Public radio trailblazer Joyce Slocum passed away on Sunday at the age of 66 due to complications from colon cancer. Slocum, celebrated for her intellect and principles, served as NPR’s interim CEO before leading Texas Public Radio through a time of substantial growth.
At NPR, Slocum championed new programming and initiatives, including the TED Radio Hour and efforts to improve accessibility for the hearing-impaired. She also spearheaded the construction of NPR’s current headquarters in Washington, DC.
Her passion for public media brought her back to Texas, where TPR saw a significant increase in staff and expanded its capacity for delivering award-winning news and arts programming. Slocum was a key figure in developing TPR’s new headquarters in San Antonio.
She played a foundational role in establishing The Texas Newsroom, which has become a model for regional news network alliances.
Following Slocum’s passing, Rebecca Caven has been appointed as TPR’s interim CEO and president. In lieu of flowers, Slocum’s family encourages contributions to TPR.
Caven said, “Prior to joining TPR, Joyce was described to me as that rare CEO who perfectly balanced being both a force to be reckoned with while also being a compassionate, visionary leader. Joyce has instilled those qualities in our entire executive team, and we will continue to carry her vision forward as our board begins the search to recruit our new CEO.”
NPR CEO John Lansing said, “Joyce was a remarkable person who made countless contributions to this network throughout her distinguished career. She understood the importance of our public service mission like few do, from the vantage point of having served in so many essential roles across the network — most recently, as CEO of Texas Public Radio, and prior to that as a member of the NPR Board of Directors, an adviser to the NPR Foundation Board of Trustees, and a long list of key leadership positions at NPR, including a stretch as interim President and CEO during a critical moment of transition for the organization.”
“Joyce was a leader in the collaborative journalism efforts of NPR and Member organizations. She will be remembered as a strong advocate for the promise and power of our local/national network and our shared mission of journalism in the public interest.”
