South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is proud to celebrate 25 years of Walter Edgar’s Journal, the long-running program that has engaged listeners across the state through powerful storytelling and in-depth exploration of South Carolina’s rich history and culture.
Launched on Dec. 1, 2000 as a one-time broadcast special on SC Public Radio, Walter Edgar’s Journal quickly evolved into a weekly program. Created through a collaboration between broadcaster Tom Fowler and acclaimed historian Dr. Walter Edgar, the show became a platform for telling the stories of South Carolina— from politics and literature to foodways and folk traditions.
Over the past 25 years, the program has featured conversations with hundreds of guests, including authors, artists, educators, politicians and everyday citizens, offering a rich portrait of South Carolina's past and present. More than 1,000 episodes have aired to date, each adding to the program’s legacy of thoughtful and well-researched storytelling.
Dr. Walter Edgar, a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of South Carolina, is a leading authority on South Carolina history. Dr. Edgar’s ability to translate complex historical topics into engaging, accessible conversations has made him a trusted voice in homes and classrooms across the state.
In addition to Walter Edgar’s Journal, Dr. Edgar is also the voice behind South Carolina from A to Z, another long-running SC Public Radio series that explores the state's people, places and events in brief audio segments.
Walter Edgar’s Journal began a new chapter in 2023 with its transition to a podcast format, expanding its reach and enabling deeper dives into topics with longtime producer Alfred Turner becoming a co-host. Turner, a veteran radio producer and former program director for SC Public Radio, has helped guide the show into its modern format while maintaining its original spirit of curiosity and connection.
The show’s impact can also be felt off the airwaves. The Walter Edgar’s Journal Book Nook was unveiled in 2023 at All Good Books in Columbia. The curated space features titles discussed on the program and offers fans another way to explore the topics they’ve heard on air.
Earlier in 2025, to commemorate the 25th anniversary milestone, Gov. Henry McMaster recognized Dr. Edgar for his 25 years of captivating and enlightening audiences throughout South Carolina and beyond. The honorary celebration took place during the University South Caroliniana Society’s annual meeting at SCETV’s studio in Columbia.
As part of the anniversary celebration, SC Public Radio will air Walter Edgar’s Journal: The 25th Anniversary Special— a live, one-hour broadcast on Dec. 12 at noon. Hosted by SC Public Radio Director Sean Birch and Walter Edgar’s Journal Co-host Alfred Turner, the special will feature Dr. Edgar reflecting on the past 25 years of the program, discussing its evolution into a podcast and revisiting some of the most memorable clips and moments from over the years. The special program will also include listener submissions, with comments, congratulations and questions welcomed at southcarolinapublicradio.org/journal. Following the live broadcast, the special will be released as an episode of Walter Edgar’s Journal and made available to stream on the SCETV YouTube channel and the SCETV App.
Another special episode titled 25 Years of Walter Edgar’s Journal was released in September and is currently available to listen to on the SC Public Radio website. The retrospective episode revisits the program’s beginnings, reflects on its evolution and includes an encore of the final broadcast episode from 2023. For more information or to listen to additional episodes of Walter Edgar’s Journal, visit the Walter Edgar’s Journal webpage on the SC Public Radio website or find the podcast on all major platforms.
QUOTES
“Dr. Walter Edgar is one of South Carolina’s most treasured voices and deeply valued by SC Public Radio. His name has become synonymous with thoughtful storytelling and deep curiosity about the people and history of our state. This milestone is not just about years. This is about impact, and Walter’s continues to be immeasurable.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“When we started Walter Edgar’s Journal, I never imagined the journey it would take or the audiences it would reach. For 25 years, it’s been my privilege to share the stories of this remarkable state— stories of struggle and triumph, of progress and preservation. I’m deeply grateful to our listeners and to the many voices who have joined me along the way. I’m honored by Gov. McMaster’s recognition of this milestone and thankful to SC Public Radio for its steadfast support in bringing these stories to life.” –Walter Edgar’s Journal and South Carolina From A to Z Host Dr. Walter Edgar
“Working alongside Walter for so many years has been one of the great privileges of my career. His ability to bring South Carolina’s history and culture to life through meaningful conversations has inspired me and countless others. As producer, and now co-host, I’ve had the unique opportunity to watch the program evolve while always staying true to its core of connecting people to the stories that shape our state. Celebrating 25 years of Walter Edgar’s Journal is a reminder of the impact Walter’s work has had, and continues to have, on South Carolina.” –Walter Edgar’s Journal Co-host and South Carolina From A to Z Producer Alfred Turner
FAST FACTS
- Walter Edgar’s Journal debuted in 2000 as a special one-time broadcast and became a weekly talk show on SC Public Radio.
- For the past 25 years, the program has produced over 1,000 episodes showcasing South Carolina’s history, culture, politics and people.
- The program transitioned to a podcast format in 2023, continuing its legacy of in-depth storytelling with Dr. Edgar and Co-host Alfred Turner.
- Earlier in 2025, the University of South Caroliniana Society hosted a special event at SCETV to celebrate the program’s 25th anniversary, featuring a tribute to Dr. Edgar by Gov. Henry McMaster.
- A special episode released in September and titled 25 Years of Walter Edgar’s Journal is available to listen to on the SC Public Radio website.
- Walter Edgar’s Journal: The 25th Anniversary Special will air live on Dec. 12 at noon on SC Public Radio, featuring reflections on the past, a look to the future and favorite clips from over the years.
- For more information or to listen to the latest episodes of Walter Edgar’s Journal, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/journal or find the podcast on all major platforms.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
SC Public Radio celebrates 25 years of Walter Edgar’s Journal (PDF)
