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 thats not fair.I love him for his impartiallity, 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.
Your admirer, - A.F.
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.
As a listener and past guest on the show, I sincerely appreciate your honesty and candor as well as the breath and depth of your historical knowledge. I wish you the best as you move onward. - G.D.
I was responsible for hiring Fred as Openline host 20 years ago. My heartfelt apologies to all those listeners who thought Fred's tenure as Openline 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.
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.
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.
My favorite Fred Andrle on-air moment was when a prank caller got on the air and stated he was in the process of having his wife give him an enema. Fred did not miss a beat. He wished the caller success in his endeavor and went on to the next caller. Fred is all class and a quick thinker. Best wishes, Fred! –J.K.
Hi Fred!
I can't believe that over 20 years has passed since I first brought an author to you for an interview. I don't feel any older do you?? Sitting in your lobby downstairs and listening to your interviews was always great fun. I remember doing surveys at the bookstore signings after all of the days interviews had been done to see which media pulled the most. It was always Fred Andrle's show on WOSU Radio. Your listenership was also our readership. I did this survey with Ed McBain on tour who had written over 40 books. He was grumbling a bit that his signing was at Little Professor in the middle of the day and he had limited media for Columbus. I explained that it is not how much media you have but what you have and your show was one of the bookings. The signing that day was packed and he was shocked. I did a survey that day as people came up to get their books signed. The majority of people came as a result of your interview on Open Line. Mr. Mcbain said "This is a
classic case of how a book tour should work" and he had toured with many of his books in the past. Fred, Ed McBain saw the power of the media that day and the power of your show Open Line.
I will miss seeing you at WOSU and listning to your great shows but I understand how exciting retirement will be.
Thank You! –C.F.
As a staff member at the Columbus Council on World Affairs, I rely on our partnership with Open Line to extend the impact of our programming to a larger audience. This relationship really illustrates the power of collaboration at its best: the show needs great content, we want community members to access our great speakers (even when they can't make it to our forums in person) and our esteemed speakers want a smart, popular forum for engaging in public diplomacy and community outreach. Supporters and major funders of each of our organizations can feel great that their dollars are being stretched even farther when CCWA and Open Line team-up. But, it is Fred's very balanced, calm, and insightful questions and prompts that REALLY make it all work. We at CCWA have confidence that no matter who we are bringing to town -- be it labor leader Dolores Huerta or a lobbyist for the oil industry, a proponent of the micro finance movement, or a Walmart executive -- they will be treated with respect while still being challenged on debatable points. The call-in format is a wonderful means to prompt dialogue, and it works because of Fred's great moderation skills. I admire how he is able to listen to callers, refine and restate their questions. This ensures that the essential questions and essential truths are extracted, no matter how inarticulately they have have been originally stated. True democracy is at the heart of that. No small feat, Fred! You will be missed. –S.C.G.
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 openmindedness and even temperament provide a role model for democratic conversation. He may have successors, but he will not be replaced. –P.S.
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 CDT 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.
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'll miss you, but will be expecting to see you in Downeast Maine in the summer. I'll make sure that all deer ticks are gone when you visit your brother. –C.M.
Fred has invited me to spend an hour with his listeners on several occasions, to talk about the latest in medicine, and about our book, The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. It is so impressive how closely he keeps up with the latest health research: sometimes, he has pointed me to research I didn't know about! Fred, I know I join all your listeners in wishing you the very best. –A.K.
Fred's program inspired me to buy my first i-pod so I could listen to him on podcasts at a time convenient to me. That way I never missed the programs I found most interesting. –J.L.
I remember calling into Open Line to comment on the documentary "MAN ON WIRE." As Fred asked me a couple questions about the film, I made the following comment. "Watching this man walk, run and prance joyfully on a wire so high up in the air was surreal. The movie didn't mention the destruction of the twin towers. But the crashing down of these structures was also surreal." After I hung I realized that Fred Andrle he does something that no one else does. He give us the opportunity to think freely and comment intelligently on things we notice. I'm not sure anyone has given me or this community a better gift. –A.S.
