The Daily, the nation’s top podcast according to Podtrac, is undergoing some changes with the addition of two new editors to its team. Chris Haxel, who previously worked at APM Reports and NPR, has joined as an editor, while Maria Byrne, formerly of The Wall Street Journal’s “The Journal,” has come on board as a senior editor. Ben Calhoun, Executive Producer of The Daily, expressed his confidence that these new additions will strengthen the show’s editorial team and bring New York Times reporting to life through audio.
Chris Haxel brings a wealth of experience to The Daily, having won a Pulitzer Prize for his work on an NPR series about gun rights activism. Maria Byrne, on the other hand, has a 20-year career in audio journalism, starting at the BBC and eventually working on narrative podcasts and breaking news stories.
These new hires come on the heels of the announcement that The Daily is looking for a new co-host to replace Sabrina Tavernise, who will be stepping away from her role alongside Michael Barbaro. The Times has already begun the search for Tavernise’s replacement, even holding auditions to find the right person for the job. Tavernise has been a co-host of the podcast since March 2022.
Additionally, the Times recently revealed that only recent episodes of The Daily will be available for free, with older episodes requiring a subscription. This move is in line with the Times’ efforts to drive more subscriptions and monetize its popular podcast.
The expansion of The Daily’s editorial team with the addition of Chris Haxel and Maria Byrne signals the show’s commitment to high-quality journalism and storytelling. With their combined experience and expertise, listeners can expect even more engaging and informative episodes in the future. Stay tuned for updates on the search for a new co-host and the continued success of The Daily as it evolves and grows in the world of podcasting.
