Susan Stamberg, Pioneering NPR Broadcaster, Dies at 87
Susan Stamberg, a defining voice of National Public Radio and one of its founding figures, has passed away at the age of 87. Her death, confirmed by NPR, closes a remarkable chapter in the history of American broadcasting.
Stamberg’s influence on public radio cannot be overstated. As one of NPR’s earliest hosts and the first woman to anchor All Things Considered, she helped establish a new kind of journalism—intimate, intelligent, and deeply human. Her voice became an anchor for listeners seeking substance over soundbites.
Shaping a New Kind of News
Joining NPR shortly after its founding in 1971, Stamberg quickly emerged as a central figure in its growth. Her conversational, story-driven approach changed how people thought about news radio. Whether she was interviewing political leaders, musicians, or everyday Americans, Stamberg made listeners feel they were part of the story.
“She taught us to slow down and listen,” said NPR host Mary Louise Kelly. “Susan believed every person had a story worth hearing, and she treated them all with dignity.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges
In an era when few women held on-air positions in national news, Stamberg broke through the glass ceiling. Her calm authority and sense of humor made her a role model for generations of female journalists who followed her lead.
Her annual Thanksgiving segment—featuring her famously quirky “cranberry relish recipe”—became a cultural hallmark, symbolizing her warmth and personal connection with listeners.
A Lasting Legacy in Public Media
Stamberg’s passing represents more than the loss of a beloved broadcaster—it marks the end of a formative era for public radio. Her five-decade career helped cement NPR’s reputation as a trusted source of thoughtful reporting and human-centered storytelling.
“She embodied everything NPR stands for—curiosity, empathy, and integrity,” said NPR CEO Katherine Maher. “Susan didn’t just help build public radio; she gave it a soul.”
Susan Stamberg’s voice may have gone silent, but her influence will continue to resonate through every story told with care, curiosity, and courage on public airwaves.
