CANTON — North Country Public Radio has just welcomed “The Middle” with host Jeremy Hobson to its regular programming schedule with its first show airing this past Thursday. This live call-in talk show is aimed at elevating the voices of Americans who live in “the middle,” geographically, politically or philosophically. It also creates a non-partisan, non-judgmental forum where anyone who wants to meet in the middle can come together to talk about solutions to the country’s biggest issues. Veteran public radio host Hobson is joined by two panel guests each week along with music by DJ Tolliver. Listeners can tune in and call with their questions each Thursday at 9 p.m.

“What happens nationally has an impact locally,” program director Shelly Pike said. “To better understand the scope of the issues, it’s useful to have a larger, national conversation. At the same time, when we are courageous enough to share with and to listen to each other in a bigger context, local solutions to those concerns can sometimes light a path forward. ‘The Middle’ has proven that it can be a welcoming gathering place for people to share their perspectives, personal experiences and best ideas. That kind of space is important.”

As NCPR’s broadcast of “The Middle” moves from its sister station WREM to NCPR’s primary broadcast platform, the BBC World Service program “The Arts Hour” will shift from NCPR to WREM, remaining at the Thursday 9 p.m. time slot. “The Arts Hour” is a weekly showcase of the best in global arts from across the BBC and from broadcasters around the world, with a range of arts, culture and entertainment stories.

Listeners who want to participate in the conversation on “The Middle” may do so by calling 844-4-MIDDLE (844-464-3353) or by emailing a comment to themiddleshow.radio@gmail.com. The show is available through any of the station’s 33 transmitters, through the station website and with the free NCPR mobile app.