The Public Editor of NPR, Kelly McBride, has outlined significant New Year’s resolutions for the organization as it enters 2026. These four priorities are intended to enhance audience experience and address ongoing concerns regarding storytelling and reporting practices. The resolutions are based on suggestions made throughout 2025, aimed at fostering a more inclusive and accurate representation of news across the network.
Enhancing Geographic Diversity in Storytelling
NPR boasts a network of over 200 member stations across the United States, each equipped with journalists who possess in-depth knowledge of their local communities. McBride highlighted that many listeners perceive bias in NPR’s reporting, which often reflects a Washington, D.C., New York, or Los Angeles perspective. To counter this, NPR has established six regional newsrooms collaborating with local stations in areas such as Appalachia, New England, and the Midwest. These efforts are designed to ensure that NPR’s news coverage resonates with and reflects the diverse experiences of the American public.
Accurate Reporting on Crime Trends
Amid ongoing discussions about public safety, McBride emphasized the need for NPR to accurately cover crime trends. She pointed out that misleading narratives, such as the portrayal of surging violent crime, can shape public perception and policy. NPR’s responsibility lies in providing thorough analysis of crime data while engaging with law enforcement, criminologists, and affected communities. By leveraging its network of local journalists, NPR can deliver a more nuanced understanding of crime trends that prioritizes local narratives over national statistics.
Another key recommendation is to avoid political labels that can detract from the story’s content. McBride noted that while journalists use labels to provide context, these can be interpreted as biases by the audience. Instead of labeling individuals or ideas as “liberal” or “right-wing,” NPR should focus on describing actions and ideas clearly, allowing audiences to form their own judgments.
Prioritizing Breaking News Across Platforms
As NPR continues to adapt to changing audience preferences, McBride identified the need to prioritize breaking news across all platforms, not just on radio broadcasts. While flagship shows like Morning Edition and All Things Considered attract millions of listeners, many audience members also rely on NPR’s website and mobile app for timely news updates. Currently, much of the content created for radio is repackaged for online platforms, resulting in delays. Improving the quality and timeliness of online news coverage is essential for NPR to serve its non-radio audience effectively.
NPR has made strides in this area, particularly with the recent increase in video interviews available on various platforms. Yet, these videos often appear days after their radio counterparts. Addressing the needs of online audience members is crucial for NPR’s growth and relevance in the digital age.
Reflecting on the January 6 Capitol Attack
This week marks the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, a pivotal event that continues to polarize public opinion. NPR’s investigative team has developed a comprehensive visual archive documenting the day’s events, drawing from thousands of videos submitted in court and years of NPR’s reporting. This resource aims to provide a detailed timeline of the attack, allowing the audience to engage with the evidence directly.
Investigative correspondent Tom Dreisbach emphasized the importance of making this information accessible, stating that the archive allows “people to see the evidence for themselves.” This initiative not only underscores NPR’s commitment to transparency but also serves as a crucial record of a significant moment in U.S. history.
The Office of the Public Editor, which includes reporters Amaris Castillo and Nicole Slaughter Graham, along with copy editor Merrill Perlman, continues to engage with audience feedback to shape future recommendations. As NPR moves forward into 2026, these resolutions represent a concerted effort to refine its reporting practices and strengthen its connection with audiences nationwide.
