NPR Names Nadine Zylstra as New Chief Content Officer
NPR has hired Nadine Zylstra as its new chief content officer, effective July. She will oversee the network's newsroom, music department, podcasts, and related departments.
President and CEO Katherine Maher stated that Zylstra will not be involved in news decisions. Editor-in-Chief Tommy Evans will continue to lead journalism.
Zylstra previously served as global programming chief at Pinterest, global head of YouTube Originals, and a top programming executive at Sesame Workshop. She currently sits on the board of PBS SoCal.
Background
NPR created the chief content officer role nearly two decades ago. Previous CEO Jarl Mohn eliminated the role in 2014; CEO John Lansing revived it. Edith Chapin served as acting chief content officer from 2023 until her resignation in 2024.
Zylstra's Statement
"I really feel like I've been training for this job my whole life." — Nadine Zylstra
Context
NPR recently received two gifts totaling over $113 million to improve technology and distribution. Last year, Congress eliminated federal funding for public media, leading to layoffs at NPR and member stations. NPR cut about 30 newsroom positions through buyouts and layoffs.