John Lansing, Former NPR Chief Who Navigated Crisis and Transformation, Dies at 67

John Lansing, who led NPR as its chief executive from 2019 until earlier this year, has passed away at the age of 67. Lansing died on August 14 at his home in Eagle River, Wisconsin. An NPR representative confirmed his death but did not disclose the cause.

Lansing, a seasoned journalist who began his career right after high school, took the helm of NPR at a pivotal moment. His tenure was marked by significant challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic, a shifting media landscape, and deepening political polarization.

Under Lansing’s leadership, NPR faced a severe decline in radio listenership due to remote work and a $25 million deficit as corporate sponsors withdrew. To navigate these crises, Lansing swiftly transitioned NPR to remote operations in just a week, rather than the anticipated six months. He implemented measures such as freezing dues for member stations and initiating weekly staff Zoom calls to maintain morale. Despite these efforts, NPR was forced to lay off 10 percent of its workforce and halt four podcast productions in 2023.

Lansing was also dedicated to broadening NPR’s reach and ensuring diversity within the organization. He made significant efforts to document source diversity, introduce unconscious bias training, and hire individuals from varied backgrounds. His commitment extended to expanding NPR’s audience to include younger and more diverse demographics.

Lansing was a staunch defender of NPR’s journalistic integrity amidst rising political pressures. He supported NPR host Mary Louise Kelly during a controversy with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and took action against Twitter’s designation of NPR as “state-affiliated media” by halting new posts on the platform.

Born on July 31, 1957, in Minneapolis, Lansing’s early career included various roles at local television stations before he advanced to executive positions, including a significant tenure with E.W. Scripps and leadership of the U.S. Agency for Global Media. He joined NPR in 2019 and announced his resignation in September 2023, with Katherine Maher succeeding him as CEO on March 22.

Lansing is survived by his wife, Jean Rausch, and their four children: Alex, Jackson, Jennifer, and Nicholas. His legacy at NPR is marked by his resilience in the face of adversity and his unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and diversity.