Watson Walter Ray

Senior Producer at NPR

Watson Walter Ray is a distinguished journalist and Senior Producer at NPR, primarily recognized for his work on The Race Card Project. He has been with NPR since 1987, starting as a production assistant and advancing through various roles, including Supervising Senior Producer for All Things Considered and Weekend Edition Sunday.

Education and Fellowships

Walter Ray Watson holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. He furthered his education as a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University from 2007 to 2008, a prestigious program designed for journalists to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Contributions to NPR

As a Senior Producer for The Race Card Project, Watson played a crucial role in producing segments that explore complex themes of race and identity through personal narratives condensed into six-word essays. This innovative approach has fostered significant public dialogue about race in America. His work on this project earned him a George Foster Peabody Award in 2014, recognizing its excellence in storytelling and its impact on discussions around race.2 4

Throughout his career, Watson has produced numerous impactful stories, including coverage of significant historical events such as Hurricane Katrina and the impeachment of President Clinton. He has also contributed to various NPR projects, including the Code Switch podcast, which addresses issues of race and identity.1 2 3

Personal Life

In addition to his professional achievements, Watson is known for his personal interests, including mountain biking and playing the piano. He is also recognized for his commitment to fostering conversations about race and identity through his work at NPR.2 4

Experience

Senior Producer at NPR (September 2008 - Present)

Senior Producer, The Race Card Project at NPR (February 2013 - December 2015); Supervising Senior Producer at NPR (November 1998 - August 2008); Senior Producer at NPR (February 1998 - November 1998)