Executive Compensation at NPR (2024)

NPR (National Public Radio) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization that serves as a national syndicator to nearly 1,100 public radio stations through its 246 member organizations that operate more than 1,000 associated public radio stations. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NPR strives to keep the public informed of events, ideas, and cultures through its programming.

In 2024, NPR raised $325 million (compared to $302 million in 2023 and $306 million in 2022), primarily from program services  and contributions, gifts, and grants. Expenses totaled $307 million (not including $8 million in depreciation) with the largest expense being compensation. 1,383 employees were compensated $186 million, which equates to an average compensation of $134,000. However, only 741 employees (54% of total employees) received more than $100,000.

The 27 most highly compensated employees were reported to be:

• $610,610:  John Lansing, Former President and CEO (to 4/24)
• $549,643:  Steven A Inskeep, Sr Host
• $521,078:  Michel Martin, Sr Host
• $490,887:  Peter D Sagal, Host
• $483,212:  Nancy C Barnes, Former SVP, News and Editorial
• $460,674:  Scott Simon, Sr Host
• $450,314:  Rachel Martin, Host
• $428,971  Michael Smith, Chief Marketing Officer
• $423,230:  Anya Grundmann, Former SVP, Programming and Audio (to 1/2024)
• $410,835:  Edith C Chapin, Acting CCO and SVP VP, News and Editorial
• $400,646:  Elizabeth Allen, Chief Legal Officer, GC, Sec
• $375,743:  Leora Hanser, Chief Development Officer
• $375,076:  Christopher T Nelson, SVP, Technology Operations
• $367,161:  Keith M Woods, Chief Diversity Officer
• $353,205:  Selyn Hong, Former Chief People Officer (to 1/2024)
• $345,939:  Joel A Sucherman, Former VP, Audio Platform Strategy
• $337,937:  Gemma Hooley, SVP, Membership Partnership
• $337,765:  Christopher A Turpin, VP, Special Projects and Innovation/Chief of Staff
• $311,128:  Isabel Lara, Chief Communications Officer
• $310,127:  Michael F Beach, Former VP, Distribution
• $301,921:  Will Lee, Former COO (to 8/23)
• $288,085:  Stacey Foxwell, Former VP, Operations
• $278,935:  Deborah C Cowan, Former CFO and Treasurer
• $252,314:  Emily M Littleton, Former VP, Corp Communications
• $246,278:  Elisabeth G Lang, Assistant Treasurer
• $242,266:  Daphne Kwon, CFO/Treasurer
• $230,602:  Danette Zachary-Mask, Deputy General Counsel and Asst Sec

The 27 most highly compensated employees received $10 million in compensation in 2024. 12 of the 27 most highly compensated employees are male while 15 of the 27 are female. Note:  gender is not reported on the Form 990; determination was based based on name and google searches.

The most highly compensated employee was John Lansing, the former President and CEO, who received $610,610 in 2024.

Severance payments to Nancy Barnes and Emily Littleton totaled $290,942 and $99,405, respectively, and as included above.

74 independent contractors received more than $100,000 in compensation with the five (5) highest reported to be:

• $12 million:  Whyy, Inc., of Philadelphia, PA for acquired programs
• $  3million:  A T Kearney, Inc, of Chicago, IL for strategic planning services
• $  3 million:  WAMU, of Washington, DC for acquired programs
• $ 3 million:  WBUR Boston University, of Boston, MA for acquired programs
• $ 4 million:  TED Conferences, LLC, of New York, NY for acquired programs

To read the IRS Form 990 (2023 for the year ending 9/30/2024), click here.