Jennifer Vanasco
Jennifer Vanasco is an editor on the NPR Culture Desk, where she also reports on theater, visual arts, cultural institutions, the intersection of tech/culture and the economics of the arts.
She previously worked at Member station WNYC in New York, where for almost nine years, she wore many hats — Arts & Culture Desk editor, evening news editor, fill-in host and newscaster, regular contributor to the arts show "All of It" and award-winning arts reporter. She teaches audio journalism in Columbia University's journalism graduate program and is on the faculty of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center National Critics Institute.
Before audio journalism, she was editor in chief of MTV's 365Gay.com, which at the time was the country's largest LGBTQ+ news site; created and wrote the Minority Reports column for Columbia Journalism Review; and for over a decade was a syndicated newspaper columnist on gay issues.
She has received many awards for her work, including the New York Radio Festivals Silver Award, the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association Excellence in Radio Award, the National Headline Award, the Peter Lisagor Award, plus awards from the Associated Press, the New York State Broadcasters Association, the Webbys and others. She graduated from Wellesley College. [Copyright 2025 NPR]
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The statue of Albert Pike, a Confederate general and Freemason leader, was vandalized and taken down on Juneteenth in 2020. It is the only statue of a Confederate general in Washington, D.C. -
The Star Wars available to the public to stream is not the same film that was shown in 1977. But in the U.K., audiences had a rare chance to see it. -
No one show swept this year — and it turns out, that's a good thing. -
The 78th annual Tony Awards are Sunday, June 8. Here's where to stream. -
Nearly 1,000 women from around the country flew to New York City to audition for the dance troupe on its 100th anniversary. What's helped it last so long? -
Broadway isn't just back — it's raising the bar. Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her and Maybe Happy Ending tied for most nominations. Plus, nods to George Clooney, Nicole Scherzinger and more. -
The Smithsonian Institution, a vast complex of research centers, museums and galleries, is the latest culture target of President Trump's executive orders. -
Fight for America! is a new art installation about democracy that invites audiences to play a war game — battling over the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. -
For its 50th anniversary, Saturday Night Live has a weekend of live events starring cast members, musicians and celebrities. -
Originally recorded for the rock star's major album Private Dancer, "Hot For You Baby" was thought lost.
