NPR’s Grundmann to depart after more than two decades

Anya Grundmann, SVP for programming and audience development at NPR, is set to depart. Since joining in June 2003, she has held various posts, including executive producer of the music unit and executive director for NPR music.

Ideastream.org reports:

“Grundmann’s departure follows [NPR President nd CEO] John F. Lansing‘s decision last year to restructure the upper levels of the network by unifying the network’s news and programming divisions under a single chief content officer. Then-Senior Vice President for News Nancy Barnes, Grundmann’s counterpart over news, viewed it as a demotion. Barnes left NPR last fall to lead the newsroom of the Boston Globe.

“Tensions had surfaced between Grundmann and Barnes over the strategy for news-related podcasts, including the greenlighting of new series, at a time when commercial competitors had entered the field in force. The New York Times, The Atlantic, Vox Media and other outlets have carved notable roles in news podcasting, often drawing upon the expertise of former NPR employees. Up First was seen as a belated response to the hit podcast The Daily from the Times, which is now aired by many public radio stations.”

Previously, Grundmann worked at NPR from 1995 to 2002 as a supervising editor. She played a key part in creating “Up First,” NPR’s daily podcast.

Grundmann commented:

“I’ve especially loved it when the sparks were flying, when we’ve imagined new ways we can lean into our enormous potential while staying true to our public service mission. It’s been the best kind of roller coaster ride.”

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