Derrick Porter.
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SALT LAKE CITY — Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have named Derrick Porter as the new executive producer, principal writer, and presenter of “Music & the Spoken Word.” The First Presidency announced Friday that he will be replacing Lloyd Newell, who has served for the past 34 years.
In a press release, Bishop Gérald Caussé, Presiding Bishop of the Church and an advisor to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square said, “This kind of announcement is very rare, considering that during the past three decades we’ve all become accustomed to hearing Lloyd Newell on Sunday mornings. We are thrilled about the future of this program and know it will continue to bring peace and hope in a troubled world through its music and messages each week.”
Porter, 42, resides in Bountiful, Utah. He and his wife, Rebecca, are the parents of six children. He currently serves as a bishop in his local congregation.
Music & the Spoken Word is the world’s longest-running broadcast for 95 years. Locally it is heard each Sunday at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on News Talk KVNU.
Porter said, “I am sincerely humbled at the opportunity to serve as a steward to carry on this great legacy.”
Newell has served as writer and presenter of the Spoken Word since 1990. Only two others have been the announcer of the Choir on the weekly broadcast — Elder Richard L. Evans and J. Spencer Kinard. Newell and his wife, Karmel, have been called to serve as mission leaders for the California Los Angeles Mission and will begin their service in mid-June.
Newell said, “What an honor and blessing to begin every Sunday morning with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for more than half my life.”
Choir President Michael O. Leavitt expressed appreciation for Newell’s service and optimism for the future of Music & the Spoken Word.
Newell’s last Sunday broadcast with the choir will be June 16. Porter will deliver his first Music & the Spoken Word message the following week, June 23.