New York Public Radio CEO Christy Tanner Steps Down

Christy Tanner will step down as president and CEO of New York Public Radio, the media company announced Tuesday.

In her place, three board members and longtime media leaders will form an office of the CEO: Jenna Weiss-Berman, Gary Knell and LaFontaine Oliver, who will also serve as interim acting president. New York Public Radio did not provide a reason for Tanner’s exit.

New York Public Radio is home to stations and news sites including WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, New Jersey Public Radio, as well as The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space.

Weiss-Berman co-founded Pineapple Street Studios and now leads podcasts at Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions, including Good Hang. Knell previously served as president and CEO of NPR, CEO of Sesame Workshop, and Chief Executive of National Geographic. Oliver previously served as New York Public Radio’s president and CEO and now serves as chair of the board of Public Media Infrastructure.

Tanner took the job in February, after previously working as CEO of TV Guide Digital and executive VP and GM of CBS News Digital. She took on the post after the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helped fund public media, shut down due to federal funding cuts.

The Board will conduct a search for New York Public Radio’s next permanent leader.

“We’re grateful to Jenna, Gary, and LaFontaine for taking this on,” said John Rose, Chair of the Board. “Together, they bring decades of experience in public media, journalism, and management, and deep knowledge of NYPR. We’re confident in their ability to support our staff and serve our audiences as we search for our next President and CEO.”