Thanks so much Fred for your wonderful, insightful questions and for promoting my work all these years. Your heartful intelligence will be greatly missed. –M.J.R.
I want to wish you well and congratulate you on your "next phase of life." It has been a pleasure - actually, a near-religion - with me to catch your show, if not in the morning, then in the afternoon repeat. I will miss it terribly, but I also know what a joy it is to have time to oneself.
Your tactful handling of all callers has been as entertaining as their input - it had me chuckling many times.
Enjoy the summer and whatever is ahead for you! –M.S.
My parents and I moved to Upper Arlington in January 1996. We started listening to WOSU. I recall that Fred did an early afternoon show back then. All of Fred's programs have been interesting and informative. It is always nice to hear local persons interviewed. –E.S.
Thanks so much for taking on important issues on the show over many years. Our various discussions on issues of crime and punishment have been a great outlet for talking about social problems that do not receive nearly the attention they deserve.
Thanks for a job well done, and best of luck. –M.M.
Whether we were talking about happiness, health, or world philosophy, Fred has been the most engaging, enjoyable, and intelligent interviewer with whom I've worked. Even though we've never met in person, I feel privileged to have entered Fred's radio world of inquiry and thoughtfulness.
Best of luck, Fred, and many wishes for happy, healthy next steps! –R.F.
I have enjoyed your show for so many years. Listening to the show is just one of things in my daily routine. It will be sad to see you go, but I wish you all of the best for your future. ENJOY RETIREMENT!!!!! –J.L.
Beginning in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Fred invited me seven times to discuss American diplomacy in the Middle East as a guest on "Open Line." I came quickly to regard Fred as perhaps the most balanced and knowledgeable interviewer I had ever worked with. He had always read up on the subject matter at hand and he asked great questions that led to analysis of the heart of the issues. Fred also demonstrated an innate ability to see all sides of any issue and to promote civil dialogue on contentious matters, no small feat in today's media world. I appreciated the protection he provided against callers who took exception to something I had said.
Fred's voice of wisdom and reason will be sorely missed by many of his listeners in Central Ohio and beyond. –P.H.
Congratulations on your decision to move on to other things you would like to do. We will all miss you. You are the only media personality who really practices so called "fair and balanced", and you were able to do this for over 20 years. I have not listened to any radio/TV program as "religiously" as I did your program. When spring arrives, I park my car and use bicycle to commute between Worthington and OSU campus. That 35-minute ride has been so much fun and enjoyable for me, because I always listen to your taped show after 7:00 pm. (I even recognized you taking a nice evening walk on the bike path a couple of times). I don’t know what I will do now. I hope that “Open Line” will continue with another fine host, but there is NO WAY the program can be as informative, entertaining, and interesting as it had been under your leadership. I have been listening to Open Line program since 1985, long before you became the host of the show. You are simply THE BEST!
I knew this day would come, and we would have to let you go. Because you are so talented in what you do, over the years, I always worried that some other NPR or commercial radio/TV stations would be pulling you out of Columbus area. You resisted the temptations and stayed here. You continued enriching our lives. Thank you for that.
I wish you the best in your future endeavors. I sure will miss you. I am sure this is true for everyone in Ohio and around the world who were lucky enough to listen to your wonderful radio program. Well, you never know, I may see you on the bike path, while you are taking a leisurely walk, listening to the Open Line program, and perhaps chuckling a bit when you see the next host of the Open Line program is having a rough time with finding a balanced response to some of your most frequent callers such as “Dave” or “the Caller from Worthington”.
Good luck Fred. WE WILL MISS YOU! –E.O.
