Alicia Montgomery: The Visionary Architect Of Slate's Audio Success

In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of digital media, few individuals leave as significant a mark as Alicia Montgomery has at Slate. As the Vice President of Audio, Montgomery stands at the forefront of Slate's highly successful podcasting division, a cornerstone of the publication's recent prosperity. Her journey, rooted deeply in public radio and evolving through the digital revolution, showcases a unique blend of journalistic integrity, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to compelling audio storytelling. This article delves into Montgomery's pivotal role at Slate, exploring her background, her leadership, and the profound impact she has had on shaping the sound of modern journalism.

Alicia Montgomery is not just a title holder; she is a driving force. Her leadership has been instrumental in Slate's audio growth, transforming it into a powerhouse of insightful and engaging podcasts. Her career trajectory offers a fascinating look at the convergence of traditional journalism with the innovative demands of the digital age, making her a truly influential figure in the industry today.

From Public Radio Roots to Digital Audio Leadership

A Career Forged in Public Radio

Before her influential tenure at Slate, Alicia Montgomery honed her craft and passion for audio in the world of public radio. She is a veteran of the medium, having worked extensively in public radio, including a significant period at NPR. As someone who "loves NPR, built my career there, and once aspired to stay forever," Montgomery brings a deep understanding and appreciation for the foundational principles of audio journalism. This background instilled in her a commitment to nuanced storytelling and public service, principles she has seamlessly carried into the for-profit digital space.

Her intimate knowledge of public radio also provides her with a unique perspective on its challenges. In an article published on April 17, 2024, Montgomery bravely articulated her views in a piece titled, "NPR Is a Mess. But “Wokeness” Isn’t the Problem." This candid assessment, coming from someone with such deep ties to the institution, highlights her journalistic courage and her ability to offer critical insights while maintaining a profound respect for the medium's legacy. Her analysis transcends simplistic narratives, focusing instead on the complex realities facing traditional audio journalism in a rapidly changing media environment.

The Transition to Digital & Slate

Montgomery's career path reflects the broader shifts within media, as she transitioned from traditional public radio to the burgeoning digital landscape. Her move to Slate marked a pivotal moment, first joining as the Executive Producer of Podcasts at Slate.com. In this role, she was tasked with leading a team of talented journalists and producers, laying the groundwork for what would become a formidable audio empire. Her experience in both public radio and digital media positioned her perfectly to navigate the "converging and diverging words of public and for-profit media," a topic she has insightfully discussed.

At the core of Montgomery's work is a clear journalistic mission: "to help my fellow Americans better understand their world and their neighbors." This ethos has guided her efforts at Slate, ensuring that even as the platform embraces innovation and commercial success, it remains dedicated to producing content that informs, educates, and fosters deeper understanding among its audience. Her extensive network, including over 500 connections on LinkedIn, and her education from the University of Maryland University College, further underscore her robust professional foundation.

Steering Slate's Audio Empire: The Vice President of Audio

The Promotion and Expanded Vision

Slate's recognition of Montgomery's exceptional talent and strategic prowess culminated in her promotion to Vice President of Audio. This elevation signifies her critical role in the company's overall strategy and its continued investment in audio content. As the head of audio, Montgomery oversees the entire spectrum of Slate's podcasting operations, from content creation and production to strategic partnerships and audience growth. Her leadership is directly linked to Slate's remarkable success in recent years.

Indeed, the 27-year-old Slate Magazine recently celebrated its most profitable year ever, a significant portion of which is credited to its robust podcasting division. Slate has been publishing podcasts for a considerable time, but under Montgomery's guidance, the network has reached new heights of popularity and profitability. Her vision ensures that Slate's audio offerings are not only journalistically sound but also engaging and accessible to a broad audience.

Cultivating a Thriving Podcast Network

Under Alicia Montgomery's stewardship, Slate's podcast network has flourished, becoming a go-to destination for diverse and high-quality audio content. Her strategic initiatives include:

Expanding Content Offerings: Montgomery is constantly looking for ways to enrich Slate's podcast library. A prime example is the groundbreaking podcast Death, Sex & Money, which recently found a new home at Slate after ending its run at WNYC. Montgomery expressed immense enthusiasm for this acquisition, stating, "Death, Sex & Money is the perfect addition to our ever-growing network of shows. Both teams are driven to explore the..." This move not only expands Slate's reach but also reinforces its commitment to impactful, personal storytelling.
Fostering New Talent and Shows: The growth of Slate's audio division also means opportunities for new voices and ideas. Slate is actively "hiring for a number of roles in podcasting," including positions like Podcast Producer for shows like Amicus. This commitment to talent acquisition ensures a continuous pipeline of fresh content and perspectives. Montgomery herself is deeply involved in the creative process, often discussing show ideas with her team, demonstrating a hands-on approach to content development.
Engaging with the Audience: Montgomery occasionally steps into the spotlight herself, connecting directly with listeners. She has filled in as "Prudie" for Slate’s popular advice column, Dear Prudence, offering her insights and guidance to readers. She has also appeared on podcasts like "The Thing We Can't Get Off Our Minds," where she engaged in conversations about current topics, showcasing her versatility and approachable demeanor.

Alicia Montgomery's Unique Voice and Impact

A Journalist's Enduring Mission

Despite her executive responsibilities, Alicia Montgomery remains fundamentally a journalist. Her core mission, "to help my fellow Americans better understand their world and their neighbors," permeates every aspect of Slate's audio production. This commitment ensures that even the most complex topics are explored with clarity, empathy, and a dedication to truth. Her articles, available on platforms like Muck Rack, further exemplify her thoughtful engagement with contemporary issues, offering readers and listeners alike a deeper understanding of the world.

Bridging Media Worlds

Montgomery's unique position, having worked extensively in both public and for-profit media, provides her with invaluable insights into the evolving media landscape. She understands the strengths and weaknesses of both models and is adept at leveraging the best of each to create compelling content. This ability to bridge different media worlds allows Slate's audio division to maintain journalistic rigor while embracing the innovative and audience-driven approaches often found in the digital space.

Beyond the Mic: Leadership and Community

Beyond her strategic acumen and journalistic integrity, Montgomery is also a leader who fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. She leads a team of dedicated journalists and producers, empowering them to create their best work. Her personal connections, such as discussing family matters with her cousin Yvonne (Alicia’s mom is one of 13 kids, and she and Yvonne spent the year looking out for all), hint at a grounded and relatable personality that likely contributes to her effective leadership.

Her work is widely recognized across various platforms, as seen in her appearances and mentions in Apple Podcasts, Yahoo Life, NPR, Quartz, Yahoo, MPR News, WLRN-FM, KPBS-TV, and WABE-FM, among others. These widespread acknowledgments underscore her influence and the broad appeal of the content she oversees.

Summary

Alicia Montgomery's journey from a dedicated public radio producer to the Vice President of Audio at Slate is a testament to her profound impact on the media industry. Her strategic leadership has propelled Slate's podcasting division to unprecedented success, making it a profitable and influential force in digital journalism. With a career built on a foundation of journalistic integrity and a clear mission to inform and enlighten, Montgomery continues to shape the future of audio storytelling, bridging traditional and digital media to deliver insightful and engaging content to a global audience.