We collect cookies to analyze our website traffic and performance; we never collect any personal data. Cookie Policy
Accept
The Tycoon Herald
  • Trending
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
    • Business
    • Economy
    • Real Estate
    • Money
    • Crypto / NFT
  • Innovation
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Leadership
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Reading: Petra Mayer, Books Editor for NPR and ‘Resident Nerd,’ Dies at 46
Sign In
The Tycoon HeraldThe Tycoon Herald
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • Trending
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
    • Business
    • Economy
    • Real Estate
    • Money
    • Crypto / NFT
  • Innovation
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Leadership
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© Tycoon Herald. All Rights Reserved.
Petra Mayer, Books Editor for NPR and ‘Resident Nerd,’ Dies at 46
The Tycoon Herald > Trending > Petra Mayer, Books Editor for NPR and ‘Resident Nerd,’ Dies at 46
Trending

Petra Mayer, Books Editor for NPR and ‘Resident Nerd,’ Dies at 46

Tycoon Herald
By Tycoon Herald 4 Min Read Published November 15, 2021
Share
SHARE

Petra Mayer, a books editor for NPR and self-described “resident nerd” who delighted readers with her musings about science fiction, comics and cats, died on Saturday in Silver Spring, Md. She was 46.

Her death, at Holy Cross Hospital, was confirmed on Sunday by her mother, Elke Mayer, who said the cause was a pulmonary embolism.

Ms. Mayer joined NPR’s books team in 2012 and worked on the culture desk, according to the public radio network.

The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes to Ms. Mayer, who reported on Comic-Con and contributed to Book Concierge, NPR’s literary recommendation tool.

“Petra was NPR through and through,” Nancy Barnes, NPR’s senior vice president for news, said in an email to the staff on Saturday that was reported by the public radio network.

In a statement on Sunday, NPR said that Ms. Mayer had left an indelible mark.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for all of us at NPR, our member stations and the millions of listeners in the public radio family,” the statement said. “Petra’s passion for her work, her love for her colleagues and her joy sharing books with public radio listeners have made a lasting impact.”

Before her tenure as a books editor, Ms. Mayer was an associate producer and director on the weekends for “All Things Considered,” the radio network’s flagship news program, according to NPR. She had also worked as a production assistant for “Morning Edition” and “Weekend Edition Saturday.”

In an interview on Sunday, Elke Mayer said that her daughter had been drawn to a radio career while studying at Amherst College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1996, according to her LinkedIn profile.

“She could have progressed to management very easily, but she loved to do the actual work,” Ms. Mayer said. “She loved to interview authors.”

Ms. Mayer said that her daughter relished assignments like covering Comic-Con, where she crossed paths with celebrities and characters.

Beth Novey, an editor and producer for NPR, told the public radio network that Petra Mayer “was always up for anything — whether it was taking on a last-minute edit, dressing up as the A.P. style guide for Halloween or making a hedgehog out of cheese for an intern farewell party.”

Ms. Novey said on Twitter that Ms. Mayer was supposed to join her for brunch on Saturday. “She had (of course) promised to bring something ‘stupidly elaborate’ that she had seen on Great British Bake Off,” Ms. Novey wrote.

After graduating from Amherst, Ms. Mayer received a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Ms. Mayer grew up in Washington, D.C. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her father, Jeffrey L. Mayer, and her partner, Josh Drobina.

Elke Mayer said that her daughter used her position to highlight more diverse authors. She also fought for paid internships, her mother said.

Some of the stories that she covered could be heavy, though.

“Petra was the go-to person if anybody in the arts died,” her mother said. “She would write the obit and it would be on the air in an hour.”