Amid the caterwalerous cacaphony of chaotic commentators is the voice of Fred Andrle. And if you have heard him, you know what I mean. And though I would not want to burden him with the moniker, “the voice of reason,” a title too ponderous for any single person, I would go so far as to say he is the voice of reasonableness in a media world gone wild—a world filled with pedantic pundits whose motto seems to be, “Scream loudly. Know little.” Andrle listens, argues, jokes, ponders, listens some more, and in this way, he has created a democratic haven where sharing ideas is a thoughtful activity, not some perverse conglomeration of name-calling, bullying, and yodelling. He will be missed. –A.H.
Dear Fred, I don't have a story for you. I have never even called into your show, but of all the talk show hosts I have listened to over the last 25 years, yours is certainly at the top of my list. You are so eloquent and well informed about politics, world and local events, and your guests of the day. I have listened to all types of commercial radio hosts and I'm so tired of the way they treat their callers and their adversaries who don't agree with their views, not to mention all of the name calling. Most importantly you treat your guests and callers with the utmost respect, even those who have been rude. That makes you not only a true professional, but a real artist in the very competitive talk show world. Thank you for over 20 years of entertaining and informing me. It will be hard to find someone to fill your shoes. I hope we have not heard the last of you. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. You will be greatly missed. –D.J.
Dear Fred: We've never met face-to-face, but because of the half dozen or so wonderful interviews we've had over the years, I feel as if I know you -- a soul friend over the airwaves! I was always glad to get a call from you asking if we could talk on air one more time, and I can assure you that I don't have that same response to all of the media inquiries I receive! As an author, I so deeply appreciate the way you have done your homework on whatever topic we were talking about, and the way your questions came from a place of both intelligence and feeling. I've always loved the insight of an 18th Century Russian theologian that we can learn to think “with the mind descended into the heart.” That's a quality you have in spades, and it helps explain why your work has reached and touched and moved so many people. I wish you all good things on this next stage of your journey, which I feel quite sure will not be a “retirement” in any conventional sense of that term! Your gifts and your sense of calling in life will keep you engaged and in service, one way or another. I look forward to seeing what that way may be. Even though we may never meet in person, please claim me as a friend on your journey, as I am glad to claim you as a friend of mine. With warmest good wishes and many blessings. –P.P.
As an author, I've been interviewed at stations all over the country, and on NPR shows. The most fun I've ever had has been with Fred! And the emails I'd get from his listeners! Amazing! What a community he has formed over the years - bot of listeners and of loyal guests who can shine in the light he provides. I'm sure other guests have had the same experience. Fred lifts us up, and helps us to bring our best to the broader culture around us.
Thank you Fred, for showing us excellence in broadcasting year after year! –T.M.
When I moved to Columbus three years ago from New York City, it was a very hard adjustment. I had listened to NPR in the city, but just for news and information. I used the radio here to fill in the void of the friends I was missing and those I had not yet made. I filled my time with helping my young children adjust. The day that I turned on the radio while unpacking boxes in search of NPR, I heard Fred. That smooth, patient voice (not to mention the fabulously interesting guests and interesting--and sometimes just irritating--commentary from callers made me stop what I was doing and just listen. I felt like he had thrown me a lifeline just by his voice which sounded friendly and comforting. A few shows later was a restaurant review for local spots which helped me to get oriented and a show on the beauty of the Midwest which I appreciated as a newcomer. I have never felt the urge to write into a talk show before, but I will truly miss what I feel was Fred's friendship, albeit one-sided! I have been in the habit for three years now of having a cup of tea with Fred and then listening in the car while on my way to pick up my preschooler. I have learned so much from him--not just information from his guests, but also how my opinions could be changed or expanded. I even learned how to conduct interesting discussions with my "non radio friends" in a civil way. What a great tea companion I have had! I will miss you Fred--and I thank you for your three years of friendship. I wish you a wonderful, full and exciting new chapter. –K.B.
I have been a WOSU listener, and also a friend, and have been a regular listener of Open Line. Fred's calm and gentle style is a refreshing contrast to most of Talk Radio, and I will miss his voice on News 820. Best wishes to Fred in his retirement! –W.E.
