Peter Clowney Named CEO of Iowa Public Radio

Iowa Public Radio (IPR) announced that Peter Clowney will assume the chief executive role on September 28. He succeeds Myrna Johnson, who retired in July after guiding IPR through pandemic-related disruptions, a period of public-media defunding, and the organization’s shift from university ownership to an independent station network.

Des Moines Register

Clowney brings three decades of experience in public-media leadership. He most recently served as chief operating officer of Nebraska Public Media, a $26 million organization with more than 170 staff members. Earlier in his career he held senior content, strategy and editorial positions at NPR, American Public Media, Gimlet Media, Pushkin Industries, SiriusXM, Stitcher, and the production teams behind “This American Life,” “Marketplace,” and “Fresh Air.” He also contributed to PRI’s “Studio 360” series on Herman Melville’s *Moby-Dick*.

Des Moines Register

The appointment notice outlines that IPR’s NPR-member network operates on an annual budget of roughly $10 million and employs about 70 employees across 27 stations throughout Iowa. The network’s mission emphasizes connecting Iowans to one another through locally focused news and cultural programming.

No Fooling: Clowney To Lead Iowa Public Radio

Libby Jacobs, chair of the IPR Board of Directors, said the board is confident that Clowney’s blend of editorial skill and operational discipline aligns with IPR’s goal of fostering real community connections. The board’s search committee, which Jacobs co-chaired, highlighted Clowney’s “genuine passion for public service” as a key asset for the organization’s next chapter.

Des Moines Register

• “Peter brings a rare combination of editorial excellence, operational discipline, and genuine passion for public service,” — Libby Jacobs, Chair of the IPR Board of Directors “Peter brings a rare combination of editorial excellence, operational discipline, and genuine passion for public service,” — Libby Jacobs, Chair of the IPR Board of Directors

Des Moines Register

• “Iowa Public Radio has everything I believe public media needs to thrive: dedicated, deeply experienced talent, a genuine commitment to its communities, and a clear vision for connecting Iowans to each other,” — Peter Clowney, appointed chief executive “Iowa Public Radio has everything I believe public media needs to thrive: dedicated, deeply experienced talent, a genuine commitment to its communities, and a clear vision for connecting Iowans to each other,” — Officer Peter Clowney, appointed chief executive

Des Moines Register