Religion News Service announced Thursday that Philana Patterson has joined the news organization as chief content officer.
In the newly created position, Patterson will oversee editorial production across all formats, including the website, social media, video, podcasts, newsletters and live events.
Patterson previously was head of news audio at The Wall Street Journal, where she oversaw strategy, production and editorial direction of the podcast division. She also has held leadership roles at USA Today, The Associated Press and Black Enterprise.
“RNS offers a rare opportunity to think entrepreneurially about how we reach audiences while working with journalists who are deeply respected in their fields,” said Patterson in a statement. “I’m excited about what we can build together and the ways we can bring this essential journalism to people.”
Patterson has edited and produced award-winning journalism including “Camp Swamp Road,” a 2026 Pulitzer finalist in Audio Reporting and winner of the Scripps Howard Award, and “The Missing Minister,” winner of New York Press Club and Overseas Press Club honors. In 2025, she was named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 44 Most Powerful People in Podcasting.
Earlier in her career, she led a ground-breaking initiative at the AP using natural language generation technology to automate earnings stories that is still in use today.
