Producer
Science Friday, New York City
Age: 29
In three words: “Enterprising, inclusive, leader”
What colleagues say: Kathleen goes above and beyond her job as producer by serving as a guest host and leading Science Friday‘s State of Science reporting collaborative. One goal of SOS is to present stories to cover the geographic and demographic diversity of America.
Kathleen has fostered connections with over 27 partner stations in the SOS collaborative. The personal relationships she has cultivated have elevated Science Friday‘s prominence in communities across the country. She’s also helped make science reporting more feasible for small stations with less capacity for this type of in-depth technical coverage.
Kathleen’s work gives new meaning to SciFri’s mission of “increasing access to science news.” She defines “access” in a way that goes far beyond making media without paywalls. She asks the question, “Who is included and who feels represented by this coverage?” and strives for access and belonging for people who have been historically excluded and underrepresented.
What Kathleen says
Decision to work in public media: I had wanted to be a journalist since high school but didn’t know which medium. I was very involved in my high school and college newspapers, but my university didn’t have a journalism major. During my senior year of college, I interned at Michigan Radio. I fell in love with audio as a medium and the mission of public media.
Key accomplishments: One of my main roles is facilitating relationships between NPR member station reporters and our program, breaking down barriers that can be intimidating, particularly for younger reporters. We regularly feature local science reporting, giving reporters a chance to tout their rigorous reporting accomplishments on a large platform. My role is to be a point person and friendly presence that makes reporters comfortable working with Science Friday. On a personal level, I’ve been a regular co-host of Science Friday for the past year, which is a major accomplishment for me at this point in my career.
Inspired by: I’m inspired by science reporters and public radio hosts who have formed robust careers despite the challenges that come with being women or nonbinary and often not white, in a space that’s still very white and male.
Advice for young public media professionals: Don’t be afraid to be an advocate for yourself!
Advice for public media leaders: Respect the hard work that young people in this industry do — and pay them a living wage!
Profile photo: Kyle Marian Viterbo/Science Friday