Is this decision a reflection of a dumbing down of NPR – what we see in the commercial broadcasting world?
No. We are working hard to move in the opposite direction: expanding our reporting staff and adding thought-provoking new shows. In the coming year, with the proceeds from the historic bequest from the late Joan Kroc, we will expand our reporting staff, enhance our ability to do investigative reporting and increase our capacity to tell the stories no one else can. Last month we hired Bill Marimow, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and one of the most distinguished journalists in America, as a new managing editor for NPR News. We have also committed to adding three new producers and editors to Morning Edition to ensure that the quality of the show will only grow. These hires are emblematic of our specific goal to enhance quality, diversity and excellence at NPR News.
