NPR Names Edith Chapin as Senior Vice President for News and Editor in Chief
In a move to solidify its leadership amidst a period of significant transition, NPR has appointed Edith Chapin as its senior vice president for news and editor in chief. Chapin has been serving in an acting capacity since fall 2022 but has been part of the NPR team for over a decade. Her previous roles include foreign editor and executive editor.
Having spent 25 years at CNN, Chapin brings a wealth of journalism experience to her new position. Her appointment comes in the wake of Nancy Barnes’ departure as senior vice president for news last fall, as she took on the role of editor in chief at the Boston Globe.
While NPR’s chief executive, John Lansing, recently announced plans to fill the position of chief content officer, the search continues after the initial candidate accepted a position at The Washington Post. These developments come at a time when NPR has faced financial troubles and witnessed key leadership departures. In response, the organization has implemented cost-cutting measures such as freezing spending, staff layoffs, and buyouts.
Despite these challenges, Lansing remains optimistic about NPR’s future. He believes the organization is on the path to recovery and is focused on strengthening its reporting through collaboration with local stations. Chapin, in her new role, noted NPR’s successful coverage of the pandemic and the upcoming presidential election as examples of the organization’s commitment to high-quality journalism.
It is important to note that this news article was reported by NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp. However, it was not reviewed by senior news executives or corporate officials before being published.
As NPR continues to navigate through a time of change, the appointment of Edith Chapin serves as a crucial step in ensuring a strong and steady leadership at the network. With her extensive background in journalism, Chapin is well-equipped to guide NPR’s news division and uphold its reputation for delivering exceptional reporting.
