Rose Friedman, NPR arts editor and ‘Books We Love’ co-creator, dies at 38

Rose Friedman, a prominent NPR editor and reporter who significantly influenced the network’s arts and cultural coverage, has died at the age of 38. She passed away from cancer at her home in New York City on September 17.

Friedman joined NPR in 2010 as an editorial assistant and rose through the ranks to become a key figure in the publishing industry. She was a co-creator of the popular reading guide ‘Books We Love’ (formerly ‘Book Concierge’) and recently contributed to the NPR ‘America 250’ series.

Beyond her journalistic work, Friedman was a dedicated labor advocate. Serving as a shop steward for SAG-AFTRA, she identified her proudest achievement as successfully advocating for increased paid parental leave at NPR. She is survived by her partner, two children, her parents, and two sisters.