NPR: NPR Ombudsman

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" »

February 27, 2008

SHOULD NPR HAVE APOLOGIZED FOR "DARK CONTINENT?"

Nine times out of 10, it is the adjectives that get journalists in trouble.

Most recently, an adjective got veteran NPR newscaster Jean Cochran into difficulty when she said on Valentine's Day that President Bush was heading to Africa to visit the "dark continent."

Almost immediately, a flurry of angry emails and phone calls came into NPR.

Continue reading "SHOULD NPR HAVE APOLOGIZED FOR "DARK CONTINENT?"" »

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