Susan Stamberg, a trailblazer known as one of NPR’s “founding mothers,” passed away at the age of 87 on October 16, 2025. When NPR launched in 1971, Stamberg joined from the start, helping shape public radio into a medium renowned for thoughtful journalism and in-depth storytelling.
Breaking Barriers in Broadcasting
In 1972, just one year after NPR’s founding, Susan Stamberg made history as the first woman to anchor a national nightly news program with her role on All Things Considered. Her tenure as co-host spanned 14 years, solidifying the program’s reputation for insightful news and analysis and paving the way for women’s voices in broadcasting.
Susan Stamberg, an original National Public Radio staffer who went on to become the first U.S. woman to anchor a nightly national news program, has died at the age of 87. https://t.co/ipnScWmJYQ pic.twitter.com/k1a6ftupJN
— KUT Austin (@KUT) October 16, 2025
Achievements and Honors
Stamberg’s brilliant interviewing style—often described as fresh, down-to-earth, and humanist—inspired millions. Over her career, she earned every major broadcasting award, was inducted into both the Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her accolades include the Armstrong and duPont Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and distinction from the American Women in Radio and Television.
Influential Career and Legacy
Beyond All Things Considered, Stamberg hosted NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday and, until her retirement in September 2025, reported as a Special Correspondent focused on the arts. Her signature conversational approach brought memorable interviews with figures like Laura Bush, Rosa Parks, Billy Crystal, Dave Brubeck, and Luciano Pavarotti.
A published author, Stamberg wrote two books chronicling her career and co-edited a celebrated collection of NPR stories. Her contributions extended to television, where she hosted PBS series, moderated Fred Rogers specials, and narrated performances with symphony orchestras.
Impact and Remembrance
Susan Stamberg received numerous honorary degrees and served on the boards of major cultural institutions. Originally from New York City and a Barnard College graduate, she inspired generations of journalists and was celebrated for her intelligence, kindness, and dedication to the craft.
Her passing marks the end of an era—but her influence lives on through the voices she elevated and the standards she set in broadcast journalism. She is survived by her family, including her husband Louis Stamberg, who served in the State Department.