By Kevin McCauley
NPR CEO Vivian Schiller resigned today in the aftermath of the "sting" operation orchestrated by conservative political operative James O'Keefe, who secretly videotaped the network's chief fund-raiser making disparaging remarks about the Tea Party and Republicans.
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O'Keefe, who pretended to be a rep from the Muslim Education Action Center, also told fund-raiser Ron Schiller (no relation to Vivian) that the group was considering making a $5M donation to NPR to counter "Zionist coverage" of other news outlets.
Ron Schiller is also quoted as saying NPR, which is fighting off Republican efforts to cut its taxpayer funding, would be better off without federal dollars. The senior VP-development officially resigned yesterday, though he announced plans last week to depart to the Aspen Institute.
Last night, NPR released a statement in Vivian Schiller's name that called the money-raiser's remarks "contrary to what NPR stands for and are deeply distressing to reporters, editors and others who bring fairness, civility and respect for a wide variety of viewpoints to their work every day."
In today's announcement, NPR chairman Dave Edwards accepted Vivian Schiller's resignation with "understanding, genuine regret and great respect for her leadership" during the past two years.
Joyce Slocum, senior VP-legal affairs and general counsel, moves to the interim CEO slot and the board has established an executive transition team to hunt for new leadership.
Related:
Weiss Falls, Schiller Slapped at NPR (1/6/2011)
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