Exploring the values of NPR and the news media in a changing society. Go beyond the reporting to look at journalism at large.
Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers came from across the country to help with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in New York and New Jersey. But the agency was also criticized for being slow in the first days. How do you report on selflessness, something which helps hold our nation together?
Steve Inskeep is a veteran reporter of wars and disasters with an appreciation for dark humor and the absurd. But how far can you go when you are the host of one of the largest general news shows in the country? Some listeners complained about his comments during coverage of Hurricane Sandy.
Audience surveys find that many of you dislike interviews with ordinary voters (especially if it's with someone you disagree with). I agree that the practice, born out of American populism, is overdone on NPR and in the mainstream media. This is sure to get me in trouble with the American journalism fraternity, but no one else in the world does what we do.
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An audience poll to select the 100 best young adult books coughed up 75,000 voters and just two books with non-white protagonists. Even a winning writer complained. Kill the judges? No, the enemy is us. Book editors ask for a solution.
by Lyndsey McKenna
Every two years, NPR aims for the gold medal standard in its coverage of the Olympic Games, which means up-to-the-minute coverage. Due to the time difference, events take place before they are aired in primetime. Listeners often react with anger and call for a spoiler alert to be issued. Here, the Office of the Ombudsman offers NPR's coverage policies.
When religion correspondent Barbara Bradley Hagerty reported that rape accusations against a priest were "not that unusual," she rightly confessed to writing "inartfully." But a complaining Catholic organization could have been more humble in its attack, given the facts of abuses by priests.
Has the term 'Christian' been co-opted by conservatives or abandoned by liberals? These are among the several hundred, almost uniformly thoughtful reactions to last week's column about whether Christian has become synonymous with conservative. Here are some of the best responses.
Fresh Air repeated a popular 1970s riff on "How to be a Jewish Son," featuring Mel Brooks and David Steinberg on the old David Susskind show. Some shocked listeners said the clip insulted blacks and Jews. Comedy can make us laugh, squirm—and think. Where do you draw the line?
Edward Schumacher-Matos and Lori Grisham
Last week NPR's Andy Carvin explained his editorial decision to share a graphic video of injured Syrian children on his Twitter account. The majority of our readers agreed with him. But Sky News editor Neal Mann explains how he arrived at an opposite conclusion on a segment of On The Media.
Edward Schumacher-Matos and Lori Grisham
It's only January, but according to a recent survey many Americans think the 2012 presidential campaign is getting too much coverage. Judging by our inbox, many of you think so. We even got a break-up letter from a listener.
As Rick Santorum's campaign has surged, so has Dan Savage's re-definition of his name on Google. NPR reported on the issue, but one listener thought the piece was inappropriate, and contributed to Savage's agenda. I sympathize, but don't agree.
A New York Times story by a dance critic on the latest pas-de-deux by football players after touchdowns may vindicate NPR commentator Frank Deford. Black and white behemoths appear equally dainty in the Times. The discussion continues on race relations and journalism.
A Morning Edition report about high obesity rates among African-American girls prompted a tough question—why did NPR point the finger at one group when obesity transcends race and gender lines? The piece is, in fact, accurate and well-crafted race-related reporting.
A legendary sports commentator missed contexts on violent hazing by historically black marching bands and on end zone preening by mostly black professional football players. But criticizing another racial culture is OK. It all depends on how, and where you think we are as a nation in racial relations.
Carmakers have agreed to reach an average fuel efficiency of 55 mpg in 14 years. An NPR series says the challenge will be difficult to meet without changing how Americans drive. Not so, says an expert. How the effort's framed will affect public attitudes. What should NPR's future framing be?
