John Lansing, former CEO of D.C.-based NPR, dies at 67

Lansing created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office
at NPR and the number of people of color
increased significantly during his tenure.

John Lansing, former chief executive officer of D.C.-based National Public Radio, died at his home in Wisconsin at the age of 67. He retired from his position as the head of the public broadcasting organization only months ago.

In 2019, after a career in broadcasting, reports CBS News, Lansing took over as CEO of NPR. In an obit story by Media Correspondent David Folkenflik, the public radio broadcasting organization noted that Lansing’s focus from the start was diversifying the staff, programming, and news coverage choices in what he called his “North Star.”

Poynter noted that Lansing created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office—and the number of people of color on the executive team and the staff as a whole increased significantly during his tenure. NPR also noted that Lansing publicly defended “All Things Considered” host Mary Louise Kelly after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused her of lying to listeners in 2020.

In 2023 under Lansing, NPR quit Twitter, now X, after the social media platform labeled the news organization as “state-affiliated media.”

Also in 2023, amid a projected $30 million shortfall, Lansing also oversaw a 10% cut in the staff at NPR.

Lansing’s successor at NPR, Katherine Maher, released a statement stating that “John had a tremendous impact on NPR’s workplace culture and led the organization through some of its most difficult times. His commitment to improving NPR’s audience and staff diversity has left an indelible positive impact. He cared deeply about diversity and inclusion; he lived by his values every day, resulting in a staff and leadership team markedly more diverse than when he arrived.”

More here.