NPR Names New Podcast Chief As Network Seeks To Regain Footing

NPR named veteran audio executive Collin Campbell as its new podcast chief on Thursday as part of an effort to stabilize its role as a key player in the increasingly crowded field.

"People who are looking for news and information on topics are just facing a really confusing mix," Campbell said in an interview ahead of the announcement. "You can't sort between the output of a group of journalists that have the goods and have the boots on the ground, and a bunch of people [simply] talking about it. We have to really look at ways to stand out and show what we do and how we do it."

The appointment underscores the moment as one of rapid shifts among the network's executive ranks and heightened competition for both podcast listeners and advertisers. NPR has been an innovative force in podcasting but has seen its leading status ebb with a flurry of entrants into the industry.

Campbell promised that he'd build upon the public radio network's journalistic strengths, seek opportunities to forge stronger connections with listeners to increase audiences and financial support, and leverage the reporting and insights of its hundreds of local member stations.

Campbell was selected by NPR's acting chief content officer, Edith Chapin, after a national search. He will start next month.

After projecting a steep revenue shortfall, NPR embarked on layoffs comprising nearly 10 percent of its workforce earlier this year. It eliminated four podcasts, including the groundbreaking show Invisibilia and other acclaimed series.

Campbell's predecessor, NPR programming executive Anya Grundmann, is departing NPR at the end of this year, though the job has been refashioned. It no longer includes the portfolio of NPR Music.