I just wanted to let Fred know that I started listening to him about a decade ago when I was beginning art college and was instantly hooked. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness, compassion and civility that he has brought to Open Line. Even though we've never met, I consider him a friend and will miss listening to him dearly.
Thank you for the amazing service you've provided the central Ohio community over the years Fred. –A.Y.
Like so many other listeners I have not had the pleasure to actually meet Fred, but for two decades his program has been an important part of my day. He will be sorely missed - the best of luck to you Fred. –K.S.
I moved to Columbus 6 years ago after working for 30 years in Washington, Philadelphia and Chicago for a large multi-national company. I have been a fan of public radio wherever I have been and tuned into 820 AM upon my arrival, I was immediately struck by the quality of the tone and the efforts at maintaining a civil discourse that Fred exemplified on a consistent basis. I became a full time fan and appreciated both the depth and breadth of topics and insights that I gained from listening to his show. I especially appreciated the obvious depth of research and preparation that were evident each and every day. Fred's ability to present a balanced show and maintain a level of civil discourse was rare and refreshing. When I look and listen to other media sources, the focus is often on sensationalism and the day to day drama that surrounds critical national and global issues. Fred sought the truth, kept the dialog balanced and demanded the same high level of professionalism from his guests as well as callers. His reason, quest for the elusive truth, and balanced approach to difficult subjects was unique, rare and will be difficult to match. I for one will sorely miss his show.
As an aside, I read an article on Fred a year or so ago in the Dispatch and was surprised to learn that we were both graduates of Canisius College in Buffalo, NY and apparently had been there together for a couple of years. Although our paths never crossed (surprising in a small school), this little fact gave me a sense of pride in both our college and Fred. –T.B.
It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with you as we have explored the history of Columbus and central Ohio. My very best wishes to you wherever your journey may take you. After all, the road does go on forever. –E.L.
It has been my privilege over the years to be a listener and regular guest to Open Line. No talk show host on either radio or television can compare with you in the respect you accord your guests by taking them and what they say seriously, the knowledge you convey across an incredible range of topics, and the overall intellectual quality of your show. I have enjoyed being your guest on Open Line, especially my more recent appearances with David Stebenne. Not only has your intelligent questioning coaxed me into sharpening my points, but it also has challenged me to think more deeply about American politics.
You have been a treasure for WOSU and for our community. You will be missed; I will miss you.
I wish you the very best as you move on to the next phase of your life and hope that our paths will cross, perhaps in encore appearances on Open Line, in the future. –P.B.
Stung.
That’s what I was at the news.
A janus of two minds
I am of two hearts.
One says, “Good,”
it’s time.
Fred has to do something
for himself now, write
the poetry he so loves,
step out for a stroll with his soul,
throw caution aside and have that fling with words, his own love affair with language.
I am very happy for him
and for the poems he’ll bring back to us.
The other heart pouts.
It is really miffed.
I--and many others--
had eased over the years into a comfortable rhythm of working afternoons, then mornings, with Fred that were also our classroom.
Snug in those familiar slippers,
I became used to being served savory
conversations with remarkable thinkers of our time on a bed of Fred’s how-to of civil discourse-- how to really listen, how to disagree and still be agreeably rational.
Fred was nice to have around.
“How dare you leave us this way, now, so soon?” this heart wails.
Seduti ed abandonati--that’s what we’ve been.
He won us over and then,
just like that,
he takes off....
Just like a man!
“Fred,” the other heart calls after,
“The journey’s just begun.
Have a great time.<
We’ll be just fine.
…Don’t forget to write.” –A.W.
Fred, you’ve been the calm voice of reason and rational thought providing a running commentary on an astonishing range of topics, always asking knowledgeable and penetrating questions. Although you often -- perhaps too often -- have distracted me from work I really needed to get done, I’ve always been surprised and delighted by your skill at taking the conversation in unexpected -- and always illuminating – directions. Thanks, Fred, for all your contributions over the years. We’ll miss your voice on the airways and podcasts, but look forward to continue to hear it at poetry readings and the new forums that inevitably seek you out. –A.W.
