Frank Langfitt, NPR’s national roving correspondent, recently visited Asheville, where he engaged with the World Affairs Council of Western North Carolina and shared insights from his extensive experience as a foreign correspondent. During his visit, Langfitt sat down with BPR’s Felicia Sonmez for an interview, shedding light on his global reporting adventures.
BPR: Can you give us an overview of the countries you’ve reported from during your nearly two decades abroad?
Langfitt has traversed more than 50 countries and territories, covering diverse regions from Cuba to East Timor. His assignments have taken him to Africa, where he spent significant time in Somalia and Sudan, and to China for nearly a decade. He was also based in London during the Brexit vote and continued to cover Europe, including the onset of the war in Ukraine.
BPR: Your talk this week was called, “Eyewitness to History.” What are some of the most memorable stories you’ve covered?
Langfitt, a history enthusiast, expressed a desire to witness pivotal moments firsthand. A notable event was Brexit, where he arrived in London expecting a routine assignment, only to find himself amidst a political upheaval post-vote. Similarly, his presence in Ukraine during the 2022 invasion offered a unique perspective on the rapidly evolving situation, likening it to the significant events of 1945.
BPR: You’re currently a national roving correspondent for NPR. What are some of the lessons you’ve learned abroad that you’re applying to your work now? And do you see any parallels between some of the events that, as you mentioned, these big stories that you’ve covered overseas and some of the things that are happening in the U.S. now?
Langfitt emphasized the power of immersive field reporting, drawing parallels between his experiences in 1990s China and present-day America. He highlighted the political divide in the U.S., noting that many from urban centers seldom visit small towns. By engaging directly with local communities, Langfitt aims to bridge this gap, much like his reporting in China, where he would convey unheard stories to a curious audience.
BPR: Obviously, you’ve seen a lot during your travels to dozens of countries. But is there anything that you’ve learned or experienced during your time here in Western North Carolina this week that’s been surprising or unexpected?
Langfitt found his interaction with the World Affairs Council of Asheville enriching, as he conversed with well-traveled, analytical individuals. This experience offered him deeper insights into Asheville’s intellectual community, which he plans to feature in an upcoming NPR story.
