Danyell Irby has been promoted to the role of Chief of Content for both WTMD and WYPR, a move that reflects President and General Manager Craig Swagler’s FY25 strategic priorities focused on alignment, partnerships, and revenue growth. **Alignment with President’s Strategic Priorities**
The new role for Irby is a significant development in Baltimore Public Media’s (BPM) efforts to align its content and programming across both WTMD and WYPR. This alignment is critical to the organization’s mission of informing, connecting, and elevating the communities of Baltimore and the region.
- Irby brings over 25 years of experience in radio journalism, including her recent tenure as Executive Director of News at WYPR.
- She has held multiple editorial and leadership roles at NPR, including anchor, editor, and Senior Supervising Producer of Newscasts.
- Irby has also contributed to American Public Media as a Senior Editor on its flagship program Marketplace.
**A Collaborative Spirit and Strong Editorial Experience**
Irby is known for her collaborative spirit, deep editorial experience, and bold, strategic vision. In her new role, she will help lead WTMD and WYPR into an exciting new chapter of journalism, music, arts, and culture programming.
“Danyell Irby brings deep experience, trusted leadership, and a powerful vision to this new role. Under her direction, we’re aligning the strength of WYPR’s programming and news with WTMD’s creative energy — building a more unified, intentional, and catalytic presence in the community,” noted Swagler.
**Program Director and Assistant Program Director Roles**
Jonathan Blakley has been appointed as Program Director for WTMD and WYPR, while Tyler Laporte will return to his key role as Assistant Program Director and Host on WTMD.
- Blakley will focus on artist and performer curation and deepening relationships within Baltimore’s vibrant music community.
- Laporte will elevate emerging artists across WTMD’s on-air, online, and live performance platforms.
**Digital Media Alignment**
Kyle Leslie will continue in his current role under the newly adjusted title of Director of Digital Media, reporting directly to the Office of the President to ensure alignment with overall strategy and growth to new audiences.
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Chief of Content | Danyell Irby, aligning content and programming across both WTMD and WYPR. |
| Program Director | Jonathan Blakley, overseeing programming strategy and operations. |
| Assistant Program Director and Host | Tyler Laporte, supporting program director and hosting duties. |
| Director of Digital Media | Kyle Leslie, overseeing digital media strategy and operations. |
**A Unified Presence in the Community**
The realignment of roles and responsibilities at Baltimore Public Media marks a critical step forward in unifying news and programming under one strategic vision. This alignment will ensure that WTMD and WYPR remain powerful, responsive, and relevant platforms for storytelling, music discovery, and civic dialogue. About Baltimore Public Media:
Baltimore Public Media is a nonprofit organization committed to informing, connecting, and elevating the communities of Baltimore and the region through high-quality journalism, music, arts, and cultural programming. With a focus on listener-supported radio, Baltimore Public Media provides trusted news coverage, compelling storytelling, and vibrant music discovery across broadcast and digital platforms.