I have been listening to Fred's show off and on over the years since the show started. We have lived various places in Ohio, and when we have been inside the reach of WOSU, I tried to listen to him. I grew up listening to Chicago radio stations -- my parents were devoted WGN listeners. At least that was true until Bob Collins died -- something was lost to them after that. The radio has always been important to me and WOSU's programs are high on the list, especially Fred's program. Some of my favorite regular guests are Tom Burns from the Perkins Observatory, Harriet Lerner (whose writings have helped me through various personal challenges) and Gene Logsdon. I appreciate Fred's respect for people's opinions, his careful navigation of discussions both emotional and factual, and his creativity in the guests and topics that have been covered on the show. I will miss him immensely. Cheers to him in his new endeavors! A loyal listener from Jamestown, OH (previously Columbus and Marion). –B.G.
I got to know Fred pretty over the past year and a half, when I appeared on Open Line roughly a dozen times to discuss the 2008 presidential election and national politics more generally. He stands out in my mind for the quality of his questions (the best I've encountered among interviewers) and for his patience with callers and deftness in handling the difficult ones. I hope Fred goes into teaching in a Journalism School and/or Communications Department because someone so gifted at what he does could help the next generation learn how to do it. And, no matter what he does next, I wish him and his family well. –D.S.
My work in commercial broadcasting during the 1950s and as NBC Producer indoctrinated me in the traditional American (FCC 1934) value of the broadcaster as responsible and as a “guest” within the listener’s privacy. I feel great gratitude for you and your remarkable maturity as you consistently represented broadcasting’s Fourth Estate trust and for your ability to render your sacred service always so delightfully. –R.M.
I hope you have a protégé who will emulate your unassuming manner and the ability to pose good natured but provocative questions on radio. I have been a guest many times over the years and I always look forward to the hour. You will be missed. –V.V.
Being interviewed by Fred is like sitting in your living room with good friends and a second glass of wine. So focused yet relaxed. I enjoyed each of our chances to share the fun of travel with your listeners Fred. I'll miss you and I'm sure your audience will too. Happy travels! –R.S.
Congratulations, Fred, on your retirement. I have often joked that if every public radio show was as hospitable as yours – and I’m talking about you, and not some of those crazy callers – conservatives would have no complaint about the fairness of NPR funding. Thank you for always treating me with great civility.
My only regret was not listening more often – although I can hear the smooth-jazz theme music in my head. I only took the chance when I was driving through Ohio on vacation. I’m sure your regular listeners will feel impoverished in a way that no pledge drive can accomplish.
Enjoy yourself and perhaps I’ll run into you at one of those Wheeling bookstores you recommended on one of my trips to see my son in Steubenville. –T.G.
Having had the pleasure to work with Fred for nearly five years, I could go on for several paragraphs admiring his curiosity, knowledge, civility, intellect, work ethic, values, and sense of humor. But more the anything, Fred is a one of a kind because of his incredible skill to listen. In a medium that is tilted to the idea where the loudest voice wins, Fred's ability to listen - to his callers as well as his guests - is what makes him a one-of-a-kind treasure.
I'm sure you still have many books to read (for simple pleasure now) and many poems to write ... enjoy your retirement and thanks for what you've brought to the community and to thousands of listeners to WOSU. –T.E.
“Fred, you are a truly cultured and gritty man. I could never express my sheer joy in the times we have had our conversations with a radio audience listening in. I felt that we transcended the medium and became real friends over many years of this odd way of talking. I know you’re ready to move on, but I’m not ready to let you go. I wish I could spin the clock back and start over. I wish you all the happiness and success in your future projects that you deserve. Don’t forget me. I hope we find some new odd ways to talk and make a small seismic shift in the way the world does its business. –T.M.
