After 26 years of bringing news to NPR listeners, Mary Louise Kelly is bidding farewell to her role as host of 'All Things Considered'. Kelly's journey with the show began in 2001 when she walked into the office of longtime host Robert Siegel for an interview to become the editor of 'All Things Considered'. Siegel was impressed with her and immediately called the executive producer to recommend her for the position. She edited the show for three years before transitioning back to reporting.
Kelly launched NPR's intelligence beat and took on many notable assignments, including a trip around Afghanistan with then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Her editor, Bruce Auster, praised her determination and precision, as well as her approach to journalism. Auster noted that Kelly believed her role was to bear witness and bring the audience the information they needed to know. This approach was evident in her reporting, including her coverage of the war in Afghanistan.
Kelly's reporting style was marked by her ability to capture the moment and tell a story in an engaging way. Her coverage of the war in Afghanistan, where she reported from a helicopter, exemplified this. She also reported from the offices of independent election monitors in Russia, a military parade in North Korea, and the streets of Tehran. Her reporting often took her to difficult and dangerous locations, but she consistently delivered high-quality journalism.
In 2017, Kelly interviewed then-CEO Jarl Mohn amid a newsroom sexual harassment scandal. Despite being guest hosting at the time, Kelly's professionalism and persistence in questioning Mohn were widely praised. Renita Jablonski, the 'All Things Considered' editor on that interview, recalled Kelly's calm and focused demeanor, even in a difficult situation. Kelly's ability to ask tough questions of those in power, including her own superiors, was a hallmark of her reporting style.
One of Kelly's most notable interviews was with then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in 2020. Kelly pressed Pompeo about Marie Yovanovitch, the recently ousted U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, who had testified in the Trump impeachment hearings. The interview was notable for Kelly's persistence in questioning Pompeo, who eventually ended the interview. The exchange was widely covered and demonstrated Kelly's commitment to holding those in power accountable.
Kelly's departure from 'All Things Considered' marks the end of an era for the show. However, she will continue to contribute to NPR's airwaves. Her colleagues and former editors praised her dedication to journalism and her ability to tell important stories. Kelly's legacy at NPR will be remembered for her tireless commitment to reporting and her ability to ask tough questions of those in power.
As Kelly steps down from her role as host, she leaves behind a legacy of exceptional journalism. Her contributions to NPR and 'All Things Considered' will be remembered for years to come. Kelly's ability to bear witness to important events and to tell stories that needed to be told has left a lasting impact on the world of journalism.
Key points
- Mary Louise Kelly is stepping down as host of 'All Things Considered' after 26 years with NPR.
