In a significant shift within the organization, Edith Chapin, NPR's editor-in-chief and acting chief content officer, announced her decision to step down during a staff meeting on Tuesday morning. This news comes shortly after the Republican-led Congress voted to eliminate all federal funding for public broadcasting, a move influenced by President Trump's allegations of liberal bias at NPR. Despite the timing, Chapin clarified that her resignation was a personal choice, stating, “This decision is mine and not a reaction to Congress’s actions.”
Chapin, a veteran journalist, surprised NPR's CEO Katherine Maher with her decision two weeks prior to the announcement. Reflecting on her time at NPR, she shared, “I have held two significant executive roles for two years, and it’s time for me to take a break to ensure my performance remains exceptional.” Chapin plans to remain with NPR until September or October as the organization navigates this transition.
In a note to staff, Maher expressed gratitude for Chapin’s contributions, calling her “an indispensable partner” and a “steady leader” throughout her first year at NPR. However, Maher did not disclose any details regarding the transition planning or interim leadership, indicating that more information would be provided in due course.
Chapin joined NPR in 2012 after her tenure at CNN, starting as the chief international editor. Over the years, she climbed the ranks, eventually being promoted to senior vice president of news and editor-in-chief. In 2023, former NPR CEO John Lansing merged reporting, shows, and podcasts, and appointed Chapin to the newly created role of chief content officer. However, she opted against accepting the position permanently, believing that someone with a different skill set should lead NPR’s strategic direction.
Chapin’s departure comes at a precarious time for public broadcasting, particularly as the ramifications of the congressional vote could echo for years. NPR typically receives less than 2% of its funding from federal sources, but federal aid is crucial for many member stations, which rely on it for approximately 8% to 10% of their revenue. Notably, some rural and tribal stations depend on government funding for over half of their financial resources.
In a recent interview, Maher announced that NPR would cut its operating budget by $8 million in the upcoming year to provide fee relief to the most affected stations. This funding cuts are set to take effect on October 1, coinciding with the beginning of the next fiscal year.
Despite the challenges, Maher remains optimistic about the future of public broadcasting and aims to persuade lawmakers to reconsider federal funding. The network has faced periodic accusations of bias, particularly from conservative circles, which intensified last year following a controversial essay by a veteran NPR editor. In response, Chapin led initiatives to hire senior editors tasked with ensuring fairness and accuracy in NPR’s broadcasts, digital stories, and podcasts.
Chapin emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “The best thing we can do is to perform our jobs to the best of our abilities every day. It’s essential to hear from diverse voices, and our audiences can determine how valuable we are to them.”
Under Chapin’s leadership, NPR has also succeeded in establishing seven regional newsrooms, each focusing on unique local issues. One notable initiative, The Texas Newsroom, has gained acclaim for its comprehensive coverage, including during recent flooding in Texas. Chapin’s commitment to NPR’s ethos of “all things considered” reflects her belief in providing a broad spectrum of content, catering to a diverse audience.
As Edith Chapin prepares to transition away from her role, her legacy at NPR will undoubtedly influence the organization for years to come. Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR correspondent David Folkenflik, with editing support from deputy business editor Emily Kopp and managing editors Gerry Holmes and Vickie Walton-James. In accordance with NPR’s reporting protocols, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story prior to publication.
