Introduction

On October 18, 2018, NHPR host Peter Biello chatted on stage with Joshua Johnson, then host of the NPR program and podcast 1A, in front of more than 400 people at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord. Their conversation, later broadcast on The Exchange, followed a panel discussion on student debt moderated by Joshua. 

1A - its name inspired by the First Amendment - also broadcast its national program live from NHPR’s studios for two days, presenting a mix of national and local issues, including the 2018 midterm elections, with guest appearances by NHPR reporters. This special visit by 1A was one of many examples from fiscal year 2018-19 of NHPR’s ability as an organization to produce national-quality programming and bring it to New Hampshire audiences. This ability stems in significant part from the successful completion of NHPR’s Campaign for Innovation and the further implementation of the initiatives envisioned four years ago when the Campaign launched.

The year was also one of transitions. In December 2018, Betsy Gardella retired after 13 years of service, and in June 2019, the board recognized her significant impact on NHPR by naming the newsroom and content production area the “Betsy Gardella Center for Journalism.”

While a search was launched for a new President and CEO, former board member Mark Kaplan took on the role of interim Executive Director. Then in September 2019, the NHPR Board of Trustees announced veteran news executive Jim Schachter as the new President and CEO.

As NHPR begins an exciting new chapter, this report highlights some of the many activities and accomplishments of fiscal year 2018-19. These achievements would not be possible without the donors and sponsors who support our efforts to fulfill our mission of “Expanding Minds, Sparking Connections, and Building Stronger Communities.”

Thank you.

Banner photo by Allegra Boverman for NHPR