Edith Chapin to Step Down as NPR Editor in Chief

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 11:24am CT

Edith Chapin

NPR's Edith Chapin will step down from her role as Senior Vice President, Editor in Chief, and acting Chief Content Officer later this year, concluding more than a decade of editorial leadership at the public media organization.

Chapin, who joined NPR in 2012 and became Executive Editor in 2015, has overseen some of the network's most consequential coverage, from international conflicts and national elections to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her tenure has been marked by a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, the expansion of investigative reporting, and a focus on public trust and editorial independence.

"Edith Chapin is a leader in journalistic integrity, a champion for the newsroom, calm in the storm - and an indispensable partner during my first year at NPR," said NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher. "Her impact on NPR's journalism and on the many people she mentored and supported over the years is immeasurable."

Before joining NPR, Chapin spent 25 years at CNN, where she played key roles in coverage of major global events, including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. At NPR, she guided the network through numerous transitions, emphasized diverse perspectives in news coverage, and consistently upheld the organization's editorial standards.

In a message to staff, Chapin reflected on her time at NPR, writing, "It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve NPR's listeners and readers, and work alongside some of the most dedicated journalists in the world. I will leave deeply proud of what we've accomplished and confident in the strength and integrity of NPR's newsroom going forward."

NPR will launch a national search for new editorial leadership. Chapin will remain in her role during the transition to ensure continuity in newsroom operations.