Kinsey Wilson, who headed digital media for NPR, will now lead news and programming as well in a promotion that reflects NPR's increased emphasis on online and mobile news.
Wilson takes on the new role of executive vice president and chief content officer. NPR said the new structure will allow closer coordination of news, digital and programming. It reflects the growing importance of NPR's online audience: It reaches 27 million listeners each week and nearly 23 million people on digital platforms.
Since joining NPR in 2008 as senior vice president and general manager of digital media, Wilson had helped build editorial relationships between NPR and the member stations that finance it. The national body produces content for the local stations as well as offering it online.
NPR also announced that Margaret Low Smith will permanently lead NPR News as senior vice president, a position she has acted in since January 2011.
The moves were among several changes announced Friday by NPR President and CEO Gary Knell, who took over in December after the ouster of Vivian Schiller. She resigned under pressure from NPR's board after the firing of Juan Williams over remarks about Muslims and the dissemination of a video that showed NPR fundraising executives criticizing Republicans and Tea Party backers.
"This is a time of great opportunity for NPR and our Member stations," Knell said Friday. "In Kinsey and Margaret, we have two journalists, strategists and leaders with a keen understanding of the craft that distinguishes NPR – and how we must continue to innovate and evolve. Our collective aim is to work with stations to become an unrivaled leader in news and cultural coverage that reaches all Americans, no matter how they tune in."
NPR also announced that Eric Nuzum, who has served as acting vice president for programming since January 2011, will officially take on the role. He will oversee the relationships with NPR’s 17 acquired programs, including "Fresh Air," "Snap Judgment" and "Car Talk" and manage NPR’s international and satellite services.
Knell also announced that vice president of diversity in news and operations Keith Woods would take on an expanded role, broadening his work with member stations to promote more diversity in audience, staffing and content.
NPR also said Woods and Joyce MacDonald, vice president for membership and audience partnership, would report to him.
