The world of journalism is mourning the loss of a trailblazer. Susan Stamberg, the first woman to anchor a national news program in the United States and a pioneering force at National Public Radio, has passed away at the age of 87. Her voice, which shaped public radio for more than five decades, leaves behind a legacy few can match.
Breaking Barriers in American Radio
Susan Stamberg’s journey with NPR began in the early 1970s, a time when public radio was largely male-dominated. In 1972, she made history by becoming the first woman in the United States to anchor a nightly news broadcast with NPR’s All Things Considered. Her presence on the air challenged the norms of broadcast journalism and opened doors for countless women who followed.
Early in her career, Stamberg admitted she tried to mimic male broadcasters, believing that was the standard of professionalism. It was NPR program director Bill Siemering who encouraged her to embrace her authentic self, advice that transformed not just her career but the sound of NPR itself. Her natural warmth and conversational style quickly became her trademark.
A Signature Voice That Redefined Journalism
Stamberg’s approach to broadcasting combined curiosity, depth, and humanity. She interviewed a wide range of figures, from presidents like Jimmy Carter to cultural icons including Rosa Parks, James Baldwin, and Annie Leibovitz. Her ability to balance rigor with warmth made her interviews compelling and unforgettable, redefining what listeners expected from public radio.
Her influence extended beyond reporting; Stamberg helped establish many NPR traditions, including the beloved Sunday Puzzle with Will Shortz on Weekend Edition Sunday. She also served as a cultural correspondent on Morning Edition and Weekend Edition Saturday, bringing insightful, story-driven journalism to audiences nationwide.
The Founding Mother of NPR
Susan Stamberg proudly referred to herself and her colleagues Cokie Roberts, Nina Totenberg, and Linda Wertheimer as the “Founding Mothers” of NPR. Together, they built the foundation for modern public radio journalism, ensuring that women had not just a place but a voice in the industry.
Her 14-year tenure at All Things Considered was only part of her contribution. Stamberg’s dedication to thoughtful reporting and authentic storytelling helped NPR evolve into a trusted source of news and culture, respected across the United States and beyond.
Recognition and Legacy
Stamberg’s groundbreaking career earned her numerous accolades. She received the Edward R. Murrow Award, was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1994 and the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1996, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020. Her work influenced generations of journalists, particularly women, who saw in her a role model for authentic, fearless reporting.
Katherine Maher, NPR’s president and CEO, summed up her impact: “Susan’s voice was not only a cornerstone of NPR — it was a cornerstone of American life. She showed that journalism could be both rigorous and deeply personal.”
Personal Life and Lasting Influence
Born Susan Levitt in Newark, New Jersey, in 1938, she grew up in Manhattan and became the first in her family to graduate from Barnard College in 1959. She married Louis Stamberg in 1962, and they remained together until his passing in 2007. Their son, Josh Stamberg, became an actor known for the Lifetime series Drop Dead Diva. Susan is survived by Josh and her granddaughters, Vivian and Lena.
Even in her later years, Stamberg remained a champion of audio storytelling. Just weeks before her passing, she reminded listeners that sound and storytelling are “as primal as your mother’s voice — the first sound you ever hear.” Her retirement in September 2025 marked the end of a storied career, but her influence on American journalism will endure.
Susan Stamberg did not just report the news — she reshaped it, breaking barriers with her warmth, authenticity, and voice. Her life and work stand as a testament to the power of journalism to inform, connect, and inspire. What are your thoughts on Susan Stamberg’s legacy? Share this story with your friends and celebrate the pioneering spirit of NPR’s first female anchor.
