**NPR internal memo on Juan Williams firing after the jump
According to NPR President and CEO, Vivian Schiller, they didn’t just take a shot at Juan Williams as a proxy for Fox News for Soros’ million. During pledge drive week, they want progressives to know, we’re looking out for you by using taxpayer funding to fight the battles you want us to.
As Schiller alleges “many” previous non-public issues with Williams, maybe generous contributors can get an inside peek at what looks to be turning into a full-fledged character assassination of Williams by NPR, all because their prospective donors really, really don’t like Fox News.
Second, this isn’t the first time we have had serious concerns about some of Juan’s public comments. Despite many conversations and warnings over the years, Juan has continued to violate this principal.
Third, these specific comments (and others made in the past), are inconsistent with NPR’s ethics code, which applies to all journalists (including contracted analysts):
Why is a self-professed news organization, NPR, engaging in tactics like this, not simply reporting what they claim to have against Juan Williams for his “many” alleged ehtics violations?
Is it because the pledge drive lasts all week and they want Leftists coming back and ponying up even more as they engage in what amounts to an informational lynching of a now dismissed colleague of ten years? Just how far, or perhaps, how low, is Soros’s new flack, NPR, willing to go to try and damage Williams, while lining its pockets with progressive cash in the process?
Have you no shame, NPR? At long last, have you no shame? Or, has George offered up another million if you humiliate, if not destroy, an accomplished and credible black journalist like Juan Williams, simply for having the audacity to appear on Fox News?
Thank you for all of your varying feedback on the Juan Williams situation. Let me offer some further clarification about why we terminated his contract early.
First, a critical distinction has been lost in this debate. NPR News analysts have a distinctive role and set of responsibilities. This is a very different role than that of a commentator or columnist. News analysts may not take personal public positions on controversial issues; doing so undermines their credibility as analysts, and that’s what’s happened in this situation. As you all well know, we offer views of all kinds on your air every day, but those views are expressed by those we interview – not our reporters and analysts.
Second, this isn’t the first time we have had serious concerns about some of Juan’s public comments. Despite many conversations and warnings over the years, Juan has continued to violate this principal.
Third, these specific comments (and others made in the past), are inconsistent with NPR’s ethics code, which applies to all journalists (including contracted analysts):
“In appearing on TV or other media . . . NPR journalists should not express views they would not air in their role as an NPR journalist. They should not participate in shows . . . that encourage punditry and speculation rather than fact-based analysis.”
More fundamentally, “In appearing on TV or other media including electronic Web-based forums, NPR journalists should not express views they would not air in their role as an NPR journalist.”
Unfortunately, Juan’s comments on Fox violated our standards as well as our values and offended many in doing so.
We’re profoundly sorry that this happened during fundraising week. Juan’s comments were made Monday night and we did not feel it would be responsible to delay this action.
This was a tough decision and we appreciate your support.
Thanks,
Vivian
Vivian Schiller
President & CEO, NPR
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