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NewsWBEZ ChicagoJune 30, 2026Cook

Alzo Slade Named New Scorekeeper for NPR's 'Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!'

Alzo Slade has officially taken over as the permanent scorekeeper for the long-running NPR quiz show 'Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!' following the retirement of Bill Kurtis. The article details Slade's transition into the role, his background, and the behind-the-scenes production process of the weekly show.

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Read the full story at WBEZ Chicago

Why It Matters

The transition marks a change in the permanent cast of a long-running national public radio program based in Chicago.

Key Facts

  • Alzo Slade is the new permanent scorekeeper for 'Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!'
  • Bill Kurtis retired from the scorekeeper role after 12 years.
  • Slade first appeared on the show as a panelist in 2022.
  • The show's production team begins preparing the script on Mondays.
  • Slade participates in a script read-through every Thursday.
  • Panelist contributions during the show are unscripted, with the exception of the 'Bluff the Listener' segment.
  • The show has been on the air for nearly three decades.

Who's Mentioned

personLillian King“Producer for the show”locationStudebaker Theater“Venue in Chicago where the show is recorded”personBill Kurtis“Former scorekeeper who retired after 12 years”personPeter Sagal“Host of 'Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!'”organizationWBEZ“Chicago public media organization”personAlzo Slade“New permanent scorekeeper for 'Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!'”personMichael Danforth“Producer for the show”