New York Public Radio (NYPR) has announced the appointment of Christy Tanner as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Tanner will immediately take charge of all NYPR entities, including WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, and New Jersey Public Radio. This strategic leadership change positions NYPR for continued innovation and growth in the evolving media landscape, with Tanner bringing a wealth of experience in digital media and broadcast to her new role.
Tanner's elevation to the top leadership position comes at a critical juncture for public broadcasting, especially with the recent cessation of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Her predecessor, LaFontaine E. Oliver, will transition to Executive Chair of the board, focusing on forging new alliances and securing crucial financial support to navigate these challenges. The board expressed strong confidence in Tanner's ability to steer NYPR into a prosperous future, emphasizing her distinguished career marked by adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to public service.
John Rose, Chair of the NYPR Board of Trustees, highlighted Tanner's unique qualifications, noting her proven track record in leading media organizations through periods of significant change. He underscored her deep understanding of NYPR's vital role in New York City and her vision for advancing its services, platforms, and formats. The aim is to ensure NYPR's long-term sustainability while maintaining the trust earned from audiences over generations, delivering award-winning public service content.
Before joining NYPR, Tanner chaired Swerve Sports, a streaming television company, and served on the board of directors for Audacy, a major player in the radio and audio industry. Her tenure at CBS News, beginning in 2015, saw her spearhead digital operations, notably launching CBSN, a groundbreaking free and ad-supported live-streamed news service. This initiative was instrumental in inspiring other television news divisions to explore broadband platforms, demonstrating her foresight and impact on the digital media landscape. Her extensive career also includes executive positions at TV Guide and The Washington Post Co.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Tanner shared her long-standing admiration for NYPR's work. She articulated her honor in joining an organization that combines a strong local presence with global influence, looking forward to collaborating with NYPR's esteemed team to serve audiences in New York and beyond. Tanner's career began as a reporter and editor, contributing to The Associated Press and The Commercial Appeal in Memphis. She further honed her expertise with an MBA in media and marketing from Columbia Business School and a B.A. in Art History from Brown University.
The selection of Tanner followed a comprehensive national search conducted by the NYPR Board CEO Search Committee, which included prominent figures such as John Rose, Anna Quindlen, Jenna Weiss-Berman, Gary Knell, and Marc Chamlin. LaFontaine E. Oliver, in his new capacity as Executive Chair, will continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening collaboration within the public radio system and fostering stability for the organization amidst funding shifts.