Christy Tanner Takes Helm as New York Public Radio CEO

New York Public Radio has appointed Christy Tanner as its new president and CEO. She takes over right away, leading WNYC, WQXR, WNYC Studios, Gothamist, The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, and New Jersey Public Radio. Tanner steps in for LaFontaine E. Oliver, who moves to executive chair of the board.

Background

New York Public Radio serves millions through its radio stations and digital platforms. WNYC offers news and talk programming that reaches listeners across the city and beyond. WQXR focuses on classical music and has a long history in the area. WNYC Studios produces podcasts and audio content heard nationwide. Gothamist covers local news for New Yorkers. The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space hosts live events in midtown Manhattan. New Jersey Public Radio brings public broadcasting to that state.

This group has grown over the years by blending traditional radio with online and on-demand services. Listeners tune in for local stories, national coverage, and cultural programs. The organization faces changes in how people consume audio, with more turning to apps and streaming.

Christy Tanner brings deep experience in media shifts. She spent years at CBS Interactive, where she led media and public affairs divisions. There, she oversaw digital businesses, including streaming for CBS News. Under her watch, CBS News Digital became the top streaming news service. She launched over 15 streaming services in sports, entertainment, and public affairs well ahead of competitors.

Before CBS, Tanner was CEO of TV Guide Digital. She reworked the service for mobile and social users. She built partnerships with tech companies like Apple, Netflix, and Hulu. These deals helped traditional media adapt to new platforms. Earlier roles came at Lionsgate, The Washington Post Company, Wolters Kluwer, and Reed Elsevier.

Tanner holds a B.A. from Brown University and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School. She has advised companies like BBC, Univision, Outside, PBS, and Altice. She chairs Swerve Sports, a streaming channel for women's sports, and serves on Audacy's board, a major audio company with podcasts and 220 radio stations. Her work often centers on using technology for growth and innovation.

LaFontaine E. Oliver led New York Public Radio through key expansions. He helped integrate Gothamist and strengthen digital efforts. Now as executive chair, he will guide the board and support the search for new board members.

Key Details

Tanner starts her role immediately. She will manage daily operations and strategy for all outlets. This includes programming, revenue, and audience growth. Her focus likely draws from past successes in digital expansion.

At CBS Interactive, Tanner built teams that turned threats into opportunities. She partnered with streaming rivals to create new revenue streams. CBSN, the digital streaming network, saw huge growth under her. It delivered 280 million live streams in 2017, up 17% from the year before. During the 2016 election, viewership jumped 232% from 2015. By 2018, streams hit nearly 400 million.

Tanner's Leadership Wins

• CBS News Digital ranked number one in streaming news.
• Expanded CBSN to all major platforms.
• Grew unique visitors to CBSNews.com by 20% year over year.
• Turned TV Guide into a mobile-first service.

These steps show her skill in audience building and tech integration. New York Public Radio aims to stay relevant amid podcast booms and streaming rises.

Oliver's shift to executive chair keeps his expertise in place. He will work on board development and long-term plans.

"Christy Tanner has a proven track record of leading media organizations through digital transformation and audience growth," said a New York Public Radio board member.

What This Means

Tanner's arrival points to a push for digital strength at New York Public Radio. Her background in streaming fits the shift from radio dials to apps and smart speakers. WNYC and WQXR could see more live streams and on-demand content. WNYC Studios might expand podcasts with wider reach.

Gothamist, the local news site, could benefit from her revenue strategies. Partnerships with tech firms helped her past roles; similar ties might bring new funding or distribution deals here.

The organization serves a diverse audience in New York and New Jersey. Tanner's experience with global clients suggests focus on inclusive programming. Women's sports streaming shows her interest in niche markets, which could inspire targeted content.

Oliver as executive chair ensures smooth transition. His role lets him shape governance while Tanner handles operations.

Public radio relies on donations, grants, and sponsorships. Tanner's business growth record could stabilize finances. CBS divisions she led saw revenue jumps from streaming.

Listeners may notice faster tech upgrades. More events at Greene Space could stream live. New Jersey Public Radio might link tighter with city outlets.

Media faces competition from private podcasts and social video. Tanner's history of beating disruptors positions New York Public Radio well. Her teams thrived by adapting early.

Board members chose her for these skills. The move comes as audio listening grows overall. Smart speaker use and car streaming boost public media chances.

Tanner's advisory work with PBS hints at shared strategies across public broadcasters. Collaboration could follow.

This leadership change keeps New York Public Radio at the center of local and public affairs coverage. Her start marks a new chapter focused on growth in a changing media world.