• Schedules
• Programs A-Z
• Support WOSU
• Television
• Radio
• Web Exclusives
• Shop
• About
• Search

• Go!

In a world of radio where so many broadcasters like to hear themselves talk, it has been so refreshing to find one that likes to listen. Fred has done an amazing job through the years of bringing such wonderful people and stories into my life. He will be missed. –M.M.

I have no specific story, but just wanted to express my thanks to Fred for truly serving as the most civilized voice on radio -- perhaps in America -- for so many years. I do not think I have ever heard Fred treat a guest or caller with anything less than total respect. He manages to nudge all conversations in the direction of rationality with a light touch, and his open-mindedness and even temperament provide a role model for democratic conversation. He may have successors, but he will not be replaced. –P.S.

Fred, it has been an absolute pleasure working with you the past several years. I speak for the American Institute of Architects Columbus Chapter in sending you many thanks for helping spread the word about architecture, livable communities and sustainable design through your insightful programs. You will be missed! –S.B.

From everyone in Mayor Coleman's Office - THANK YOU FRED!
Thank you for the years of radio excellence.
Thank you for the thoughtful conversation.
Thank you for the realistic analysis.
Thank you for making us think.
Best wishes in all that is next.

As a listener and past guest on the show, I sincerely appreciate your honesty and candor as well as the breadth and depth of your historical knowledge. I wish you the best as you move onward. –G.D.

One of the nice fringe benefits of being a teacher has been the ability I have had to tune into listen to Fred Andrle's Open Line Program everyday over my summer breaks for the past 15 years. One of our school district goals is to promote the notion of lifelong learning to our students, and nobody does that better than Fred. Learning doesn't end with the conclusion of the school day, the school year, or formal education. I continue to be amazed at the broad range of interests and knowledge that Mr. Andrle brings to the microphone on a daily basis. I can't tell you how many books I have checked out from the library based upon discussions that I have heard on Open Line. How can any one individual be so well-rounded and informed? Never have I heard Mr. Andrle lose his cool and resort to the name-calling and stereotyping so prevalent among other national AM-Radio talk show hosts. He is fair, balanced and non-biased. Fred is truly one of the gems of the Columbus community. I will sorely miss his on-air presence at WOSU and while things just won't quite be the same without his dulcet voice over the airwaves, wish him all the best in his retirement. Thanks, Fred! –R.P.

I was responsible for hiring Fred as Open Line host 20 years ago. My heartfelt apologies to all those listeners who thought Fred's tenure as Open Line host was to be temporary and short-lived. Instead, like your loony uncle who came to stay for a few days and ended up staying for years, Fred was not to be moved from that host chair in studio A. And we are all very happy he did. I tried for years to break up Fred as he broadcast live using rubber chickens and even trouser dropping, but, being the consummate professional, he always kept his cool. Keep your pants on Fred. May your path through retirement be full of wonderful twists and turns. –H.O.

I have been listening to Fred and NPR, ever since we came from India to Columbus in 1993, I even had a chance to talk to him on Open Line, regarding a problem my 1967 Volvo, when we had the car repair series once a week, with his car expert (sorry I forget his name), I even have the tape recorded conversation with Fred. I still remember Fred admonishing a listener when he tried to berate a previous caller, saying he since he is not there that’s not fair. I love him for his impartiality, even when Palestine was discussed. Fred, I have one request, which I hope and pray you would undertake, please make a trip to Palestine/Israel and give us a real feeling of what’s going on there with ordinary lives and tell us. Nobody else can do it better. Yes Fred as I wish you the best, you still can’t leave us as yet, there is much to be done. –A.F.

We would all forgive you if you changed your mind. I've been listening to how much you will be missed not only your listeners but by the people you've interviewed and built relationships with over the years. You really are not replaceable. I realize that it would be very difficult to keep your show going as you have for all these years without feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. But you are the only person who can do it. You must know that. That is the main reason we would all forgive you if you changed your mind. Also, it is not a good time to retire as your discussion today about what happened to everyone's 401Ks made evident. Maybe you could stay on with a shorter schedule, three days a week or only an hour segment five days a week, whichever would work out best for you. My guess is that if you leave, you will really miss the show. Of course there will be some things you won't miss, but in balance, I bet what you gain is greater than what you have to put up with. So, stay on. Everyone will be happier if you do. –L.M.

Before my wife and I moved to Columbus from Atlanta in 2007 we made several house-hunting visits. Since we were faithful NPR listeners in Atlanta we looked for the Columbus affiliate. Listening to your show we decided that Columbus was a civilized place, where ideas, culture, the arts and important human issues are addressed. Although we know that is not the complete story, you have helped us understand the best side of Columbus. Because you have helped us so much we are especially disappointed that we will not be able to enjoy your show as we have been doing. But we thank you for the introduction to Columbus and wish you the best in all your future endeavors. –B.B.

Fred, we at Center for Democracy and Transparency in Africa wish you a happy retirement. We have really enjoyed your programs over the years and thank you for educating Americans especially on international issues. We will all miss you.