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Laura Walker (Scott Ellison Smith)

Laura R. Walker is President and CEO of New York Public Radio, America’s premier public radio franchise, comprised of WNYC and Classical 105.9 FM WQXR—the top public radio stations in the country, measured by audience size*—as well as The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space and the websites wnyc.org, wqxr.org, and thegreenespace.org. Rooted in New York City yet national and international in scope, New York Public Radio produces news, information, classical music programming, cultural affairs programming and live events that reach a combined radio, web, and studio audience of 11 million people each week. Ms. Walker led the transformation of WNYC Radio from a city-owned agency into an independent, award-winning non-profit with a dedicated board of trustees and a staff of more than 250 employees.

Under Ms. Walker’s direction, in 1997, WNYC raised the $20 million necessary to purchase its licenses from the former owner, the City of New York. In February 2009, the station completed a $62.9 million capital campaign, above its original goal of $57.5 million, to finance its move to new headquarters at 160 Varick Street and to fund new programming initiatives. In April 2009, WNYC opened The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, the station’s street-level, multiplatform, 120-seat broadcast studio and performance space. In October 2009, WNYC acquired WQXR from The New York Times Company, and continues its long legacy of serving New York as a full-time classical music station. The purchase is being supported by a $15 million Campaign to Preserve Classical Music Radio in New York. In May 2010, New York Public Radio became the corporate name of WNYC Radio, encompassing WNYC, WQXR and The Greene Space.

During her tenure, Ms. Walker has spearheaded many new programming initiatives, including the expansion of WNYC’s news and documentary units, the extension of live music programming, the introduction of American Standards host Jonathan Schwartz, and the creation of new national programs: Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen, The Next Big Thing, Radiolab and The Takeaway, a co-production with Public Radio International, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times, and WGBH Boston.

Under her leadership, the national program On the Media was successfully re-launched, and went on to win—along with Studio 360, Radio Rookies (WNYC’s youth journalism program), The Brian Lehrer Show, and Radiolab—a Peabody Award, broadcasting’s most prestigious honor. In addition, WNYC has been a pioneer in webcasting and podcasting through WNYC.org.

In September 2009, Ms. Walker was named one of New York City’s Most Powerful Women by Crain’s New York Business. In October 2008, The Executive Council honored her with a NY Ten Award in the category of Best Media Executive. In July 2008, Ms. Walker was recognized with an Edward R. Murrow Award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the industry’s highest honor. In October 2007, Ms. Walker was chosen for Crain’s New York’s Business’ special feature on “The 100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business,” and was one of New York Moves magazine’s “Power Women” in 2006. She is also the recipient of Public Radio International’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a Distinguished Alumna Award from Wesleyan University.

Ms. Walker began her professional career as a journalist and producer at National Public Radio, where she received a Peabody Award for Broadcast Excellence. In 1983 she joined the staff of Carnegie Hall where she launched the award-winning series AT&T Presents Carnegie Hall Tonight. She joined the Sesame Workshop (formerly Children’s Television Workshop) in 1987, where for eight years she worked on programming and development initiatives, and led the organization’s efforts to establish a cable television channel (now Noggin). In addition to the WNYC Board of Trustees, Ms. Walker sits on the boards of Saint Ann’s School and the Yale Center for Customer Insights, and she is the Chair of the Hudson Square Business Improvement District. Previously, Ms. Walker sat on the Board of Advisors for the Yale School of Management and the Board of Directors for Public Radio International.

Ms. Walker holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BA in History, magna cum laude, from Wesleyan University. She resides in Brooklyn Heights with her husband, Bert Wells, and their son and daughter.