creative spaces. But it wasn’t always that way. It took a while before she found the creative outlet that worked best for her. She spoke with WBHM’s Michael Krall about her recent book for the beauty of: Birmingham, and about her very specific career choice […]
WBHM’s New Spring 2016 Tote Bag, Designed by Beth Conklin
Birmingham artist Beth Conklin’s design is featured on the tote bag for the Spring 2016 Fund Drive. Hear Conklin describe the design and encourage you to support WBHM. The tote bag is available as a thank-you gift beginning at $15/month as a sustaining member or a one-time gift of $180. Make your gift HERE.
Kim Graham: Spring 2016 Pint Glass
Birmingham artists Kim Graham Smith’s design is featured on the pint glass for the Spring 2016 Fund Drive. Hear Smith describe the design and encourage you to support WBHM. The pint glass is available as a thank-you gift beginning at $7.50/month as a sustaining member or a one-time give of $90. Make your gift HERE. […]
Arc Stories: April 2016 Edition
Stories about serving, giving and the greater community. A young man commits himself to giving back to his community by serving the less fortunate; a father convinces his kids to give away all their Christmas presents to a needy family; and one man benefits from the generosity of strangers in a very cool way. (Originally […]
Arc Stories: March 2016 Edition
Stories about a woman who learns you can’t always trust somebody just because they’re in a position of authority; a guy deals with a serious case of bad luck of his own making; another who has a brief flirtation with his childhood celebrity crush; and, a woman witnesses her mother fall in love with her childhood sweetheart […]
TEDx Birmingham 2016: Pure Imagination
The theme for TEDx Birmingham 2016 is Pure Imagination. Last weekend, UAB’s Alys Stephens Center was home to a day featuring featuring 18 different speakers sharing thought-provoking ideas. The goal for organizers is for these ideas to amount to big changes in Birmingham. WBHM’s Program Director, Michael Krall attended the conference and spoke about his […]
Election Results
Results of Tuesday's Alabama Primary
Arc Stories: February 2016 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 […]
Arc Stories: January 2016 Edition
Stories about learning a valuable lesson. A young man striving for his father’s approval; a couple whose relationship is defined by the purchase of a van; and an educator who’s life trajectory is shaped by one of his students. (Originally aired January 28, 2016 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Arc Stories: Holiday Edition
‘Tis The Season: Stories about the Holidays: A Christmas gift that completely changed the trajectory of on man’s life; the first time a little-girl gets a glimpse of the adult world; and a confession 20 years in the making, as a boy searches his parents house for that Christmas gift he really wanted. Originally aired: […]
Arc Stories: November 2015 Edition
Stories about people trying to navigate through major dilemmas. A young man tires to discover a family secret; a girl comes to grips with the loss of her mom; and a woman finds herself completely exposed outside of a stranger’s house. (Originally aired November 19, 2015 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Kyle Whitimire: Could gambling become legal in Alabama?
Gov. Bentley wants to take authority to enforce Alabama’s gambling laws away from Attorney General Luther Strange and vest that power in local sheriffs and district attorneys. And, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill goes on a voter registration drive. Kyle Whitmire is state political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL.com and he spoke […]
Artur Davis files suit against AL Democratic Party
A judge will hear arguments on former congressmen Artur Davis’ lawsuit against the Alabama Democratic Party; the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reopens some satellite driver’s license offices; and an update on Alabama keeping open money losing, state run liquor stores. Kyle Whitmire is state political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL.com, he spoke with […]
Alabama Keeps Money-Losing Liquor Stores Open
A Perry County Judge tells offenders they can either pay their fine or give blood. And Alabama closes driver’s license offices, but keeps money-losing liquor stores open. Kyle Whitmire is the state political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL dot com, and he talks about these issues with WBHM’s Michael Krall.
Jerri Hardesty: Changing Lives Through Poetry
Emotion often fuels poetry. Sometimes though that emotion is so personal it’s like being let into a secret space. That’s the way it is with poems we’ll hear from Jerri Hardesty. She’s president of the Alabama State Poetry Society. She’s won more than 600 awards and titles for both written and spoken word poetry. Hardesty […]
Arc Stories: October 2015 Edition
Three storytellers find themselves in frightening situations. A camp ghost story that gets out of hand; a man forced to look death in the face; and trying to spy on religious fanatics (Originally aired October 22, 2015 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Why I Support WBHM: Michael Harrington
Michael Harrington’s winning design is featured on the newest edition of WBHM’s pint glass for the Fall 2015 fund drive. For a contribution of just $7.50/month or a one time contribution of $90.00, this pint glass is a wonderful reminder of your support of public radio for Birmingham and North Central Alabama, Here’s two […]
Should Larry Langford Go Free?
The former Birmingham Mayor remains in jail serving a 15 year sentence. And Governor Bentley proposes a possible solution to reopen 31 rural driver’s license offices.Kyle Whitmire is the state political columnist for The Birmingham News and AL dot com, he talks with WBHM’s Michael Krall.
Getting a Driver’s License in Alabama’s Black Belt is Difficult
The closure of 31 driver’s license office leaves 28 counties in Alabama without a place you can get a driver’s license. The closings, all in mostly poor rural counties, many of them with majority African-American populations has some saying the state is making it more difficult for black Alabamians to vote. Kyle Whitmire is he state […]
