As of today, he will continue to support the organization that oversees the NPR Member station and Classical noncommercial radio service for the New York Tri-State area as Executive Chair, “driving efforts to build stability and strengthen collaboration across the public radio system following the recent elimination of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.”
Who’s replacing LaFontaine Oliver as New York Public Radio‘s President/CEO?
Appointed to the role is Christy Tanner.
This puts her in the top day-to-day leadership role at NPR Member WNYC-FM 93.9 and WNYC-AM 820, shows tied to WNYC Studios, and at Classical WQXR-FM 105.9 and WQXW-FM 90.3. Tanner’s role also includes oversight of WNYC Studios, digital news service Gothamist, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, and New Jersey Public Radio.
Tanner is a member of the Audacy Inc. Board of Directors and presently serves as Chair of women’s athletics-focused streaming TV operation Swerve Sports. NYPR points to her prior roles as an executive at CBS News Digital, The Washington Post and at TV Guide.
“Christy is the leader NYPR needs at this moment,” said John Rose, Chair of the NYPR Board of Trustees. “She brings the leadership, experience, and vision to lead NYPR into an exciting and successful future. During an extraordinary career, she has distinguished herself as a pacesetter for media organizations that have successfully adapted, innovated, and grown while delivering award-winning public service. She recognizes our singular role in New York City, and the importance of reinforcing the trust we’ve earned with audiences over generations – while having the vision to advance our services, platforms, and formats to make the center of excellence that is NYPR sustainable for years to come.”
Tanner commented, “As a longtime fan of NYPR’s magnificent work, I’m honored to join this powerhouse organization with local heart and global impact. I’m looking forward to serving New Yorkers and audiences everywhere in partnership with the trusted, world-class team who set the standards for audio and multiplatform excellence.”
Tanner started her career as a reporter and editor at the Associated Press and at The Commercial Appeal daily newspaper in Memphis.
The announcement follows a national search led by the NYPR Board CEO Search Committee, comprised of John Rose, Anna Quindlen, Jenna Weiss-Berman, Gary Knell, and Marc Chamlin.
For Oliver, the shift to the non-operational role comes after more than a year of cutbacks at NYPR. In September 2024, a projected $12 million budget deficit led NYPR to move forward with its second round of layoffs in a year.
He arrived at NYPR in January 2023 after serving as President/GM of WYPR-FM in Baltimore, and while serving in that role in December 2020 was elected as the new Chair of the Board of the NPR Board of Directors.
Before leading the NPR Member serving Maryland’s biggest city, Oliver was previously at WMFE-FM in Orlando, and ran WEAA-FM in Baltimore, a Jazz station run by Morgan State University, from 2007-2013.
