Edith Chapin to Depart NPR Later This Year

Edith Chapin, NPR’s top editor, is set to leave the organization later this year. As a senior vice president and editor-in-chief, she also held the role of acting Chief Content Officer. Her departure comes just after a retirement package linked to funding cuts under the Trump administration, with Congress recently passing measures that eliminated over $1 billion in federal broadcast funding for the fiscal year.

NPR’s CEO, Katherine Maher, praised Chapin, calling her a “leader in journalism integrity” and an unwavering partner during Maher’s first year at the company.

Rural NPR Station Faces Challenges Post-Funding Cuts

“Edith has laid the groundwork for a robust public radio system,” Maher added, noting Chapin’s leadership qualities of confidence and compassion. Chapin reportedly informed NPR leadership of her decision to leave before the funding cuts were officially enacted, according to a source.

NPR is set to begin a national search for new editorial leadership. Chapin will continue to lead the newsroom until it officially closes later this year. “Serving NPR listeners and collaborating with talented journalists has been a true honor,” she remarked.

NPR’s CEO Acknowledges Challenges from Federal Funding Cuts

Maher stated that despite the frustrations stemming from the cuts to federal funding, NPR will strive to maintain operations. “We’ve covered significant events in our history, from global conflicts to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Chapin noted in a press release.

The recent funding cut package has raised concerns over foreign aid programs and financial resources for both NPR and PBS. Despite the setbacks, Maher reaffirmed NPR’s commitment to continue its operations. Chapin previously spent 25 years at CNN before joining NPR in 2012.