Fred always did an admirable job of guttsing it through the food shows. He is mostly a vegan. He never cooks (and we have offered lessons multiple times) and he flat out doesn't eat much. Somehow he tolerated us hedonistic, carnivore foodies! Skinny vegans live the longest, so enjoy a long and fruitful (he eats fruit) retirement. –R.T.
Many years ago I was a guest on Fred’s show. It was my very first radio debate. Although I held my own, I wasn’t so pleased with my responses, timing etc. After the interview Fred hung out with me and gave me pointers. His advice was right on the mark and made me a much better debater both on the radio and off. I have also never forgotten how he was willing to take the time to teach me. I learned so much from Fred both directly and indirectly by listening to his show. And, I was even able to return the favor by offering him interesting interviewees throughout the last decade. Fred has done an awesome job of educating his listeners and teaching us things we never knew. –S.S.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to appear often on Open Line, as a guest discussion foreign policy. I have always considered it an honor to be asked, and place great value on your thoughtful and challenging questions - and also those of your outstanding audience. As a resident of central Ohio, I will personally miss your presence greatly - but I suspect this won't be the last we "hear" from you! –S.K.
For over 20 years you educated and enlightened an ever-increasing audience with a unique graciousness and sense of humor. Along the way, you tackled topics that others with less gumption shied away from. Like countless thousands of listeners I was always amazed that you approached subjects as a student ready to learn with a keen ear for nuances and historical complexity. I consider it one of my great professional and personal honors that you invited me to be a guest on several programs related to America's challenging history of race and race relations.
Dozens of my scholarly friends have remarked that the interview you conducted with me and my colleague from OSU, Dr. Hasan Jeffries, on the election of Barack Obama was one of the most outstanding interviews they have ever heard. It was an exhilarating experience to be interviewed by you Fred. I hope that you will write a book for all us aspiring oral historians on effective interviewing techniques as well as your life in radio. First however, enjoy a well-deserved retirement and keep in touch! –P.O.
I retired Jan 1 myself after 33 years teaching criminal justice at IU. My wife chairs women's studies at OSU. As soon as I sell our Bloomington home of 33 years, I'll be back in Worthington where I grew up. I've enjoyed sending in e-mails to open line, enjoyed listening general when I'm spending a week or so with Jill. Thanks for all your good work. –H.P.
Although I wish you every joy in your retirement, I am going to miss you very much. Uniquely among the radio and TV hosts in my experience you have always managed to balance speakers from the left and the right. You have managed to open more than a few minds to new insights and opinions. You have always treated callers and guests with great respect and courtesy, even when such was not extended to you. Your breadth of knowledge and your compassionate understanding of individuals have been a great inspiration to me. Thank you for all you have done. –W.A.
Over the years, I've always been very glad to receive an invitation to go on "Open Line" as a guest. Fred Andrle is a dream host for a serious author in search of serious public-radio discourse. The questions that he asks -- sometimes tough, always civil and thoughtful -- raise the bar and keep it raised. On the air and off, he brings intellectual curiosity and compassion to the discourse. Lucky listeners. And lucky guests. –N.S.
Fred, here's wishing you a wonderful retirement, one you've richly earned and deserve. I have happy memories of listening to your thoughtful, intelligent interviews, nervously standing in once for Glo, and our engaging lunch conversations. I feel I'm getting to know you still more deeply, reading your poetry. I hope that fate turns you toward living nearby in California. I hope it would foster your quests. For me, it would be wonderful to renew our friendship here. Best wishes, dear friend. –M.S.
We live in a world where conversation has been reduced to sound bytes or text messages; news, to a news crawl and home-page topic sentences; chronic societal issues to the daily postings of bloggers and list serves. And yet, Fred Andrle, for over two decades, created a community conversation of genuine inclusiveness, depth, and civility. His passionate, poetic, idiosyncratic questions and comments with a host of notable authorities from Central Ohio—and well beyond the state—provided an exchange of perspectives on the widest range of topics, welcoming all to share a point of view. Fred's stewardship of that conversation provided an essential and vital medium for listeners, conferred a true sense of what it means to be citizens of a shared state. –M.R.
