Philana Patterson named as Religion News Service’s chief content officer

Religion News Service (RNS) announced that Philana Patterson has joined the news organization as chief content officer, effective Sept. 14.

In the newly created position, Patterson will oversee editorial production across all formats, including the website, social media, video, podcasts, newsletters and live events.

A journalist and newsroom leader with more than two decades of experience, Patterson previously was the head of news audio at The Wall Street Journal, where she oversaw strategy, production and editorial direction of the podcast division. She also has held leadership roles at USA TODAY, The Associated Press and Black Enterprise.

“Philana has spent more than 20 years editing and producing journalism that shapes conversations, and she brings the range and the standards this kind of reporting demands. At RNS she’ll lead our journalism across every format, at a moment when religion is central to the country’s biggest stories. She’s the leader RNS needs for this next phase, and I’m thrilled she’s joining us,” said Deborah Caldwell, CEO and publisher of RNS.

Patterson said, “RNS offers a rare opportunity to think entrepreneurially about how we reach audiences while working with journalists who are deeply respected in their fields. I’m excited about what we can build together and the ways we can bring this essential journalism to people.”

Patterson has edited and produced award-winning journalism including “Camp Swamp Road,” a 2026 Pulitzer finalist in Audio Reporting and winner of the Scripps Howard Award, and “The Missing Minister,” winner of New York Press Club and Overseas Press Club honors. In 2025, she was named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s 44 Most Powerful People in Podcasting. Earlier in her career, she directed a multimedia project across 260+ Gannett properties commemorating the passage of the 19th Amendment and led a ground-breaking initiative at The Associated Press using natural language generation technology to automate news content that is still in use today.

Patterson holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

About RNS:

Religion News Service is the leading nonprofit newsroom reporting on religion, spirituality, culture and politics in the U.S. and the world. Founded in 1934, RNS serves more than one million people each month through its website, newsletter, podcasts, video, social content and partnerships with more than 30 other news organizations; it reaches millions more through partnerships with The Associated Press and NPR.