Diane Rehm speaks during the International Women’s Media Foundation’s 27th Annual Courage In Journalism awards ceremony in October. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for IWMF)

Public radio station WAMU-FM announced a new show and host today following the retirement of venerated radio journalist Diane Rehm, whose 37-year-old newsmagazine program is carried on nearly 200 radio stations across the country.

The Diane Rehm Show will be succeeded by 1A, a live two-hour daily program with a similar format hosted by journalist Joshua Johnson.The name “1A” is a reference to the First Amendment, and the new show will “help America look at itself and to ask what it wants to be” with a focus on solutions, according to a press release. Rehm introduced Johnson to listeners during her broadcast this morning.

Rehm, who was awarded a National Humanities Medal in 2014, is widely appreciated for her illuminating interviews with a diverse array of public figures.

“In probing interviews with everyone from pundits to poets to presidents, Ms. Rehm’s keen insights and boundless curiosity have deepened our understanding of our culture and ourselves,” a military aide noted during the Humanities Medal ceremony.

Rehm, now 80 years old, announced late last year she planned to retire after the presidential election. The show tried out about 30 candidates before choosing a replacement. Johnson, who was somewhat lesser known of the potential hosts, was a bit of a surprise choice, the Washington Post notes.

“At this moment, our country needs a fresh voice that addresses the wonderful diversity of our nation,” Rehm said. “Joshua Johnson represents America’s future and is the right host at the right time.”

1A will “provide deep conversation about the thorniest issues of our times delivered with insight, intimacy, and personality,” according to the press release, and “explore important issues such as policy, politics, technology, and what connects us across the fissures that divide the country. The program also will delve into lighter subjects such as pop culture, sports, and humor.”

Johnson is co-creator and host of popular nationwide public radio series “Truth Be Told,” which explores race issues in America. He’s also worked as a star morning news host for television station KQED in San Francisco for over five years and earlier helped launch a partnership between the Miami NPR station and The Miami Herald.

“My professional passions have always centered on creativity, exploration and service,” Johnson said in the release. “This moment in history demands these attributes of us. It’s a chance to tell stories more creatively, to explore ideas beyond our own, and to refocus on serving others.”