NPR accused Katherine Maher of violating policies before assuming her role as the organization’s president and CEO, while seemingly turning a blind eye to the brazen act. reprimanded Uli Berliner.
Berliner, the veteran editor who wrote a bombshell essay about NPR’s liberal bias, was suspended for five days without pay for failing to ask NPR’s permission to appear on another news platform before going to the Free Press. . Mr. Berliner resigned from the organization, writing in part, “I cannot work in a newsroom where the new CEO despises the divisive opinions that support the very issues at NPR that I cited in my free press essay.” There is.
He was referring to articles written over the years by Mr. Maher, who took over NPR in March 2024, including his explicit support for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden and his attacks on the former president. There were a number of social media posts that showed ideology and pro-Democratic activities. Mr. Trump.
Her social media activity took place long before she joined NPR, but nevertheless clearly violates NPR staff expectations set out in the ethics handbook, according to a Fox News Digital policy review. It seems so.
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NPR CEO Katherine Maher’s political activity on social media appears to run contrary to employee expectations set out in NPR’s ethics handbook. (Getty Images)
“We take seriously our democratic role as watchdogs and are committed to honesty, integrity, independence, accuracy and truth in context to the people we serve and those we cover. , we hold those in power accountable while upholding our core principles of transparency, respect and fairness,” NPR’s handbook says. Beginning of the Guiding Principles section.
below it “Online Honesty” SectionNPR says, “Even if it’s a purely recreational or cultural site, and even if what we do is personal and cannot be attributed to anyone at NPR, we We understand that what we say and do may still reflect on NPR, so we won’t do anything about it.” It could undermine public trust, undermine NPR’s standing as an unbiased news source, or otherwise jeopardize NPR’s reputation. In other words, we don’t act any differently than we do in public spaces or on NPR’s airwaves. ”
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clause therein “Conflicts of Interest” Section “Generally, we do not do outside work for governments, agencies that are primarily funded by governments, or private entities that are regularly the subject of NPR.” Of note: , Maher participated in a voting campaign in Arizona on Biden’s behalf in 2020 and shared a photo of himself wearing a “Biden for President” hat.
NPR President Katherine Maher has been a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden in the last election. (Screenshot/Carnegie Endowment)
The handbook is even clearer. “Fairness” section.
“We are not advocates. We cannot run for office, endorse candidates, or engage in politics in a participatory or active manner,” the handbook says. . “Because donations to candidates are part of the public record (and not an expression of private choice at the polling place), members of the media cannot donate to political campaigns or referendums. Because it calls into question NPR’s journalism’s independence and impartiality.
As reported by Center Square last week, Maher History of donations to the Democratic Party So is Stacey Abrams’ PAC.
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This section also delves into social media activity, stating, “NPR encourages active participation in civic life and the expression of our values. However, we encourage active participation in civic life and the expression of our values. “A decision to participate in such a decision may conflict with NPR’s core values.” Any action that calls into question the credibility, impartiality, or independence of NPR’s reporting or respect for the people we cover and serve, and the purpose of these guidelines is for NPR staff to be as authentic as possible in society. It means recognizing the freedom to show who you are. This guidance also supports NPR’s journalistic values and aims to encourage staff, supervisors, and newsroom managers to work together to find that balance. ”
“NPR journalists may participate in civic and cultural events that do not pose a conflict of interest,” the handbook continues. “However, it is always wise to anticipate in advance what political or partisan issues or causes may emerge during a civic or cultural event to avoid ethical issues. And we will inform our superiors about any such civic and cultural organizations in which we are actively involved.” So that we can avoid potential conflicts of interest. ”
Veteran NPR editor Uli Berliner was suspended without pay for violating NPR’s policy of appearing on other news platforms without permission before resigning. (JP Im/Wire Image)
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under Responsibilities sectionthe Ethics Handbook tells NPR staffers, “Don’t be careless. Keep your opinions to yourself. Imagine what you say or write in the Associated Press or the Washington Post.” “And imagine the damage that could be caused to you and NPR.”
“Don’t advocate political issues online. This also applies to your Facebook page or personal blog. Personal views on political issues that cannot be written for broadcast or posted on NPR.org. ,” NPR says in the article. Social media section.
In a previous statement to NPR’s in-house media correspondent David Folkenflik, Marr defended his post, saying, “Everyone in America has the right to free speech as a private citizen.”
Fox News Digital asked NPR whether it reviewed Maher’s social media activity and political contributions before offering her the job, and whether such posts violated NPR policy if she had made them as an employee. I asked him if he would. NPR did not respond to a request for comment.
