NPR Head of Programming Anya Grundmann Exit After 30 Years

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, August 21, 2023 | 4:17pm CT

Anya Grundmann

NPR's head of programming Anya Grundmann has announced her departure from the network at the end of the year, after nearly three decades with the company. She was named head of programming in 2015, overseeing music, entertainment and talk shows, as well as most of the network's podcasts. Grundmann was integral to creating "Up First," NPR's daily podcast based on the top news stories from its flagship morning show "Morning Edition."

Among other accomplishments, Grundmann helped to cultivate "Tiny Desk," the intimate, stripped-down performances that have propelled careers of unknown artists and allowed stars to reveal new truths about their music.

"I've especially loved it when the sparks are flying, when we've imagined new ways we can lean into our enormous potential while staying true to our public service mission," Grundmann says in a comment texted for this story. "It's been the best kind of roller coaster ride."

NPR CEO John Lansing commented, "She's really legendary in the world of public media. Grundmann led the podcasting revolution in many ways, and has been just an invaluable partner for me in my four years here."

Under Grundmann, NPR's programming division more than doubled in size, rising from 100 employees in 2019 to 231 in January.