NPR’s chief business editor, Pallavi Gogoi, recently announced that Kara Platoni will be joining the team as a senior business editor. Kara’s role will involve overseeing coverage of technology, cars, and energy. With an eclectic background and a passion for storytelling, Kara brings a unique perspective to NPR’s business coverage.
Kara Platoni comes to NPR from Wired, where she served as the senior science editor. During her time at Wired, she led coverage on a variety of topics including biotech, space, climate, and energy technologies. From space tourism to innovative advancements in EV batteries, Kara’s stories have captivated audiences with their depth and insight. She has also authored a book titled “We Have the Technology,” which explores the world of biohacking and the future of sensory perception.
Prior to her role at Wired, Kara was an assistant dean and lecturer at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. Her experience in academia has equipped her with a strong foundation in journalism and storytelling. Additionally, Kara has a background in radio, having started her career at KSPC as a music director, deejay, and live band engineer. Her diverse skill set and passion for radio will undoubtedly enhance NPR’s coverage of business and technology.
In addition to her work in journalism, Kara has been actively involved in the literary community. She spent six years on the board of the Office of Letters and Light, a nonprofit organization that organizes National Novel Writing Month. Kara’s dedication to storytelling and creativity is evident in her own writing, having speed-written 10 novels (according to her) during the annual writing event.
Kara’s journalistic achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Missouri Lifestyle Journalism Award, the Clarion Award (twice), and the Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award for young science journalists. Her commitment to excellence in reporting has earned her accolades from esteemed organizations such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Northern California’s Society for Professional Journalists.
As Kara embarks on this new chapter with NPR, her colleagues are eager to welcome her to the team. Her first day with NPR is scheduled for September 9, and she will be based in San Francisco. Additionally, Kara will spend time in Washington DC for onboarding in mid-September. With her infectious energy and passion for storytelling, Kara is sure to make a significant impact on NPR’s business coverage.
In conclusion, Kara Platoni’s appointment as senior business editor at NPR marks an exciting new chapter for the organization. With her diverse background, journalistic expertise, and passion for storytelling, Kara is poised to bring fresh perspectives and engaging narratives to NPR’s coverage of technology, cars, and energy. Welcome to NPR, Kara!
