Susan Stamberg first woman national news anchor dies
Susan Stamberg, a trailblazing figure in American radio journalism and one of the earliest women to command a national bulletin, has died at age 87. Her passing was confirmed by NPR on October 16, 2025.
Stamberg’s career spanned more than five decades during which she transformed the landscape of public radio. She joined NPR shortly after its launch in 1971, initially working behind the scenes. In 1972, she became co-host of NPR’s flagship news magazine All Things Considered. That role made her the first woman to anchor a nightly national news program in the United States.
Her style was distinctive: warm, conversational, curious, and personal. Over time, she gave voice to both major news stories and rich human narratives. Colleagues often cite her as a mentor and one of NPR’s “founding mothers,” a term she coined to push back against the masculine “founding fathers.”
She hosted All Things Considered for 14 years before moving on to host Weekend Edition Sunday and later serve as a cultural correspondent. Over her career, Stamberg conducted thousands of interviews, weaving together voices from politics, arts, science, and everyday life.
Her many honors included induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame, the Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She retired in September 2025.
Stamberg is survived by her son, Josh Stamberg, and her granddaughters, Vivian and Lena.
She leaves behind a legacy that transcends her firsts. Through her voice, she redefined journalism’s reach and shape, opening doors for women and forging deeper connections between stories and listeners.
