Jim Schachter Joins WNYC Radio as VP of news next month. Schachter will be responsible for leading WNYC’s award-winning news brand.  He will oversee its strategic vision and planning, as well as editorial decisions related to production and operations. Schachter brings a wealth of news experience to New York Public Radio’s WNYC.

Schachter spent 17 years at the The New York Times, holding down senior editorial positions in both hard news and feature sections. Additionally, he was deputy editor of the business and culture news departments and of The New York Times Magazine.

Schachter will have editorial oversight of WNYC’s local and national radio and digital news properties, including the WNYC and New Jersey Public Radio local news teams, WNYC’s newly launched data news unit, the political site It’s a Free Country, and WNYC-produced news shows including the Peabody Award winning programs The Brian Lehrer Show, Radio Rookies, and On the Media.

“We are thrilled that Jim is bringing his extraordinary editorial skills and track record of success to public radio,” said Laura Walker, president and CEO, New York Public Radio, which includes WNYC. “He has a vibrant vision, an appetite for innovation, and a keen understanding of engaging audiences. This will bolster our ambitious plans to grow our news content and increase our reporting capacity across all platforms.  We’re delighted that he is joining us at a moment when the need for serious journalism has never been more urgent.”

Schachter assumes his new position Monday, July 9.