Michael Hibblen
As News Director, Michael Hibblen oversees daily news coverage for KUAR. He handles assignments for the news staff, helps develop story ideas and edits copy. Michael isresponsible for starting a news-sharing partnership between public radio stations in Arkansas in 2009 which laid the foundation for what became Arkansas Public Media. He is also a regular panelist and fill-in host on AETN's Arkansas Week, where journalists discuss issues in the news.
A native of North Little Rock, Michael started in radio in 1988, spending his first five years as a DJ for music stations in central and northeast Arkansas. After a 1993 internship at the C-SPAN Cable Network in Washington, DC, he transitioned to news, working for commercial radio stations KARN in Little Rock, WRVA in Richmond, Virginia and WIOD in Miami, Florida. In 2000, Michael became a nationally heard, Miami-based reporter for CBS Radio News, covering major stories in the region, including the anthrax attack at a tabloid publisher, an international custody fight over Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez, and the 2000 presidential election recount. He was hired by daily newspaper the Miami Herald in 2003 when it partnered with NPR station WLRN providing its local news. Michael initially worked as a morning news anchor and reporter, later becoming the department's editor, then assistant news director. He also wrote frequently for the newspaper.
Michael returned home to Little Rock in 2009 to work for KUAR. At that time he also resumed taking classes at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to finish his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication, graduating in May of 2013. Michael also enjoys researching radio and railroad history in the state and is author of Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas, which was published by Arcadia Publishing in April 2017.
Phone: 501-683-7386
E-mail: michael@kuar.org
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On today's show, updating geological mapping and surveys, and high levels of flu activity in Arkansas. Becca Martin Brown, featured editor of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, navigates holiday events and Michael Tilley, Talk Business and Politics' executive editor, wraps the week's news. -
Arkansas midterm election results are scheduled to be certified today. Kristin Higgins, with the Public Policy Center at the University of Arkansas offers analysis of the vote. She talked with KUAR's Michael Hibblen. -
In Arkansas, two sheriff's deputies and a police officer have been removed from duty after video posted to social media appeared to show them beating a suspect who was down on the ground.
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Three law enforcement officers in Arkansas have been suspended over what appeared to be the beating of a suspect that was caught on video.
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On today's show, taking stock of how Arkansas is taking care of children. Plus, gambling in Hot Springs in the 1960s, getting Johnny Cash ready for the U.S. Capitol, and much more.
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Work continues on the Johnny Cash statue that will be one of two new statues representing the state of Arkansas in the U.S. Capitol. Michael Hibblen from our partner station KUAR speaks with the sculptor and a Johnny Cash admirer. -
Arkansas' first fiscal month of the year is much like the past 12 months: better-than-expected revenue. -
On today's show, the radical practice of Marlon Blackwell. Plus, Ozark Mission Projects works to help their neighbors, a new arts program for LGBTQ+ youth, and much more.
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A request to test DNA on evidence from one of the most infamous criminal events in Arkansas history is the latest chapter in the ongoing saga. Michael Hibblen with our partner station KUAR talks with reporter George Jared about the latest development.
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COVID-19 continues spreading rapidly. The state reported nearly 13,000 new infections on Thursday, another record.
