NPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era

NPR has selected former Wikimedia Foundation chief Katherine Maher to lead the network through an era of declining broadcast listenership, financial uncertainty and technological turbulence.

In an interview ahead of the announcement of her appointment, Maher said her experience at the foundation underscores the importance of NPR's mission to serve the public independently of commercial interest. "There is a strong alignment in both of those organizations around integrity and autonomy," Maher said.

Maher said she intends to build on the fierce loyalty instilled in many listeners for NPR's news programs and everything else. (She said she cringes at the word "content.")

And Maher said she will work to expand the pool of people who experience that deep attachment.

"It's about matching need and delight so people have a real desire to keep coming back, to engage with what it is that we offer," Maher said.

The appointment of Maher, 40, as NPR's