NEW YORK, New York — New York Public Radio announced October 13 that Christy Tanner will step down as president and chief executive, with three experienced media leaders sharing interim leadership while the board searches for a successor.
Jenna Weiss-Berman, Gary Knell and LaFontaine Oliver will form a temporary Office of the CEO. Oliver will also serve as interim acting president.
Weiss-Berman co-founded Pineapple Street Studios and leads podcasts at Paper Kite Productions. Knell previously led National Public Radio, Sesame Workshop and National Geographic. Oliver previously served as New York Public Radio’s president and chief executive.
The organization operates WNYC, WQXR, Gothamist and WNYC Studios, among other services.
Reason for departure not disclosed
The public announcement did not explain Tanner’s departure. It should not be read as confirmation of a firing or a particular financial or editorial dispute.
The organization said the interim team’s priority is supporting its journalism, programming and staff during the transition.
For listeners and producers, the consequential questions concern continuity: who makes programming decisions, how fundraising proceeds and what priorities a permanent leader will inherit.
Sources: New York Public Radio’s announcement.
Prepared with AI assistance and source verification.