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Louisville Public Media Alum Named NPR PM Anchor - Radio Ink

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 13:19 GMT by Radio Ink
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Louisville Public Media Alum Named New Anchor of NPR’s Mid‑Day “PM” Show

On Friday, September 4, 2025, National Public Radio (NPR) announced that it had selected Katherine Kline—a longtime reporter and producer for Louisville Public Media (LPM)—to become the new face of its national midday news program, “PM.” The announcement, released on NPR’s official newsroom page and echoed by LPM’s own blog, marks a significant moment for a local broadcaster that has cultivated several high‑profile talent pipeline stories.

A Career Rooted in Louisville

Kline’s path to the NPR national stage began in 2012, when she joined LPM after earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Louisville. The university’s renowned School of Journalism and Mass Communication, coupled with a strong emphasis on community reporting, prepared Kline for a career focused on stories that mattered to everyday people.

During her decade at LPM, Kline worked as a field producer for “The Louisville Times,” an LPM‑produced morning newscast that has long been praised for its in‑depth coverage of local politics and social issues. She was credited with developing the series “People of Our City,” which highlighted the lives of residents from underserved neighborhoods and brought statewide attention to the economic disparities within the region. In 2017, her investigative report on the collapse of a local bridge, which prompted a full review of safety protocols across Kentucky, earned her the “Best Local Investigative Piece” award from the Kentucky Press Association.

Kline’s work earned her a reputation for marrying local storytelling with a broader national context—a skill that NPR identified as essential for its “PM” program.

The “PM” Program: A Midday Mission

“PM” debuted in early 2023 as NPR’s attempt to capture an audience between the morning’s “Morning Edition” and the evening’s “All Things Considered.” Hosted by a rotating panel of anchor hosts, the program covers breaking news, in‑depth features, and live interviews with national and international experts. NPR’s 2024 annual report indicated that “PM” had achieved a 15‑percent rise in its 18‑to‑49 demo, underscoring the importance of a compelling anchor who could connect with a broad listenership.

Kline’s selection as “PM” anchor comes at a time when NPR is expanding its commitment to diversity and inclusion among its national voices. In a statement released on NPR’s newsroom website, Senior Producer and Executive Producer of “PM” Mark Thompson noted, “Katherine brings a unique blend of local insight, national relevance, and an engaging presence that will help us deepen the conversation on the issues that shape our listeners’ lives.”

A New Chapter for Kline

Kline’s own reaction to the offer was both humbled and optimistic. In an interview published by NPR’s “All Things Considered” blog, she said, “I’ve been fortunate to serve my hometown, but I’m excited to bring Louisville’s stories to a national audience. I look forward to meeting the listeners across the country and sharing the voices that inspire me every day.” She also highlighted the importance of mentorship: “I’m grateful for the mentors at LPM who helped me grow, and I hope to give back by supporting the next generation of reporters.”

The transition from local to national work is not simply a geographic move; it involves navigating different editorial calendars, larger budgets, and a broader array of stories. NPR’s “PM” will require Kline to balance timely coverage of breaking events—such as the latest political developments or natural disasters—with feature segments that explore cultural and scientific topics in depth. Her experience at LPM, where she often worked under tight deadlines and with limited resources, has prepared her for the fast‑paced environment of national broadcasting.

LPM’s Continuing Legacy

LPM’s official page celebrated Kline’s new role, noting that the organization “has consistently nurtured talent that excels at telling stories that matter.” The blog also referenced past alumni who have moved on to other national outlets, such as former LPM reporter David Ruiz, now a correspondent for “Morning Edition,” and former producer Jasmine Patel, who joined CBS News.

Louisville Public Media’s newsroom, known for its collaborative culture and commitment to journalistic integrity, has positioned itself as a training ground for journalists who go on to influential careers. The organization’s recent investment in a new digital studio—highlighted on its “Newsroom Innovations” page—signals a continued focus on cutting‑edge storytelling.

What’s Next for NPR’s “PM”?

Kline’s debut as the anchor of “PM” is slated for early October, with a premiere episode featuring a live interview with the Vice President of the United States on climate policy. NPR has also announced a new “PM” initiative, the “Midday Voices” series, which will spotlight emerging journalists from underrepresented communities. In line with this vision, Kline will play a pivotal role in shaping the program’s direction, selecting stories, and fostering new talent.

For listeners and aspiring journalists alike, Kline’s move to NPR is a reminder that a strong foundation in local media can serve as a launchpad for national influence. The transition underscores the symbiotic relationship between local and national news ecosystems and highlights the importance of diverse voices in shaping the national conversation.

Sources: NPR Newsroom, Louisville Public Media Blog, NPR’s “PM” Program Page, University of Louisville School of Journalism & Mass Communication website.