Kevin Roose and Casey Newton have partnered with NPR for distribution and ad sales of their new show, "Machine Gods". The twice-weekly, video-first programme about AI will launch in October on YouTube and as a podcast, with NPR bringing it to radio in early 2027. The show is the first venture from Machine Gods Media, the company Roose and Newton formed after leaving "Hard Fork" at the New York Times. They own the company 50-50 and have hired producers, with plans for more staff. NPR's chief content officer Nadine Zylstra approached the pair shortly after joining this summer. The deal reflects NPR's strategy to reach new audiences whilst attracting creators with its radio reach. Zylstra says NPR wants to strike more deals with outside talent.

NPR is folding its stand-alone climate desk into a larger national desk as part of a newsroom restructuring that reduced staff by 28 positions and consolidated departments from 11 to eight. Two climate journalists departed, whilst eight will continue reporting on climate within the national desk. The restructuring comes as NPR faces financial pressures from the withdrawal of $500 million in annual federal funding. Although recent donations totalled $113 million, revenue from member stations is expected to drop by $15 million under a new fee system. Editor-in-Chief Thomas Evans said climate coverage will not diminish and may increase as more reporters on the national desk contribute climate stories. Climate Solutions Week and coordination with member stations will continue, with senior supervising editor Sadie Babits leading the climate team.

NPR has hired Nadine Zylstra as chief content officer, a role vacant for nearly a year. She will start in July, tasked with expanding audiences for NPR's news, entertainment and music content across digital platforms. Zylstra joins from Pinterest, where she served as global programming chief. She previously led YouTube Originals and was a top programming executive at Sesame Workshop. NPR President Katherine Maher praised her experience in mission-driven media and understanding of audience engagement. The appointment comes as NPR faces challenges including declining broadcast audiences and recent federal funding cuts. The network recently cut 30 newsroom positions but secured over $113 million in gifts to improve technology and distribution. Zylstra will oversee NPR's newsroom, music, podcasts and related departments, though editorial decisions will remain with Editor-in-Chief Tommy Evans.