Who was Susan Stamberg? The legendary NPR pioneer who broke barriers and redefined American radio journalism

Susan Stamberg, the pioneering voice who shaped the soul of National Public Radio (NPR) and became the first woman to anchor a nightly national news broadcast in the United States, has died at the age of 87. Her death marks the end of an era for American radio journalism — one that she helped define through her warmth, wit, and fearless storytelling.

For more than five decades, Stamberg’s presence at NPR was not just a professional one but deeply personal. She wasn’t simply a journalist — she was the voice that made listeners feel like they were in conversation with a trusted friend. Her son, Josh Stamberg, described her legacy beautifully: “Her life’s work was connection — through ideas and culture.”

A Founding Mother of NPR

When NPR launched in 1971, Susan Stamberg was one of its original staff members — long before the world knew what “public radio” could be. Starting as a producer cutting reel-to-reel audio tape with a razor blade, Stamberg quickly rose to become the co-host of All Things Considered in 1972. In an era when women were largely sidelined in broadcast journalism, she helped redefine what authority, curiosity, and compassion could sound like on the airwaves.

Her signature was her authenticity. She once admitted she initially tried to lower her voice to mimic male announcers before being told by NPR’s first program director, Bill Siemering, to “be yourself.” That advice became her lifelong mantra — and the foundation of NPR’s conversational, human-centered tone.

A Journalist of Curiosity and Courage

Stamberg was celebrated for her ability to turn even the simplest story into a memorable human experience. From chatting with jazz legend Dave Brubeck in her living room to probing controversial figures like director Elia Kazan about his HUAC testimony, she showed that curiosity was her superpower.

Her legendary “cranberry relish” segment — featuring her mother-in-law’s quirky holiday recipe — became an NPR Thanksgiving tradition for decades, endearing her to millions of listeners and proving that news anchors could also be relatable.

Even her early days were marked by improvisation and humor. Her first time delivering the weather on WAMU Radio, she forgot to check the forecast — and announced it was “98 degrees” in February. She later called that moment her first major lesson in journalism: Always prepare. Never lie to your listeners.

Changing the Sound of Radio Forever

Throughout her career, Stamberg insisted that culture and creativity were just as vital as politics and breaking news. She launched NPR’s beloved Sunday Puzzle segment and was instrumental in bringing Car Talk — with Ray and Tom Magliozzi — to the network. Her commitment to making journalism sound like real life gave NPR its warmth and accessibility.

In recognition of her groundbreaking contributions, Stamberg was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020.

A Voice That Echoes Beyond Time

Even after retiring in 2024, Stamberg’s presence never left NPR’s corridors. Her recorded voice still greets visitors in the elevators of NPR headquarters — a fitting reminder that she remains part of the station’s DNA.

Behind the microphone, she was more than an anchor — she was a teacher, a mentor, and a model for countless women who followed her path. Her colleagues often called her “the soul of NPR,” and her influence continues to shape how stories are told in public media today.

Susan Stamberg leaves behind her son, actor Josh Stamberg, and her granddaughters, Vivian and Lena. She also leaves behind a nation of listeners who learned that journalism could be not just informative — but intimate.

FAQs

Q1: Who was Susan Stamberg?
Susan Stamberg was an American broadcast journalist and the first woman to anchor a nightly national news program in the U.S. She was a founding figure at NPR and one of the creators of All Things Considered.

Q2: What made her significant in journalism?
Stamberg broke gender barriers in radio news and redefined what public broadcasting could sound like — conversational, curious, and deeply human.

Q3: What were Susan Stamberg’s most memorable contributions?
She launched NPR’s Sunday Puzzle, introduced Car Talk to the network, and created the long-running Thanksgiving tradition of sharing her cranberry relish recipe.

Q4: When did Susan Stamberg die and how old was she?
She passed away on Thursday at the age of 87.

Q5: How is Susan Stamberg remembered today?
She is remembered as the “Founding Mother of NPR,” an inspiration for generations of journalists, and a symbol of authenticity and empathy in storytelling.