Paige Cowett

Paige Cowett is an American audio journalist and producer known for her work on major narrative podcasts and daily news programs. She has held significant production roles at The New York Times and NPR, contributing to acclaimed series such as The Daily and Embedded. Cowett's work focuses on in-depth storytelling and investigative reporting, often exploring complex social and political issues.

Early life and education

Paige Cowett grew up in the United States, developing an early interest in storytelling and media. She pursued her higher education at the University of Michigan, a major public research university. During her time there, she was involved with student media, which helped cultivate her skills in journalism and production. Her academic background provided a foundation for her future career in audio journalism.

Career

Cowett began her professional career at NPR, one of the nation's premier non-profit media organizations. She initially worked as an intern before securing a production assistant role on the network's flagship news programs. Her work at NPR included contributions to shows like Morning Edition and All Things Considered, where she honed her skills in audio editing and news production. She later joined the team for NPR's investigative podcast Embedded, produced in collaboration with Kelly McEvers, which delves deeply into single news stories.

In 2017, Cowett moved to The New York Times to join the rapidly expanding audio division. She became a producer for the newspaper's landmark news podcast, The Daily, hosted by Michael Barbaro. In this role, she was instrumental in shaping the program's narrative structure and sound design, working on episodes that covered major events like the Trump administration, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020 United States presidential election. Her production work has been recognized for its clarity and emotional resonance, helping to define the podcast's distinctive style. Cowett has also produced for other Times audio projects and series, contributing to the organization's broader strategy in audio journalism.

Personal life

Paige Cowett maintains a private personal life, with limited public details available about her family or relationships. She resides in New York City, the base of operations for much of her professional work at The New York Times. In interviews, she has expressed a strong commitment to the craft of audio storytelling and the ethical responsibilities of journalism.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Cowett's work has contributed to programs that have received major industry awards. Episodes of The Daily she produced have been part of the podcast's recognition, including a Peabody Award in 2020 for its coverage of the impeachment of Donald Trump. Her earlier work on NPR's Embedded also contributed to that show's critical acclaim within the audio industry. While individual awards are often bestowed on programs or hosts, her role as a producer has been integral to these successes.

Works and publications

Cowett's primary body of work consists of produced episodes for major audio programs. Key works include numerous installments of The Daily, covering topics from the January 6 United States Capitol attack to Supreme Court rulings like Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Her production credits on Embedded include seasons examining the War in Afghanistan and the United States criminal justice system. These works are published and distributed by The New York Times and NPR, respectively, reaching a global audience through platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.