Thu Jan 23 14:20:00 UTC 2025: ## NPR Veteran Renee Montagne Announces Departure After Decades of Award-Winning Journalism

**Washington, D.C.** – Longtime NPR journalist Renee Montagne is leaving the network after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. The announcement was made today by Eric Marrapodi, Vice President for News Programming.

Montagne, a familiar voice to millions of public radio listeners, first joined NPR as a freelancer in 1981. She went on to host both *All Things Considered* and *Morning Edition*, the latter for twelve years (2004-2016), often working grueling hours to bring West Coast listeners the latest news. Her commitment to her craft was legendary, exemplified by her willingness to sacrifice sleep and years of sunsets to deliver the morning news from NPR West.

After stepping down from *Morning Edition*, Montagne dedicated herself to in-depth investigative reporting. Her collaboration with ProPublica reporter Nina Martin on “Lost Mothers: Maternal Mortality in the U.S.” garnered widespread acclaim, winning numerous prestigious awards including a Peabody Award, a George Polk Award, and Harvard’s Goldsmith Prize. The series was also a Pulitzer Prize finalist.

Montagne’s career reflects NPR’s commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling. Her reporting took her around the globe, covering events such as Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and South Africa’s transition to democracy (for which she won an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award). She also made numerous reporting trips to Afghanistan following 9/11, documenting the lives of ordinary Afghans amidst conflict. This work was recognized by the Overseas Press Club and the Gracie Awards.

Colleagues described Montagne as a dedicated and skilled journalist with boundless energy and a sharp wit. Steve Inskeep, her co-host on *Morning Edition* for twelve years, highlighted her commitment to fairness, negotiating equal pay with him from the outset. He also praised her ability to connect with interviewees, drawing insightful responses from everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Afghan warlords.

Montagne’s departure marks the end of an era at NPR. Her impact on public radio and her legacy of impactful journalism will be long remembered. A toast to Montagne will be held at the NPR all-staff meeting on January 29th.

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