Laura Knoy

Laura Knoy is one of New Hampshire’s most well-known and respected journalists. She began her career in public media as a reporter and announcer at the National Public Radio affiliate WAMU, in Washington, D.C. She soon went on to become a newscaster and freelance reporter at NPR. Her long-held desire to host her own talk show, along with a love of the outdoors, drew her back to her home state of New Hampshire in the mid-1990’s. She became the founding host of New Hampshire Public Radio’s “The Exchange.” For 25 years, “The Exchange” won numerous awards, recognized repeatedly at the state and national level for its intelligence, curiosity, and civility.  

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In mid-2021, Laura decided to step down from the host’s chair to pursue writing historical fiction. As she finishes her first novel, she remains a highly sought-after keynote speaker and moderator. She is also Director of Community Engagement at UNH-Franklin Peirce School of Law, and hosts the school’s podcast, The Legal Impact. In addition, Laura hosts her own book-related podcast, called ReadLocalNH. 

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Laura graduated Phi Beta Kappa from George Washington University with a degree in International Affairs. She studied in Strasbourg, France in 1983, and remains closely connected to the city and friends there. She has spoken French her entire adult life, guided by a philosophy that making mistakes is how you learn! Laura began co-directing the FACNH’s Concord Pret-a-Parler in January of 2023, a group that continues to grow in popularity.  She became a FACNH incorporator in the summer of 2023.

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She lives in Concord with her husband, 2 sons and 1 cat.  She is an unenthusiastic gardener and cook, who would much rather be reading, practicing her French, biking, swimming, walking in the woods, or hanging out with friends over a glass of wine.