You Might Also Like

We Ordered Dandy Worldwide Hoodies – Here’s Why They’re Our New Favorite Hoodies

Inside the $4,890 Carolina Herrera Gown Scandal: Hollywood Hills Wife Exposes

Russia for Business: Experts Who Help Drive Decisions

The De-Asian-izing of Hollywood: How DEI Became a Cosmetic Fix

The Quiet Shift in America’s Workforce: Why Side Hustles Are Becoming Essential for Women Over 40

TAGGED:Books and LiteratureDeaths (Obituaries)Mayer, Petra (1974-2021)National Public RadioRadioThe Forbes JournalTrending
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Wuhan Open: Aryna Sabalenka books semi-final spot with America’s Jessica Pegula and extends successful streak to twenty matches
Sports

Wuhan Open: Aryna Sabalenka books semi-final spot with America’s Jessica Pegula and extends successful streak to twenty matches

Aryna Sabalenka prolonged her unbeaten run on the Wuhan Open to twenty matches with a straight-sets victory over Elena Rybakina on Friday.The world No 1 beat Rybakina 6-3 6-3 to…

By Tycoon Herald 3 Min Read
Kyle Richards’ Fall Style Staples Beneath $75
October 10, 2025
Tremendous League Grand Remaining 2025: Pundit predictions as Hull KR tackle Wigan Warriors at Previous Trafford
October 10, 2025
Peru’s Congress removes President Boluarte as against the law wave grips the nation
October 10, 2025
‘Matlock’s Leah Lewis Speaks Out After Costar Booted for Alleged Sexual Assault
October 10, 2025

You Might Also Like

Deborah Dalton: Award-Winning Novels and Film
EntertainmentTrending

Deborah Dalton: Award-Winning Novels and Film

By Tycoon Herald 2 Min Read
The South African Actor conquering the entertainment industry.
EntertainmentTrending

The South African Actor conquering the entertainment industry.

By Tycoon Herald 4 Min Read
“Journey Within” Masterclass with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
LifestyleTrending

“Journey Within” Masterclass with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

By Tycoon Herald 5 Min Read

More Popular from Tycoon Herald

MEET THE FATHER OF COADUNATE ECONOMIC MODEL
BusinessTrending

MEET THE FATHER OF COADUNATE ECONOMIC MODEL

By Tycoon Herald 2 Min Read
Woman Sentenced to 7 Days in Jail for Walking in Yellowstone’s Thermal Area

Woman Sentenced to 7 Days in Jail for Walking in Yellowstone’s Thermal Area

By Tycoon Herald
Empowering Fintech Innovation: Swiss Options Partners with Stripe to Transform Digital Payments
InnovationTrending

Empowering Fintech Innovation: Swiss Options Partners with Stripe to Transform Digital Payments

By Tycoon Herald 7 Min Read
Entertainment

President Trump Names Fox Information Host Jeanine Pirro as Prime Prosecutor in D.C.

President Trump I Need Fox Information Host As Prime D.C. Prosecutor ... Come On Down, Jeanine…

By Tycoon Herald
Entertainment

Olympic Swimmer Luana Alonso Posts Bikini Pic After Inappropriate Accusations

Luana Alonso's placing claims of inappropriate conduct on the Paris Olympics in her rearview ... 'trigger…

By Tycoon Herald
Trending

U.S. Blew Up a C.I.A. Post Used to Evacuate At-Risk Afghans

A controlled detonation by American forces that was heard throughout Kabul has destroyed Eagle Base, the…

By Tycoon Herald
Leadership

Northern Lights: 17 Best Places To See Them In 2021

Who doesn’t dream of seeing the northern lights? According to a new survey conducted by Hilton, 59% of Americans…

By Tycoon Herald
Real Estate

Exploring Bigfork, Montana: A Little Town On A Big Pond

Bigfork, Montana, offers picturesque paradise in the northern wilderness. National Parks Realty With the melting of…

By Tycoon Herald
Leadership

Leaders Need To Know Character Could Be Vital For Corporate Culture

Disney's unique culture encourages young employees to turn up for work with smiles on their faces.…

By Tycoon Herald
The Tycoon Herald

Tycoon Herald: Your instant connection to breaking stories and live updates. Stay informed with our real-time coverage across politics, tech, entertainment, and more. Your reliable source for 24/7 news.

Company

  • About Us
  • Newsroom Policies & Standards
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Careers
  • Media & Community Relations
  • WP Creative Group
  • Accessibility Statement

Contact Us

  • Contact Us
  • Contact Customer Care
  • Advertise
  • Licensing & Syndication
  • Request a Correction
  • Contact the Newsroom
  • Send a News Tip
  • Report a Vulnerability

Terms of Use

  • Digital Products Terms of Sale
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Settings
  • Submissions & Discussion Policy
  • RSS Terms of Service
  • Ad Choices
© Tycoon Herald. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?