WBUR chief executive Margaret Low to step down after nearly 7 years

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Margaret Low, CEO of Boston’s NPR station WBUR, announced she will step down in June after leading the station since 2020 through financial challenges and a major programming shift toward podcasts. Under her leadership, WBUR improved its financial health with strong fundraising efforts and is currently undertaking a $125 million campaign to support local journalism and innovation.

Margaret Low, chief executive of Boston-based NPR station WBUR, announced on Tuesday that she will step down from her role in June after nearly seven years at the helm. Low, 67, joined WBUR in 2020 following leadership positions at The Atlantic and NPR, bringing extensive experience in news operations and event management.

During her tenure, Low guided the station through significant challenges including pandemic-related disruptions, shifts in media consumption, federal reductions in public media funding, and internal layoffs. In 2024, WBUR ended its long-running local program Radio Boston, shifting editorial emphasis toward podcasts and weekend programming to adapt to evolving audience preferences.

Despite these hurdles, WBUR has seen financial improvement under Low’s leadership, largely driven by increased fundraising efforts. The station’s campaigns, including notable “rage giving” from donors, helped WBUR restore its financial footing and strengthen its presence in national productions. Currently, WBUR is engaged in its largest fundraising initiative to date—a $125 million campaign aimed at supporting local journalism and innovation.

Low’s tenure also included exploration of possible strategic partnerships, such as a potential merger with GBH, but those plans were ultimately deemed unfeasible. Throughout her leadership, WBUR has maintained its status as Boston’s top-ranked radio station, a point highlighted by the station’s board chair, who praised Low’s fundraising achievements and steady stewardship.

Looking ahead, Low intends to remain involved with WBUR in a new capacity as a board member upon her departure, and continues to engage with other journalism organizations. She expressed gratitude toward the station’s staff and the Boston community for their ongoing support and engagement.

WBUR’s strategic shift under Low reflects broader trends in public media, emphasizing digital content and live events to offset traditional revenue declines. As the station navigates the post-pandemic media landscape, it aims to balance innovation with the delivery of local journalism that serves the Boston area.

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