Hi, I'm an avid listener and I think was a guest once or twice, talking about Afghan matters. Fred's show is the main thing I miss when not in Columbus. His thoughtful fairness, breadth of mind and spirit have made living through difficult political times in Ohio tolerable. He is irreplaceable, we can only hope that someone will try to fill those shoes - I wish him everything he could desire in retirement, he has certainly earned it along with our undying gratitude. –M.M.
As someone who has been on Fred’s show, what I like, respect and appreciate most is that he was always well-prepared. Good luck with the next adventure. –A.S.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak with you on numerous occasions over the past several years. Your programs were always a delight, and I wish you great happiness in your retirement. –S.K.
Wishing you many long hours with good books in your retirement, especially The Hound of the Baskervilles, which I recall you’ve reread a few times as a favorite.
There was a time during the Ohioana Authors recording year when you stopped me in the hall and asked, “Does everyone leave Ohio?” My head started spinning through the shows I’d recorded and, well, yes, apparently so … from James Wright (leaving Martin’s Ferry) to Gloria Steinem (leaving Toledo). Here’s hoping you, an Ohio Author, don’t leave Ohio!
Thank you so much for our many conversations about books on and off Open Line. I’ll share, as a final scene, wishing you well, a favorite poem from Lisel Mueller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning collection “Alive Together.”
Take care. Travel lite.
Snow by Lisel Mueller
Telephone poles relax their spines;
sidewalks go under. The nightly groans
of aging porches are put to sleep.
Mercy sponges the lips of stairs.
While we talk in the old concepts - time that was, and things that are - snow has leveled the stumps of the past and the earth has a new language.
It is like the scene in which the girl
moves toward the hero
who has not yet said, “Come here.”
Come here, then. Every ditch
has been exalted. We are covered with stars.
Feel how light they are, our lives.
–K.R.
Please convey to Fred my very warmest regards on the occasion of his retirement, and my conviction that he is irreplaceable on the air! –J.C.
I met Fred when we were both selected to host a show called ARTCETERA on WOSU-TV in the mid 1970s ---we took turns doing features about community arts organizations in Central Ohio ----I think it went on for about two years ----I was a former journalist-turned theatre student at OSU --- I think Fred was teaching at area colleges -----what I remember was that he had a terrific sense of humor -----that hasn't changed . –J.R.
I wish you a wonderful, enriching new part of your life, even though your departure from WOSU will be a loss for all of us who listened regularly to your show, morning or night. I very much enjoyed being on your show. I have done a lot of radio/TV media work, and I found your questions more thoughtful than any questioner with whom I dealt. And, largely because of your approach, the quality and intelligence of your listeners, was unparalleled. Be well. –J.D.
Over the past 12 years I have greatly enjoyed being on the radio with you talking about food and restaurants, fielding calls from hungry and opinionated listeners, bantering with my colleague John Champlin. Remember our April Fool’s day show? (The chicken sashimi restaurant did give us away, at least to some callers). More than that, I appreciated the shows you created—some, like our restaurant show, were just entertainment, but most of your programs were designed to enlighten, educate, disturb—I especially liked the disturbing ones, and always hoped they motivated the complacent to at least think and talk about the issues. Though both John C. and I chided you at times for being so damn balanced, I know where your heart lies by the topics you gave to us. I will miss our little shows, and miss hearing your soothing voice on my car radio. Hope to see a play or two from you now-- maybe a novel? My best wishes to you Fred. –J.M.
Fred Andrle has been a gift to intelligent conversation on the airwaves. We has always treated guests and callers alike with remarkable respect and attention, giving them the time they need to develop their questions and their answers, while still gently introducing his own well thought-out perspectives. From my perspective, Fred did a great service by promoting intelligent discussion about and use of the English language, and we speakers of English owe him a great debt of gratitude. –J.M.
