• by Ray Schultz , September 5, 2024

NPR has named Thomas Evans as managing editor, editorial review, effective September 9. 

Evans will lead creation of the Backstop, a group of editors who will comprise an additional layer of editing. NPR had been criticized for lack of viewpoint diversity by one of its own writers.  

Previously, Evans served as vice president and London bureau chief at CNN for nearly eight years. He was responsible for CNN International’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. 

In addition, Evans led CNN’s Iraq bureau and bureaus in Afghanistan, Turkey and Pakistan.

“Thomas’ years of experience in the field, in often challenging environments, and as an editorial leader in a complex organization give him unique insight into the promise of what the Backstop can be: an extra layer of protection around our journalists and content creators,” writes Edith Chapin, acting chief content officer, senior vice president and editor in chief, to whom Evans will report.