WITF, the NPR member station for south Central Pennsylvania, is thrilled to announce Asia Tabb as the new host of “The Spark,” its weekday public affairs program and podcast that airs on WITF 89.5 & 93.3.

Tabb will be taking on the role as long-time host Scott LaMar retired at the end of May.

Tabb is motivated by uplifting people's stories and getting results.

“I am so excited to join the WITF team and become the next host of The Spark," said Tabb. "I love the Central Pennsylvania community and can’t wait to host conversations about interesting topics from around the world and in the area.”

Most recently, Tabb was a freelance reporter for WGAL in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, an anchor for KTAL in Shreveport, Louisiana, and a multi-media journalist for CBS 21 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

She began her radio career as a student at Old Dominion University, where she hosted "A&B Conversations” for WODU Studios. The show focused on pop culture, hip hop, and R&B. She continued her radio and podcast work with WHOV 88.1 FM and Praise FM.

Tabb got her start in television news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Iowa. During the 2020 Iowa caucuses, she followed many candidates on their campaign trail, including Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and President Joe Biden.

“Asia brings the right mix of energy, passion, curiosity, and experience to lead a new chapter for The Spark,” said Fred Vigeant, WITF Vice President and Chief Audience Officer. “She joins an already versatile team including Marquis Lupton, Emma Halsey, and John Kinzer in producing the daily show. Her welcoming and approachable demeanor will offer our listeners an informative and enjoyable program each day.”

Listeners can expect the same conversation-style format for “The Spark,” along with an interesting range of topics and insightful questions.

Marquis Lupton continues to be producer and researcher of “The Spark.” Listeners will still occasionally hear Lupton on the program, but much of his work will be “behind the scenes” for segments that he produces.

"The Spark offers authentic conversations with people who diligently work to make a difference in our community," said Ron Hetrick, WITF president and CEO. "The Spark asks the difficult questions that provide us with a more robust understanding of the world around us. It offers the time and space to dive deeply into subjects that Central Pennsylvanians care about. As a public media station, cultivating lifelong learning is important to us. We’re thrilled to have Asia Tabb join the team as our host to help fulfill our mission."

Tabb’s first day on-air is expected to be June 20. Listen to “The Spark” live at noon on WITF 89.5 & 93.3, stream it at witf.org/stream, or subscribe to the podcast at witf.org/thespark.