NPR Names New Public Editor

• NPR has contracted for the services of distinguished media ethicist Kelly McBride of the Poynter Institute to serve as its sixth Public Editor, filling the newsroom watchdog role at a time when many other major news outlets have abandoned it.

“The public editor represents the public interest in our journalism and helps hold us accountable to maintaining our high standards of journalism,” NPR CEO John Lansing said in an interview. “And so [it’s] really a critical position for us, particularly during this current [public health] crisis.” McBride replaces Elizabeth Jensen, who ended her tenure last Friday after 5 1/2 years.

“Our journalism has always been great. But it’s never been more important than ever that we get the truth out to the people that need the facts, that we fact-check government officials,” he added. “Literally, lives are in the balance, based on people having the right information. And having a public editor of the quality of Kelly McBride will help support that effort in a very meaningful way.”

A former newspaper reporter and authority on the challenges of covering sexual assault, McBride is the co-editor of a book on media ethics used as a text in many college courses. She has also taught media ethics and best practices for years at the Poynter Institute, which trains journalists. McBride will retain her job as Sr. Vice President of the St. Petersburg, FL-based Poynter Institute and the head of its media ethics center. Rather than hiring McBride directly, NPR has contracted with Poynter for her services. The institute will supplement McBride’s work with research support. The public editor job will consume most of her efforts, however.