Brit Hanson

Journalist | Now: @NPR + @NPRScience + @NPRShortWave | Previously: @STLPublicRadio + @NCPR + freelance here, there & everywhere | she/her

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

Just had my 2nd anniversary on @NPR's Short Wave, the little science podcast that could. I struggled in science & math when I was a kid. Had a hard time w/ equations & long words. Wild to think they let me on this show, but so glad. Turns out, science is for all of us after all.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

*** Exciting professional news! *** I’m joining the crew over at @NPR on the @NPRScience Desk as a producer on a new (and forthcoming) daily science podcast!

[WeMakeWAMU is a union @WeMakeWAMU]

This morning, @wamu885 management informed us they are laying off 15 vital people from our organization. These individuals are the lifeblood of our journalism. Our hearts are broken. We can’t believe we are losing our colleagues and friends.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

😭

[NPR's Short Wave @NPRShortWave]

We come with tough news. The layoffs at NPR are impacting our show. Moving forward, we'll be in your feed 3 days a week.

Please show our #NPRShortWave team the same love you always have. We'll still be making the same nerdy, newsy science show you know and count on.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

I'm one of the luckies who has gotten to work w/ @thomasuylu. He's creative, smart, funny, thoughtful ... HIRE HIM RIGHT NOW!

On top of all of that, he's created community at @NPR for those of us who are disabled. TLu, I can't adequately convey my gratitude: thank you a million.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

I’m fumbling with words & don’t want @NPRShortWave’s losses to be true. @gabrielspitzer is incredibly talented, and I’ve been so touched by the compassion he’s shown me as his colleague. Hire him! Right now!

[Gabriel Spitzer @gabrielspitzer]

I’m afraid I am one of the casualties. Working w/the team @NPRShortWave for the past year has been a beautiful dream, and unfortunately now it’s time to wake up.

Please do send me your job listings/freelance opportunities. And you should keep listening to the show; I sure will.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

@ChiaraEisner @NPR I’m so so sorry, Chiara. This is awful.

[Emily Kwong @emilykwong1234]

The layoffs at NPR did affect Short Wave. Our team is incredibly bonded. We are processing what this means for our show and will have more updates soon.

So, in the meantime, please read this note from my incredible co-host @aaronscottNPR.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

@MathildePiard @BrendanCrump3 @NPRShortWave @pchh @BrendanCrump3 makes everything he touches better. EVERYTHING.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

@aaronscottNPR @ggrayson @emilykwong1234 @rebeccalramirez @gabrielspitzer @ScienceRegina @thomasuylu @travlinscientst @margaretcirino @AnilOza16 @BrendanCrump3 We are so lucky to work with you, Aaron. Every. Single. Day. Lucky.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

I don't have the words right now. I am devastated. Please hire @aaronscottNPR. Everything you make will be better because he's your colleague.

[Aaron Scott @AaronScottScott]

Since getting hired to host @NPRShortWave w/ inimitable @emilykwong1234, I've felt like I'm living in a dream. Who gets to work w/an amazing team to interview brilliant scientists & chase curiosity every frickin' day?? But all dreams end. Half our team was laid off, incl myself.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

@laurenthal @WaysMeansShow Hell yeah!!!

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

@miakka_natisse I’m so sorry, Kia. This is all so awful.

[Emily Kwong @emilykwong1234]

For colleagues who have lost their jobs at @NPR and are looking for jobs, the Association for Independents in Radio (AIR) is here to support you.

They are hosting an open space for those impacted by the layoffs. AIR is led by the incredible @KEISHAinc. I'm co-president of the board with @KimFoxWOSU.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

I'm too sad & overwhelmed to begin to capture the devastation in this thread, let alone to include everyone impacted. I can't keep up. But, colleagues, I'm here & I care. Please reach out if you need anything. Which I know is impossible to even know right now. Love & solidarity.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

It has been an absolutely devastating week at @NPR. My colleagues deserve so much better.

[Louder Than A Riot @LouderThanARiot]

🧵Louder Than A Riot has been cancelled by NPR. Our producers and editor have been laid off, although NPR would like everyone to stay on until June to finish publishing the show. We are taking some time to process what this looks like for our staff. 1/4

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

https://t.co/VlYzBPKi0e

[Not THAT Karen, thank you @karenbates]

It was a good run—21years—but it’s just about done. Tough economic realities meant NPR had to let go of some 100 employees. I was among that number. I am sad that I won’t be working with some of the fabulous people who make NPR. But I am grateful to have work that meant so much.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

@mrsslrss @nprmusic I am so so sorry, Marissa; this is AWFUL.

[Brit Hanson @bnhanson]

@LeilaFadel @Roughly @LouderThanARiot @NPRinvisibilia It’s absolutley devastating.