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'SOTRU' Host Al Letson Wins Peabody Award

Agnes Lopez

He’s a playwright, poet and nationally renowned public radio host. And Jacksonville’s own Al Letson is also a Peabody Award winner.

Letson’s acclaimed program "State of the Re:Union" won a George Foster Peabody award for its 2014 season.

It is the highest accolade offered in the broadcasting business. Letson joins such luminaries as Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Katie Couric and Julia Child at the very pinnacle of the industry.

Sadly, SOTRU is sunsetting due to challenges involved with fundraising.

“I love the show,” Letson said. “If I had the resources to keep doing the show, I would.”

WJCT 89.9 FM became the national presenting station of “SOTRU” in July 2013. It is heard on hundreds of public radio stations nationwide, and new podcasts will come out later this year.

It got started when Letson won PRX’s Public Radio Talent Quest.

“I work with great people, and I share this honor with them,” he said.

The Peabody Awards ceremony will take place May 31 in New York City to honor outstanding work in television, radio, podcast and web programming.

Listen to the entire interview with Al Letson on today's episode of the First Coast Connect podcast.

Melissa Ross joined WJCT in 2009 with 20 years of experience in broadcasting, including stints in Cincinnati, Chicago, Orlando and Jacksonville. During her career as a television and radio news anchor and reporter, Melissa has won four regional Emmys for news and feature reporting.