For immediate release
April 20, 1998


NPR Creates Technology Office
Don Lockett Named VP and Chief Technology Officer

Washington, DC -- Peter Jablow, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of National Public Radio (NPR), has announced the creation of a Technology Office designed to maximize NPR's content and technology assets. Leading the new office is former Vice President of Engineering and Information Technology Don Lockett, who now becomes Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

As CTO, Lockett will identify new technologies for NPR, represent the organization in industry forums and provide leadership in building technology partnerships and forging business opportunities.

"Our technology office is prepared to monitor, investigate and align NPR's content and technological strengths in view of emerging digital technologies, regulatory deregulation and global competition," said Jablow. "Dons extensive experience and knowledge of technology issues and trends will better position NPR as a leader in public policy formulation."

Mike Starling, previously Director of Engineering and Operations, is now in charge of the day-to-day operational management of Engineering, as Acting Vice President of Engineering.

Lockett began his tenure at NPR as Director of Engineering and Operations in 1987. Before coming to NPR, he was Director of Engineering and Operations at WHMM-TV and Chief Engineer at WHUR-FM. He is a veteran of the U.S Army Medical Services Corps and a member of the Audio Engineering Society, the Society of Motion Picture and TV Engineers, and the Society of Broadcast Engineers.

Renowned for its journalistic excellence and providing standard-setting news, information and cultural programming, NPR serves a growing audience of 13 million Americans each week on 600 member stations.