Erica Osher Named NPR Vice President of AI Labs

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, July 14, 2025 | 6:14pm CT

Erica Osher

NPR appoints Erica Osher as its new Vice President of AI Labs, effective July 28. Osher will lead the network's artificial intelligence strategy, overseeing efforts to explore and integrate AI in ways that support NPR's public service mission.

Osher has already played a key role in shaping NPR's AI trajectory. While serving as Vice President of Sponsorship Products and NPM Creative at National Public Media (NPM), she helped launch the AI Labs initiative, co-authored NPR's AI guidelines, and developed pilot programs exploring the use of AI in journalism and operations. Since December 2024, she has served in a transitional capacity as NPR's General Manager of AI Labs.

In her new role, Osher will guide AI Labs as a business leader, tasked with developing initiatives that enhance NPR's journalistic capabilities, foster innovation, and maintain audience trust in the face of rapid technological change.

"Erica has demonstrated curiosity, leadership, and collaboration as interim GM of AI Labs -- leading pilots, seeking new partnerships, and ensuring our work drives towards innovation while upholding NPR's mission and values," said Ryan Merkley, NPR's Chief Operating Officer. "She's worked closely with member organizations, industry leaders, and NPR staff across teams and I'm thrilled she's joining our team."

"I couldn't be more excited about this opportunity," Osher said. "I'm a lifelong NPR fan, and all of my prior work at NPM has been done with the aim of supporting NPR's public service mission. We're at a transformational moment for technology and journalism, and I'm eager to explore AI solutions that reinforce our values, maintain trust among audiences, and strengthen NPR's ability to innovate."

Osher spent 14 years at NPM, where she launched and led the NPM Creative team -- an in-house agency responsible for creative and sponsorship product development across NPR's digital platforms. Her work included strategy for NPR.org, NPR apps, voice platforms, newsletters, and YouTube. She also served as executive producer on branded podcasts including Tech Unheard and The Upload, the latter of which received a PR Daily award.

Her background also includes roles in user experience design and radio production, and she holds certifications in applied business analytics, accessibility, and agile project management.