Christopher Lydon

Christopher Lydon, born in 1940 in Boston, Massachusetts, is a prominent American media personality and author known for his significant contributions to public radio and podcasting. He is the host of Radio Open Source, a program that emphasizes conversations on arts, ideas, and politics, produced in collaboration with Brown University's Watson Institute for International Studies.12

Education and Early Career

Lydon graduated from Roxbury Latin School and Yale University. He began his journalism career at The New York Times and later anchored The Ten-O'Clock News on WGBH in Boston. His notable work includes being the original host of The Connection, a popular radio show produced by WBUR, which he helmed from 1994 until a contract dispute led to his departure in 2001.1

Contributions to Radio and Podcasting

In 2005, Lydon launched Open Source, which has evolved into a significant platform for dialogue, reaching audiences through both radio and podcast formats. His innovative approach to media includes early adoption of podcasting; he is credited with creating one of the first podcasts in July 2003 while at Harvard Law School's Berkman Center for Internet & Society.13 After a brief hiatus, he returned to WBUR in 2013, continuing to host Open Source, which has become a staple in public radio programming.4

Political Involvement

In addition to his media career, Lydon was a candidate for mayor of Boston in 1993, where he finished sixth in the nonpartisan primary.1 His work often reflects a deep engagement with contemporary political issues, making him a respected voice in discussions surrounding media, politics, and culture.

Overall, Christopher Lydon's career showcases a blend of journalism, innovative media practices, and a commitment to public discourse, making him a notable figure in American media.