NYC Radio: Christy Tanner Named Public Radio CEO

New York Public Radio has appointed Christy Tanner, a veteran media executive from CBS News and The Associated Press, as its new president and CEO, starting Wednesday.

Tanner, 57, succeeds LaFontaine Oliver, who transitioned to an executive chair role in July after three years leading the nonprofit organization. NYPR oversees WNYC, classical station WQXR, WNYC Studios, the Gothamist news site, popular programs like “The Brian Lehrer Show” and “Radiolab,” live events, and New Jersey Public Radio.

In an interview with the NYTimes, Tanner described NYPR as an often-underestimated powerhouse in journalism and cultural programming with significant national reach and audience impact. She expressed intent to expand its audience domestically and internationally while strengthening fundraising to build on recent financial gains.

Christy Tanner

The organization has largely avoided severe disruption from last year's congressional cuts to federal public broadcasting funding (via the Corporation for Public Broadcasting), which eliminated over $500 million annually nationwide and more in rescissions. NYPR derives only about 4% of its budget from CPB sources. Listener support surged amid the funding debates, enabling NYPR to exceed its $57.7 million fiscal-year fundraising goal by roughly $4 million.

Tanner's primary challenge will be sustaining and growing this financial momentum after recent cost-cutting measures to address budget shortfalls. She noted the organization has "turned a corner" financially.

Tanner brings extensive experience in digital transformation and media leadership. She spent eight years at CBS expanding its streaming platform and digital operations. Previously, she served as CEO of TV Guide Digital, guiding its 2013 sale to CBS. A former AP reporter who covered police and education beats in Memphis in the 1990s, Tanner said she welcomes employee skepticism and public accountability in a journalistic environment.

Past internal controversies during the Covid-19 era—including plagiarism issues, bullying allegations, and diversity debates—have subsided, though NYPR staff remain vocal and engaged in holding leadership accountable. Tanner said her background as a reporter makes her value such scrutiny of those in power.