I always enjoyed being on Open Line. It was a privilege to be on Fred’s show. Fred was a model host, making the show lively and informative. Most of all, dare I say it, I thought that Fred was fair and balanced with his guests and callers, a voice of and for civility in public discourse over ideas and views about public affairs. I wish him the best in his retirement. –J.C.
As a veteran of eight book tours and countless radio interviews Fred Andrle is....well right up there at the very top of radio show hosts in the nation. He is so smart, engaging, delightful and authentic that I always wish we could continue the conversation after Open Line has ended. So here's one voice from the wheatfields saying that I'm going to miss being on Fred's show terribly much and I know his countless fans and listeners will experience a great big hole in the airspace that no one else can fill.
But don't feel too guilty, Fred! Big hugs and the best of luck in all your new adventures. –H.L.
My dear Fred ... As I reflect on our times in the booth, I can truly say those hours with you I showed up fully, I was completely in the now, I was "lost" in the encounter....and consequently felt "found"!
My experience had so much to do with you--how both accepting and challenging you were...how easily we laughed, how available you were to connection, how open you always were to influence and to turning the kaleidoscope. I treasure the memories we created!
And, the next chapter: I hope you savor the time..to write, to walk, to just "be" AND for you and Marlene to spend lots of hours with Monty and me in California! –G.H.
It's been more than ten years since Fred invited me to visit with him on his radio program. I had been listening to him before then, and of course continued to do so, and was always struck by his gentlemanliness and his humility. He is never overbearing and always seems interested in whatever I have to say. But I regard him so highly for his fairness. Unlike all the shouting radio talk showoffs, he is difficult to put into either the liberal camp or the conservative camp. He is a broadminded renaissance man who always tries his best to see all sides of an issue. I will miss him. –G.L.
What a pleasure to work with someone like Fred. When people ask me about Fred, I can sum him up rather easily. Fred is perhaps the most intelligent person with whom I have ever had the privilege to work. But, the beauty of Fred's grace is that he never makes anyone feel any less capable then he is. He is humble, gracious and oh, so, easy to tease.
When I think of Fred, I envision that old gold van he rolled in with every morning, his ability to keep people engaged , and also to wonder...is he so liberal that he's left of Lenin, or so conservative that he's right of the far Right.
Fred...you're great, and I'm thrilled you are finally retiring so I now know how old you really are.
All my best in health and all you do. –E.R.
I’ve heard the word “gem” used to describe Fred and his program numerous times since he announced his retirement. It is the perfect word. Fred is a rare, precious and valuable gift to everyone in central Ohio who has enjoyed his forum for the reasonable and respectful exchange of ideas and opinions. I’ve listened to his program almost every morning for the past 12-14 years while at work and that part of the day will not be the same without him.
Congratulations on your retirement, Fred! –E.R.
I always enjoyed out chats on Open Line. You were a wonderful host, informed, supportive, and full of terrific questions. Many thanks, and the very best to you in what I'm sure will be a long and productive retirement. –D.C
You were always well-studied and prepared for topics big and small, and always respectful of the views expressed by your guests and callers. You are an inspiration and I wish you all the best in your next adventure. –C.C.
I am not sure this is a story so much as it is an impression. I have had the privilege of listening to Fred's show during the 4 years I spent in Columbus and also the privilege of appearing a number of times on his program while in Columbus and by phone hook-up after. It was always a great pleasure to be a part of his program and to look forward to a lively discussion.
We live in an era where shouting and extremism tend to dominate the airwaves. Fred Andrle brings to mind all of the best of NPRs virtues. Where noise and blather dominate commercial radio, Fred brought civilized discourse into the public's airwaves. He has been a rigorous interrogator who sought to sharpen and clarify the discourse but never to embarrass either a guest or a caller. His preparation and his civility are legendary. Imagine an Edward R. Murrow with the demeanor of Fred Rogers.
There are none better than Fred at his craft. His presence on the air will be greatly missed. I wish him well in his retirement. I just hate to see him go. No one has personified the value of NPR and of WOSU better than Fred Andrle. –B.A.
