NPR Internal Memo on Juan Williams

Greta Van Susteren has NPR's internal memo on the firing of Juan Williams:

To: AREPS

Subject: [areps] Juan Williams

Dear AREPS,

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

Here's what won't get you fired by NPR. This doesn't violate its ethics code.

Nina Totenberg of NPR calls for God to give Jesse Helms and his grandchildren AIDS.

NINA TOTENBERG: I think [Jesse Helms] ought to be worried about the, about what's going on in the good Lord's mind because if there's retributive justice, he'll get AIDS from a transfusion, or one of his grandchildren will get it.

What a vile thing to say!

But no problem!

It's outrageous that our tax dollars are used to fund this stuff.

Get NPR out of the public trough.