From the very first moment she spoke into a microphone, Susan Stamberg reshaped the airwaves — blending warmth and candor into a journalistic style that became her signature. On October 16, 2025, the public radio world mourned as it confirmed the passing of one of its most beloved icons, aged 87.
Stamberg’s journey in radio began in the early 1970s when NPR was still in its infancy. At a time when national newsrooms were almost exclusively male, she broke barriers by becoming the first woman to host a national nightly news broadcast, co-anchoring All Things Considered from 1972 to 1986.
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Colleagues often describe her voice as deceptively simple yet deeply resonant — part neighborhood conversation, part probing inquiry. She pioneered a conversational tone that made complex subjects approachable and human. Over her long career, she interviewed everyone from presidents to poets, cultural icons to everyday people.
Stamberg also helped to forge NPR’s identity, joining the ranks of the network’s “Founding Mothers”—alongside Nina Totenberg, Linda Wertheimer, and Cokie Roberts. She coined the term herself as a counterpoint to the oft-referenced “Founding Fathers,” highlighting the substantial yet sometimes overlooked role women played in shaping public media.
Beyond All Things Considered, Stamberg anchored Weekend Edition Sunday, where she introduced the now-beloved Sunday puzzle with host Will Shortz. Later, she served as a cultural correspondent across NPR’s major shows, bringing her curiosity and keen ear to arts, science, and lesser–known stories.
Her impact was recognized widely: induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a legacy that extends far beyond her bylines.
Susan Stamberg is survived by her son, Josh Stamberg, and two granddaughters.
The details of her passing have not yet been disclosed. The public and media world now pause to reflect on the life of a woman who taught us that strong journalism could also feel like a conversation with a trusted friend.