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Blue Ridge Public Radio bids farewell to News Director Laura Lee

Laura first joined BPR as interim News Director in January 2023.
BPR
Laura first joined BPR as interim News Director in January 2023.

Blue Ridge Public Radio announces the departure of News Director Laura Lee, who is moving on to a new opportunity in North Carolina journalism after more than two years of leadership at BPR.

Laura first joined BPR as interim News Director in January 2023 and was appointed to the permanent role later that year following a national search. During her tenure, she oversaw a transformative period for the station’s newsroom, doubling original news production, expanding accountability journalism, and strengthening collaborative reporting across Western North Carolina. Under her leadership, BPR’s news team grew from one reporter and one full-time host to a staff of five full-time reporters and two hosts.

“Laura brought a journalist’s rigor, a coach’s heart and a vision for local news that is rooted in public service to BPR,” said Ele Ellis, CEO and General Manager of BPR. “Her leadership not only immensely raised the bar for our newsroom, but transformed our relationship with the communities we serve.”

Among her many contributions, Laura led BPR’s award-winning coverage of Hurricane Helene, the most devastating storm in North Carolina’s history. Her editorial direction during that crisis reflected a deep commitment to service journalism — providing critical information, amplifying local voices and helping listeners navigate a time of extraordinary uncertainty and need.

Her leadership was recognized nationally when the Public Media Journalists Association named her Editor of the Year in 2025.

Laura’s career includes work at NPR’s All Things Considered and Talk of the Nation, leadership roles at The State of Things on WUNC, and editorial positions at Edutopia and Carolina Public Press. A licensed attorney, she holds a master’s in journalism from the University of Maryland and degrees in political science and law from UNC Chapel Hill.

“This is a truly special team in an extraordinary community,” Lee said. “I am so grateful for my time at BPR, and I feel very lucky to be able to continue the work in partnership at NC Local.”

While BPR finalizes plans for the newsroom’s next chapter, the station remains committed to the values Laura championed: editorial excellence, collaborative reporting and meaningful community engagement.

“We are incredibly grateful for Laura’s leadership and wish her continued success in her next chapter,” said Ellis. “She leaves behind a stronger newsroom and a lasting legacy of integrity, innovation and service.”

Stephanie Rogers is the Audience Communications Manager for BPR's Audience team.
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