Debbie Hiott Elected to NPR's Board of Directors

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 4, 2024 | 3:48pm CT

Debbie Hiott

Debbie Hiott, General Manager of KUT News and KUTX 98.9 in Austin, has been elected to the NPR Board of Directors, representing a significant step for local station leadership on a national level. Her election was confirmed by her peers from NPR member stations nationwide. Starting her term Monday, Hiott will serve on the board through 2027.

Hiott's election comes at a pivotal moment for NPR, as it seeks to strengthen its collaboration with member stations to enhance listener experiences and financial stability. "NPR's health is our health, and vice versa," Hiott stated, emphasizing the mutual dependence between the national network and its member stations.

Joining Hiott as newly elected member directors are incumbents Maria O'Mara from KUER in Salt Lake City, Tina Pamintuan from St. Louis Public Radio and Shawn Turner from WKAR Public Media in East Lansing, MI. Together, they will tackle critical issues facing the public radio system, focusing on reversing challenging trends in underwriting and audience development.

The NPR Board consists of 23 members, including 12 who are managers from NPR member stations and elected by their peers, highlighting the integral role these stations play in the governance of public radio. Additionally, the board includes nine public directors, the chair of the NPR Foundation and the NPR president and CEO.

Since taking the leadership role at KUT News and KUTX 98.9 in January 2019, Hiott has been recognized for her influential contributions to media in Austin. Her previous tenure as editor of the "Austin American-Statesman" was marked by several editorial achievements, including three Texas Newspaper of the Year awards and the enhancement of digital products that have set a high standard in journalism excellence.