Lisa Rayam Named New Political Breakfast Host

Award-winning journalist replaces Denis O’Hayer on popular weekly WABE podcast.

ATLANTA (7/12/2021)— WABE 90.1, Atlanta’s independent, nonprofit source for news and local stories, today announced local Morning Edition host and senior producer Lisa Rayam as the new lead of its popular political podcast, Political Breakfast.

Rayam joins co-hosts Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, who launched Political Breakfast with veteran WABE political reporter Denis O’Hayer in 2015. O’Hayer is retiring from full-time hosting.

“Lisa brings years of experience covering Georgia news and politics to the role of lead host of Political Breakfast,” says Scott Woelfel, Chief Content Officer at Public Broadcasting Atlanta, parent company of WABE 90.1. “If you look at her career—her recent Atlanta Press Club moderation of the U.S. Senate debate, her time on anchor desks, and, of course, her role here as host of Morning Edition, you’ll see why she was the perfect addition to the show’s strong, team of political thinkers and analysts.”

Voted among “Political Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021″ by Feedback, Political Breakfast offers weekly analysis of Atlanta’s and Georgia’s political players, moves, and moments. Rayam’s first episode airs July 12, 2021. Listen for free on WABE.org, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.

“I am looking forward to lively discussions with Tharon, Brian, and our weekly guests from across the political spectrum as the new host of Political Breakfast,” Rayam says. “Now, more than ever, our community needs to hear diverse voices and opinions coming together with the goal of understanding. I am honored I get to help facilitate those conversations in Atlanta—and continue the standard of engaging, informed dialog set by Denis.”

In addition to being an Emmy Award-winning journalist, Rayam’s work has earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award and a Trumpet Awards High Heels honor, as well as a Who’s Who in Atlanta nod. Rayam was inducted into the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle in 2016 and is an active member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists.

Rayam’s Public Breakfast co-hosts are equally accomplished. Brian Robinson is the former deputy chief of staff for Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and current owner of communications consulting firm Robinson Republic. Tharon Johnson is a former senior advisor in Georgia for Joe Biden’s 2020 Presidential campaign and led a campaign strategy for 11 Southern states during President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. He is the founder and CEO of Paramount Consulting Group.