UKNY for July 5
Anthony Mason with MUNA. Secondary photo: Anthony Mason with Paul Simon (photos by John Tanner, PR)
Twelve-time Emmy winner Anthony Mason has had a long, remarkable history with CBS News — this year is his 40th anniversary with the network. From his early years as the chief Moscow correspondent to his seven-year tenure anchoring "CBS Saturday Morning" and then "CBS Mornings" from 2019-2021, Mason has always brought his acumen and empathy to the fore of his reporting. During the pandemic, while co-anchoring "CBS Mornings," he memorably (and with much-needed warmth and assurance) broadcasted from his New York City apartment.
In addition to decades of news reporting, Mason is one of this country's most informed and perceptive music and arts journalists. Growing up in an artistic family (his stepfather was the painter Henry Koehler), Mason brings his intelligence, integrity, and gentle curiosity to his interviews, exploring the complexity of what it means to create and persevere.
Mason's commitment to the stories of artists and their creative process has led to a brand new, independent YouTube series that he launched in May 2026 called "Alchemy with Anthony Mason," supported by the FLAG Art Foundation. It's also brought him back to his apartment, where the series is filmed with a handful of trusted colleagues.
On tonight's "UKNY" at 7 p.m., a conversation with Mason about his commitment to a series dedicated to human artistry — "Alchemy" is an elegant riposte to this A.I. age. Mason, one of my longtime journalism heroes (and he hosted FUV's Holiday Cheer in 2022), talks about some of the artists he's interviewed so far, including Paul Simon, Hozier, and MUNA, as well as his supportive upbringing that nurtured an admiration for artists and their processes.
Mason has seized upon Jeff Tweedy quote from one of his recent interviews, and has adopted it as the new show's rallying cry: "Creativity eats darkness." It does indeed. "Alchemy with Anthony Mason" is a radical step in the right direction, highlighting the human experience that leads to authentic, not artificially contrived, art.
The interview will be posted here after its broadcast tonight.
That's "UKNY," celebrating its lucky 13th anniversary this weekend, Sundays from 7-8 p.m., on 90.7FM, streaming online, and in the Archives after broadcast.
