NPR will see some changes at the executive level as the company promotes three people to new positions, per Inside Radio.
Laura Soto-Barra is now the VP of Research, Archives & Data Strategy (RAD); Chris Nelson assumes the role of SVP, Technology Operations; and Keith Jenkins rises to VP of Visuals and Music Strategy.
“The RAD team’s work is indispensable to our NPR colleagues. By being alert and perceptive about people and processes, we are responsive and accountable,” Soto-Barr said.
“We strive to anticipate, identify and build on the intersections between our work and that of our many partners across the newsroom and the organization – a list that has been growing considerably. My promotion reflects the value that research, archives, and data hold for NPR.”
Nelson has been with NPR for 21 years. With his team, he has assisted the public broadcaster in covering significant news events, provided that its content gets to hundreds of radio stations, and made sure the staff’s day-to-day technology needs are met.
“For technologists, NPR offers a unique media environment that requires both technical excellence and a deep commitment to our public service journalism mission,” Nelson remarked.
“The professionals in our IT, Audio Engineering, Distribution, and soon-to-be-formed Content Production Technology teams are world-class in their fields, and it is an honor to work alongside them and champion their important work. I look forward to our continued growth and collaboration.”
Meanwhile, Jenkins joined NPR in 2018, and in his new position, he’ll operate with the teams in Programming and News to create, socialize and start content plans for visuals and music.
“NPR Visuals and NPR Music are establishing public media on the platforms and in the spaces where the next generation of NPR audiences can already be found,” Jenkins added. “They are on YouTube watching Tiny Desk, they are on Instagram, they are on Alexa, and they are on TikTok.”
“Most importantly, they are heavy consumers of visual information and entertainment. They have grown up with screens everywhere, and photos and videos are their primary means of communication. I’m excited for the opportunity to help NPR evolve with our audience and find new ways to navigate this world with them.”