What Is 2013 Wait Wait Don't Tell Me

Overview

'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!' is NPR's weekly satirical news quiz, blending current events with comedy. The 2013 season marked the show's 17th year on air, maintaining its signature format of panelist banter and audience participation games.

Throughout 2013, the program continued to draw high-profile guests and comedians while refining its digital presence. Episodes were recorded before live audiences and broadcast nationally, contributing to its growing popularity on podcast platforms.

• 52 episodes aired in 2013, beginning January 5 and concluding December 28, maintaining a weekly broadcast schedule without summer hiatus.
• Host Peter Sagal led every episode, delivering rapid-fire questions and witty commentary, a role he has held since 1998.
• Bill Kurtis served as the official scorekeeper and announcer, lending his iconic voice to introductions and segment transitions.
• The show reached an average of 4.8 million listeners per week across NPR member stations, according to Nielsen Audio data.
• Episodes were recorded primarily at Chicago's Chase Auditorium, with select live shows in cities like Boston and Washington, D.C.

How It Works

The 2013 season followed the show's established structure, combining real news stories with comedic panelist responses and interactive audience games. Each segment was designed to test knowledge while prioritizing entertainment and timing.

• Not My Job: A celebrity guest answers three questions on a non-related topic. If they get two right, they win for a listener.
• Bluff the Listener: Three audience members submit fake news stories; the panel picks the real one. Used in 48 episodes in 2013.
• Listener Limerick Challenge: Contestants complete a limerick based on a news event. Each correct answer earns a prize.
• Who's Bill This Time? Panelists identify a celebrity from Bill Kurtis’s voiceover clues. Appeared in every 2013 episode.
• Lightning Fill in the Blank: Rapid-fire questions worth two points each; lasted 60 seconds and closed each episode.
• Panelist Rotation: Regulars like Paula Poundstone and Mo Rocca appeared in over 30 episodes, ensuring consistent humor and chemistry.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 season with prior years in key metrics and format elements:

The 2013 season showed steady growth in audience reach and format consistency. The increased use of 'Bluff the Listener' reflected audience preference for interactive humor, while panelist data confirmed the popularity of recurring comedians. This continuity helped maintain listener loyalty and contributed to rising podcast downloads, which increased by 12% year-over-year according to NPR's 2013 annual report.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season of 'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!' played a key role in shaping public radio's approach to news comedy and digital distribution. Its success demonstrated that factual content could be both informative and highly entertaining.

• The show’s 4.8 million listeners made it one of NPR’s most popular non-news programs, rivaling flagship shows in reach.
• Podcast downloads exceeded 1.2 million per episode on average, helping NPR expand its digital audience.
• Regular celebrity guests, such as Stephen Colbert and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, boosted mainstream visibility.
• Its format influenced other comedy-news hybrids like 'The Daily Show' and 'Pod Save America' in blending humor with current events.
• Live tour dates in 2013 grossed over $2.3 million, proving the commercial viability of public radio branding.
• The show’s success in 2013 led to expanded international syndication, including broadcasts in Canada and Australia.

Ultimately, the 2013 season solidified 'Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!' as a cultural staple in American media, balancing satire with civic awareness and setting a benchmark for future seasons.