NPR Podcast Chief Collin Campbell Exits for Apple Role

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 4:27pm CT

Collin Campbell

NPR's Senior Vice President of Podcasting, Collin Campbell, is departing the public radio network for a new role at Apple, according to an internal memo obtained by The New York Times and confirmed by multiple sources. Apple has not yet issued an official announcement regarding the hire.

In a memo to staff, NPR Editor in Chief and Chief Content Officer Edith Chapin said Campbell, who is based in Los Angeles, is pursuing an opportunity "a little closer to home" in California. His final day at NPR was October 3.

"Collin has been a constant cheerleader for the work we do," Chapin wrote, praising his leadership during what she called "significant challenges" with Apple and other distribution platforms. She credited Campbell with helping NPR expand into video podcasting and maintain competitiveness amid changing listener habits.

Campbell joined NPR in 2023 as part of an effort to revitalize its podcast division. During his tenure, he worked to unify content operations and strengthen NPR's relationships with major platforms and member stations. A successor has not yet been named.

Before joining NPR, Campbell spent two decades in audio storytelling across public radio, streaming, and podcasting. He previously served as Executive Editor for New Show Development at Spotify-owned Gimlet Media, overseeing acclaimed limited series including Conviction, Crime Show, Welcome to Your Fantasy, and 544 Days. Earlier, at Amazon's Audible, he was Executive Producer for Original Content, developing on-demand programming as the company expanded into original audio.

Campbell began his career in public radio in 2003 at New York Public Radio's Morning Edition, where he co-created two programs that would later become hit podcasts -- Freakonomics Radio and The Takeaway.