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David Folkenflik Folkenflik is NPR's media correspondent and is the host and editor of On Point from NPR and WBUR.
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David Folkenflik

Proposed Budget Cuts for Public Broadcasting

CPB Seen Tightening Grip on Public Broadcasting

Congress created the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to encourage programming alternatives to commercial media. In April, the CPB board chair ousted its president and CEO and appointed two ombudsmen, leading some to ask whether government officials intend to exert tighter control over the news on public television and radio.

CPB Seen Tightening Grip on Public Broadcasting

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Department of Education Probe Finds No Ethical Lapses in Columnist Contract

A Department of Education investigation has found department officials used poor judgment in hiring conservative commentator Armstrong Williams to promote the No Child Left Behind law. But it found no evidence of legal or ethical violations.

Department of Education Probe Finds No Ethical Lapses in Columnist Contract

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Watchful Eyes on Kansas Media Innovations

In Lawrence, Kan., the owner of the Journal-World newspaper applies ambitious news-gathering approaches to very local issues. The media company's efforts have sparked innovation, controversy — and no small amount of envy within the industry.

Watchful Eyes on Kansas Media Innovations

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Peter Jennings Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

ABC News anchor Peter Jennings is diagnosed with lung cancer. He told colleagues in an e-mail that he starts chemotherapy next week but says he will try to continue delivering the news as he undergoes treatment. In late December, Jennings was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. He did not feel well enough to travel to Rome to cover Pope John Paul II's death.

Peter Jennings Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

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Koppel Resigns from ABC over 'Nightline' Battle

Nightline anchor Ted Koppel and his longtime producer, Tom Bettag, announce their resignations from ABC News. ABC officials fought to keep Koppel, but he has resisted plans to recast the show to attract a younger and larger audience.

Koppel Resigns from ABC over 'Nightline' Battle

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Video News Releases Find News Airtime

As resources have shrunk and profit pressures increased for TV newsrooms, some have chosen to take questionable shortcuts. Among them, the unattributed use of VNRs -- video news releases. VNRs provided by federal agencies have drawn recent attention, but they're also being produced by large corporations trying to shape the news.

Video News Releases Find News Airtime

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The White House's Use of Video Releases

Agencies under the Bush administration have long provided broadcasters with video news releases -- produced tapes that often pose as reported news stories. Some broadcasters have used them without attribution, inviting charges of government propaganda. The use of VNR's is not new, but critics say it is more extensive under the Bush administration.

The White House's Use of Video Releases

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FCC Nominee Favors Strong Anti-Indecency Fines

President Bush nominates Kevin Martin to replace outgoing Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell. Cultural conservatives and fans of media deregulation praise the choice. As acting commissioner, Martin spoke in favor of more aggressive anti-indecency fines and extending restrictions to cable and satellite broadcasting.

FCC Nominee Favors Strong Anti-Indecency Fines

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Rather Anchors Final 'Evening News'

Wednesday night, Dan Rather appeared in his last broadcast as anchor at CBS's Evening News. Rather covered almost every major news story of the last four decades, but a botched report on President Bush's military service record cast a shadow on the last months of his tenure.

Rather Anchors Final 'Evening News'

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Dan Rather's Last Week as CBS News Anchor

Dan Rather begins his final week as anchor of the CBS Evening News Monday evening. Rather's four decades in journalism have occasionally been marked by controversy, and a now-discredited story on President Bush's military record sped Rather's departure from the anchor chair.

Dan Rather's Last Week as CBS News Anchor

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CBS News Executives Fight Conclusion on Errant Report

Three CBS news executives are refusing to resign after being implicated in a botched story on President Bush's military service record. The three were asked to leave after an investigation concluded in January.

CBS News Executives Fight Conclusion on Errant Report

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