New York Public Radio is changing captains again. Christy Tanner is leaving the CEO role only months after taking it, and a three-person interim team with deep public media experience will steer WNYC and WQXR while the board looks for a permanent successor.
NYPR did not cite a reason in its public statement.
The organization, which also operates Gothamist, appointed Tanner President and CEO in February, with LaFontaine Oliver stepping out of the top job and into a newly created Executive Chair role to focus on long-term strategy. At the time, Tanner sat on the board of Audacy, where she had served since the company’s 2024 bankruptcy.
A temporary Office of the CEO will be formed by Jenna Weiss-Berman, Gary Knell, and Oliver, who will also serve as interim acting President. Weiss-Berman and Knell are current Board members, with the former previously serving as Executive Vice President of Podcasts for Audacy.
NYPR Board of Trustees Chair John Rose said, “We’re grateful to Jenna, Gary, and LaFontaine for taking this on. 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.”
The unanticipated transition is the latest in a string of troubles for NYPR. The group cut 14 positions in 2021, 20 in 2023, and 26 in 2024, and 21 full-time positions and seven open roles in 2025.
