MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — Public Radio Exchange, known as PRX, has selected Chief Operating Officer Jason Saldanha as its next president and chief executive officer.
Saldanha will assume the position October 15, succeeding Kerri Hoffman, who has led the public-radio distributor and podcast publisher as chief executive since 2016.
PRX says Hoffman will remain strategically involved with the organization, including service on its board of directors, into 2027.
AN INTERNAL SUCCESSION
Saldanha has served as chief operating officer since 2024 and has held PRX leadership positions since 2019 involving business development, production, revenue, content and organizational strategy.
The internal appointment gives PRX continuity at a moment when public-media organizations are confronting disrupted funding, changing audience behavior and increased dependence on digital distribution.
HOFFMAN’S DECADE AT THE TOP
Hoffman joined PRX in 2003 and became chief executive in 2016. Her tenure included the organization’s 2018 merger with Public Radio International and continued development of distribution and monetization technology used by stations and producers.
PRX has supported programs including The Moth Radio Hour and Reveal, the independent podcast network Radiotopia and Podcast Garage facilities serving audio producers.
THE QUESTIONS FACING PRX
Saldanha’s appointment raises several immediate questions for public broadcasters and independent producers:
- Which distribution and technology services will remain affordable for smaller organizations?
- How will PRX help producers replace lost underwriting or public-media funding?
- Will the organization expand direct-to-listener products?
- How will independent programs gain discovery in an increasingly crowded podcast market?
The leadership transition is effective October 15. RNN will seek interviews with both executives about the transition and PRX’s priorities for stations, producers and listeners.