National Public Radio has suspended a senior editor on its business desk for writing an outside essay that criticized the company's journalism for reflecting a liberal viewpoint with little tolerance for contrary opinions. The editor was suspended for five days without pay for violating the company's policy that requires approval for work done for outside news organizations.
In the essay, the editor expressed his view that NPR has shifted in recent years to present a worldview that aligns with a small segment of the U.S. population, deviating from its previously open-minded and curious culture. He specifically mentioned NPR's coverage of former President Donald Trump, Hunter Biden, and the COVID-19 pandemic as points of contention.
Following the publication of the essay, NPR's top editor stated her strong disagreement with the editor's conclusions and expressed pride in NPR's work. A colleague of the editor, a co-host of 'Morning Edition,' criticized the essay for containing errors and assumptions, suggesting that journalists should seek wider perspectives and avoid writing stories that confirm their prior opinions.
The editor, who has been with NPR for 25 years, stated that he was not appealing the suspension. The essay gained attention from conservative activists who have also criticized NPR for its perceived liberal bias.
NPR has refrained from commenting on individual personnel matters, maintaining that the company stands behind its journalistic integrity and commitment to providing diverse perspectives in its reporting.
