Collin Campbell, NPR’s Senior Vice President of Podcasting, is reportedly leaving the public radio network for Apple. The tech company has not yet made an official announcement, but a memo to NPR staff obtained by The New York Times confirmed Campbell’s departure last week. Multiple sources have since indicated he is set to take on a new role at Apple.
In the memo, NPR Editor in Chief and Chief Content Officer Edith Chapin said Campbell, who is based in Los Angeles, is pursuing an opportunity “a little closer to home” in California.
“Collin has been a constant cheerleader for the work we do,” Chapin wrote. “He raised the profile of our podcasts in outside interviews and appearances and earned attention for our shows on ‘Best Of’ lists and awards.”
Chapin also praised Campbell for navigating what she described as “significant challenges” with Apple and other platforms. She credited him for helping NPR expand into the growing world of video podcasting and for his efforts to keep the network’s slate of shows competitive amid shifting audience behaviors.
A replacement has not yet been named.
Campbell joined NPR in 2023 as part of the network’s strategy to reinvigorate its podcast business.
Before arriving at NPR, Campbell built a two-decade career across public radio, streaming platforms, and podcast studios. He previously served as Executive Editor for New Show Development at Spotify-owned Gimlet Media, where he oversaw the launch of several acclaimed limited series including Conviction, Crime Show, Welcome to Your Fantasy, and 544 Days.
Prior to Gimlet, Campbell worked at Amazon’s Audible as Executive Producer for Original Content. There, he was responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of on-demand audio shows as Audible expanded its original programming slate.
Campbell’s career began in public radio in 2003 as an associate producer for Morning Edition at New York Public Radio. During his time there, he co-created two programs that would later become hit podcasts — Freakonomics Radio and The Takeaway.
Campbell’s reported move to Apple marks a significant crossover between traditional public media and one of the world’s largest digital platforms. For NPR, his exit represents another leadership change as the network continues to adapt to the fast-evolving on-demand audio landscape.
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