If NPR is trying demonstrate in the wake of the video scandal that it embraces a diversity of viewpoints and is not the left-wing outlet it has been portrayed to be, its first move after the resignation of president and CEO Vivian Schiller isn’t a particularly good start.
After Schiller announced her resignation on Wednesday, the NPR Board of Directors promptly named Joyce Slocum as NPR’s interim CEO. According to a statement from NPR, Slocum’s appointment was part of a CEO succession plan adopted by the Board in 2009. Slocum, however, appears to be just another Democrat. (h/t Liberty Pundits)
According to data from the Center for Responsive Politics website OpenSecrets.org, Slocum has donated $3,480 dating back to 1999 – all to Democratic candidates:
During an online chat with The Washington Post on Wednesday, outgoing NPR ombudsman Alicia Shepard explained the recent video scandal involving former NPR Vice President Ron Schiller is a lesson learned. She also admitted that the perception of NPR as a left-wing outlet does threaten the organization’s credibility.
“I think NPR is sending the message that we all need to learn: We live in public. The microphone is always on. Someone who works in NPR news or is part of the management team represents NPR and has to always be thinking about NPR’s credibility.”