New York Public Radio Reshuffles Executive Leadership Amid Harassment Allegations

After allegations of harassment at New York Public Radio and the firing of two longtime hosts, the station is reshuffling its top management.

Laura Walker, President and CEO, announced that Dean Cappello, the station’s Chief Content Officer, will no longer oversee WNYC News and Studios. He will instead serve in an advisory role, with no direct reports, and will continue to report to Walker.

Cappello has been at the organization for 20 years and launched and managed some of WNYC’s most successful shows, including Radiolab, Freakonomics and The Takeaway.

The station has been reeling after allegations of harassment, bullying and discrimination by the former host of The Takeaway, John Hockenberry, first reported in early December. A few weeks later, two other longtime hosts, Leonard Lopate and Jonathan Schwartz, were fired for inappropriate conduct.

Listeners and employees have been calling for greater accountability at the station. Staff in particular focused on Cappello's role overseeing content, including shows like The Takeaway.

Walker announced the changes at an all staff meeting on Friday. As part of the restructuring, the news division and WNYC Studios — which produces the station’s podcasts — will be managed separately.

“We will continue to look at ways to improve our operations as we complete our internal reviews,” Walker said.

Walker has promised investigations into harassment at the station and a thorough review of New York Public Radio's workplace culture.

NYPR has brought in the law firm Proskauer Rose to investigate workplace conduct, including sexual harassment, racial bias and bullying. Madhulika Sikka, the former Executive Editor of News at NPR and the current Public Editor at PBS, is reviewing editorial content and structure, and will assist staff in shaping a new show in the former Lopate slot at midday. The station has already begun mandatory in-person harassment training, launched a workgroup to improve diversity, and will review pay practices, including gender and race pay equity.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story is being updated as more information becomes available.