NPR: NPR Ombudsman

June 30, 2008

NO 'SPOILER ALERT' FOR SPORTS

“That's because NPR considers sports as news and treats it as such, by reporting it as it happens.”

When an NPR newscaster announced the winner of the French Open Semi-Finals on June 6, our office received a few emails from not-amused tennis enthusiasts. These fans were upset that a spoiler alert wasn't given.

Continue reading "NO 'SPOILER ALERT' FOR SPORTS" »

June 20, 2008

SEXIST LANGUAGE

A recent piece on Morning Edition told the story of a smart, powerful woman who rose to the top ranks of Lehman Brothers, only to be demoted six months later when the investment firm posted a $2.8 billion quarterly loss.

After a newsy introduction read by host Steve Inskeep, the June 13 piece began this way:

"Blonde, beautiful and outspoken, the spotlight loved Erin Callan. Fortune magazine called her one of four women to watch," said NPR business reporter Yuki Noguchi. "Callan cut a striking figure in her crochet-style dress, gold dangling earrings and high-heeled boots."

Continue reading "SEXIST LANGUAGE" »

June 12, 2008

LISTENER SOUND OFF June 12, 2008

“ If I have any objection, it is to saying what does "Hillary" want rather than "Sen. Clinton." Journalists should refer to the former presidential candidate using her honorific, and not by her first name. Doing so shows a lack of respect. -- Alicia C. Shepard”

LISTENER SOUND OFF: Occasionally the office will publish a "Sound Off," where the Ombudsman responds to listener inquiries. These letters often address important issues which many NPR listeners might be interested in. Included in this feature are the reactions and input from NPR staff involved in producing news.

Today's "Sound Off" features listener comments regarding NPR's coverage of Dennis Kucinich's proposal to impeach President Bush, correspondent location sign-offs and Senator Clinton's speech on June 3 .

Continue reading "LISTENER SOUND OFF June 12, 2008" »

June 5, 2008

DOES THE WORLD NEED MORE NEWS OMBUDSMEN?

“"The public likes to know there's somebody there listening to their criticisms," said PBS Ombudsman Michael Getler. "An Ombudsman makes news organizations live up to their own standards. An editor is too close."”

STOCKHOLM -- The "Readers' Editor" for The Observer of London was sightseeing here last week when his cell phone rang. It was a Kenyan journalist asking how his newspaper company might create the role of a news Ombudsman.

In the last decade, Kenya has enjoyed a surge in press freedom, a trend that's paralleled the opening up of Kenya's political system. One of the best testaments is the phone call from the editorial director for the Nation Media Group, who wanted an Ombudsman for his papers in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and two other countries in East Africa.

Continue reading "DOES THE WORLD NEED MORE NEWS OMBUDSMEN?" »

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
May we contact you with information about NPR programming and services? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

Questions & Comments:

Listeners can call the Office of the NPR Ombudsman at 202-513-3245. Send us your thoughts »

Subscribe to the NPR Ombudsman via E-mail

NPR Ombudsman

Other Resources:

Search 'NPR Ombudsman'

Browse Topics

Services

Programs

Text-only