NPR CEO and President John Lansing has announced he will retire at the end of the calendar year.
In an email to staffers, Lansing said the outlet has been a key fixture in providing pivotal coverage to Americans in recent years.
“We have been through a lot together over the past four years, and you have made me proud every day. During the pandemic, we were there when America needed us most, reporting truthful life-saving information when disinformation was rampant. And we were there when America went through an overdue racial reckoning,” Lansing said in the note.
“Our journalists did remarkable work covering the efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and when Russia launched its war against Ukraine. We were also there when our audiences needed joy, laughter, and connection in those moments that felt so bleak. All of you — and I mean every person working in every role at every level of this company — played a role in serving our audiences and the public interest at a time of incredible need. You should all stand proud, and it has been the honor of my career to have you as colleagues.”
Lansing joined NPR in 2019. He ushered the outlet through the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the implementation of diversity initiatives. Before his tenure, only 9% of the network’s executive team was made up of people of color. That number has risen to 40% under his tutelage.
“We are all immensely grateful to John for his principled and tenacious leadership through a turbulent time for NPR, our system, and our nation,” said NPR Board Chair Jeff Sine. “From developing pandemic protocols to sitting alongside President Biden at this year’s White House Press Dinner, John has faced the highs and lows with grace and equanimity. He will remain in his leadership role throughout the upcoming search process as we find a worthy successor, so no time for goodbyes yet!”
