Now We Know NPR's Standards: Don't Violate Principals!

Viddy NPR Prez Vivian Schiller's explainer for the Juan Williams firing. Excerpt:

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." […]

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.

Thanks for simplifying the Google search, NPR!