#United States #New York #New York Public Radio #Christy Tanner #WNYC

Leadership Transition at New York Public Radio

In a significant development, New York Public Radio (NYPR) has announced a leadership transition, revealing that Christy Tanner will step down from her role as President and CEO. This announcement, made on October 13, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for the organization.

The Board of Trustees has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Christy for her contributions and dedication to NYPR throughout her tenure. As the organization prepares for this change, it assures the public that its commitment to high-quality journalism will remain unwavering. The focus is now on maintaining continuity and supporting the staff during this period of transition.

An Interim Team Stepping Forward

To guide NYPR during this transition, an interim leadership team has been established. This team consists of seasoned media professionals who bring a wealth of experience to the table. Jenna Weiss-Berman, a co-founder of Pineapple Street Studios and a leader in podcasting at Paper Kite Productions, as well as Gary Knell, who has held prestigious roles as President and CEO of NPR, CEO of Sesame Workshop, and Chief Executive of National Geographic, will join LaFontaine Oliver. Oliver, who has previously served as NYPR’s President and CEO and currently chairs the Board of Public Media Infrastructure, will take on the role of acting President.

The Board’s Expectations

John Rose, Chair of the Board, expressed confidence in the abilities of the interim team. He remarked, “We’re grateful to Jenna, Gary, and LaFontaine for taking this on.” Their backgrounds in public media, journalism, and management ideally position them to support the staff and serve the audience during the search for a permanent leader.

This transitional leadership underscores NYPR's commitment to resilience and excellence in public broadcasting. Throughout this period, the organization’s journalists, producers, hosts, and staff will continue to deliver top-notch programming and journalism known for their reliability and integrity.

A Commitment to Audience

NYPR remains thankful to its audience, comprising dedicated listeners of WNYC, WQXR, and Gothamist. The organization pledges to continue delivering exceptional content that meets the needs of New Yorkers. The interim team’s priority will be to uphold the quality of programming during this transitional period and to ensure that the audience remains at the heart of everything they do.

About New York Public Radio

New York Public Radio is known for producing innovative and critically acclaimed programming that reaches local and national audiences. With brands like WNYC, WQXR, and WNYC Studios, they create a diverse range of content from award-winning podcasts to live broadcasts. The organization is committed to high-quality journalism and active engagement with its community, thus putting its audience's interests at the forefront of their mission. For more information about their programs, podcasts, and stations, visit www.nypublicradio.org.

As the search for NYPR's next permanent President and CEO gets underway, the interim team will lead the organization with a strong focus on continuity and quality, paving the way for a promising future in public broadcasting.