Former NPR President and CEO Kevin Klose Dies at 85
Kevin Klose, the former president and CEO of National Public Radio (NPR), has died at the age of 85 from complications related to Alzheimer's disease. His death was confirmed by WBUR CEO Margaret Low, a family friend and former NPR leader. Klose is remembered as a transformative figure who guided NPR through a period of significant growth and financial stabilization during his tenure. He is particularly credited for cultivating a relationship with philanthropist Joan B. Kroc, whose multimillion-dollar gift helped the network weather severe financial crises and expand its reach. Under his leadership, NPR introduced innovative programming such as StoryCorps and The Tavis Smiley Show, while strengthening its international news coverage. Colleagues praised his personal engagement with staff and his unwavering commitment to quality journalism as essential to a healthy democracy. Klose took over the network during a turbulent era following near-bankruptcy in the early 1980s, successfully shoring up leadership structures and improving compensation for hosts. His legacy includes elevating NPR to the ranks of major U.S. networks and ensuring its long-term solvency through strategic fundraising and visionary management.
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Former NPR President and CEO Kevin Klose Dies at 85
Kevin Klose, the former president and CEO of National Public Radio (NPR), has died at the age of 85 from complications related to Alzheimer's disease. His death was confirmed by WBUR CEO Margaret Low, a family friend and former NPR leader. Klose is remembered as a transformative figure who guided NPR through a period of significant growth and financial stabilization during his tenure. He is particularly credited for cultivating a relationship with philanthropist Joan B. Kroc, whose multimillion-dollar gift helped the network weather severe financial crises and expand its reach. Under his leadership, NPR introduced innovative programming such as StoryCorps and The Tavis Smiley Show, while strengthening its international news coverage. Colleagues praised his personal engagement with staff and his unwavering commitment to quality journalism as essential to a healthy democracy. Klose took over the network during a turbulent era following near-bankruptcy in the early 1980s, successfully shoring up leadership structures and improving compensation for hosts. His legacy includes elevating NPR to the ranks of major U.S. networks and ensuring its long-term solvency through strategic fundraising and visionary management.
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