J. Schafer
News DirectorJ. Schafer is the News Director of Kansas Public Radio. He’s also the Managing Editor of the Kansas Public Radio Network, which provides news and information to other public radio stations in Kansas and Missouri.
Before joining KPR in 1995, Schafer spent 10 years as a commercial radio and TV newsman. During his career, he's filed stories for nearly every major radio news network in the nation including ABC, NBC, CBS, AP, UPI, the Mutual Broadcasting System, NPR and the BBC. This seems to impress no one. At KPR, he produces feature stories, interviews and newscast items and edits the work of others. In the fall of 2000, he performed contract work for the U.S. State Department, traveling to central Asia to teach broadcast journalism at newly independent radio stations in the former Soviet Union. One of his passions is Kansas; learning about and promoting the state’s rich heritage, people and accomplishments. Schafer gives presentations about Kansas to various organizations around the state to remind residents about our awesome history and incredible people. A native of Great Bend, he studied journalism and mass communications at Barton County Community College and at the University of Kansas. He was also an exchange student to Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany. The “J.” in J. Schafer stands for Jeremy, but he doesn’t really care for that name. He also enjoys the pretentiousness of using just a single initial for a first name!
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For the second time this winter season, the National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard warning for northeast Kansas. What's happening? KPR spoke with NWS forecaster Sarah Teefey to find out. -
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly wants lawmakers to hold off on any new tax cuts this session. Instead, she wants them to focus on improving childcare, reducing childhood hunger and finding a way to protect and preserve the giant aquifer in western Kansas. More from her 2025 State of the State Address inside. -
Join KPR-1 Wednesday at 6:30 pm for live coverage of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's State of the State Address. KPR's J. Schafer and senior political reporter Jim McLean will co-anchor the live, statewide broadcast. -
Thank you, Veterans, for serving our great country. -
Vintage audio goods - receivers, turntables, speakers and more - will be on sale Saturday in Lawrence. The benefit for the Kansas Audio-Reader Network also features thousands of vinyl records. KPR's J. Schafer talks to Ed Hawkins, one of the volunteers gearing up for the sale. -
General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who grew up in Abilene, Kansas, was responsible for planning the D-Day invasion during World War II. It was the largest invasion in world history. Before Allied troops hit the beaches in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944... Eisenhower delivered an inspirational message to his troops. KPR's J. Schafer has more on this 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. -
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has called lawmakers back to Topeka for a special session next month. The regular session ended with the governor and lawmakers still at odds over tax relief. KPR's J. Schafer spoke to her about tax cuts and why she's still pushing to expand Medicaid. -
With transmitters and translators scattered across the eastern third of the state, Kansas Public Radio reaches 100,000 listeners every week. Let us tell our loyal listeners about your business, but in a good way. -
If the shoe fits... wear it. More than a thousand grade school students in Franklin County are getting a free pair of brand-name shoes. The shoe giveaway is part of a joint effort by AdventHealth Ottawa and a non-profit called "Shoes That Fit." KPR's J. Schafer spoke to Shoes That Fit CEO Amy Fass about the big shoe giveaway Friday morning at Lincoln Elementary. -
A new documentary, focusing on climate change and how Kansans are adapting, premiers Sunday (Feb. 25, 2024) in Topeka. Producer Dave Kendall gives us a sneak peek.
