Kenya Young Named SVP, WNYC Studios
• WNYC Studios announced that Kenya Young, Managing Editor for Collaborative Journalism at NPR is joining the team in the newly-created position of Senior Vice President, WNYC Studios, part of New York Public Radio. In her new role, which begins June 13, Young will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for WNYC Studios’ portfolio of award-winning podcasts, and leading and supporting the teams developing and producing shows. In partnership with Emily Botein, VP of Original Programming, she will manage and grow current Studios productions and build out WNYC Studios new Documentary Unit devoted to producing long-form nonfiction audio works.
“Kenya is an extraordinary talent of incredible range, and the perfect leader for WNYC Studios,” said Andrew Golis, Chief Content Officer, WNYC. “She is passionate about the possibilities and craft of audio journalism, and she is ambitious about the mission of public radio and the unique role WNYC Studios holds on the podcast landscape. We’re excited for her to continue her innovative work by supporting and growing our ongoing shows and developing new projects and talents.”
As a senior leader in the NPR newsroom over her 14-year tenure, Young helped run NPR’s day-to-day news operations. Prior to that, she was the executive producer of All Things Considered on the weekends and a supervising editor on Morning Edition. She also executive-produced two seasons of the live event series Going There with Michel Martin and was a long-time editor and producer for several NPR programs including News & Notes, Day To Day, Tell Me More and Talk of The Nation. Young began her tenure at NPR as an intern in the California bureau in 2007.
“I have been a huge fan of WNYC Studios podcasts for a long time — the legacy titles like Radiolab and On The Media and the innovative, edgy creations including Death, Sex and Money and La Brega,” said Young. “WNYC Studios’ portfolio of shows is impressive, stacked with brilliant minds behind them. I’m thrilled to lead this division that consistently produces award-winning work that serves a passionate base of listeners, first and foremost. It’s an honor to join Andrew Golis and the NYPR executive leadership team as WNYC Studios forges ahead to the next level.” [Photo by Emily Cavey]
