Lloyd Newell

Lloyd David Newell has been the voice of the Music and the Spoken Word radio show for twenty years. Produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and featuring the Taberncale Choir at Temple Square, the program is the longest-running radio show in the United States and was recently named to the Radio Hall of Fame.

Newell was called to be the announcer of the program in 1990 by then prophet and president of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley.

"Fifty-two times a year, Newell delivers a message "designed to uplift and inspire, to be a bright spot in someone's life. It's nondenominational, dealing with universal principles; it's something that anyone can listen to, can take from, learn from." [1]

Newell succeeded Spence Kinard as moderator of the program. Richard L. Evans served in the position for many years, but now Newell has surpassed his longevity in the job. Newell grew up in Utah and attended Brigham Young University, majoring in communications. His emphasis was broadcast journalism, and his first job was as the 6-11 p.m. TV news anchor for WSEE in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Newell returned to Utah and taught at BYU while becoming a motivational speaker. His speaking engagements took him to 46 states and a dozen countries. He also worked as an anchor at CNN, doing news and also broadcasts from around the country. However, once he married, he found the travel onerous. He had done some voice-over work for Bonneville Communications, and he auditioned for a back-up announcer position and was chosen for the job. He never performed in that job, but was asked to fill in for Kinard on an interim basis, and then called to continue on in the position with Music and the Spoken Word.

Once in awhile, someone will comment on what Newell must earn. Newell emphasizes that this is a Church calling and is unpaid. Newell is still a professor of religion and family life at BYU. He does get paid for his writing and still does some speaking engagements around the country. Originally, the inspirational messages for the show were written by other people, but now Newell writes most of the messages himself. Programs are mapped out about six weeks ahead, a collaboration between Newell and choir director Mack Wilberg.

Newell received his Ph.D. in Family Sciences from Brigham Young University in 1999. He and his wife, Karmel, have four children. Newell has written numerous books, including May Peace Be WIth You, The Divine Connection, Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice, The Gospel of Second Chances, and The Healer's Art (with Don H. Staheli. He continues to serve as host and announcer for many local and national programs and events. [2]