NPR Public Editor The Public Editor is the public's representative to NPR, serving as an independent source regarding NPR's programming.

NPR Public Editor

WITH POYNTER'S KELLY MCBRIDE

Wednesday July 28, 2010

NPR Public Editor

Updated: NPR's Two-Ways: A Practice That Should Be Reconsidered

by Alicia C. Shepard

July 28, 2010 • NPR has an unusual practice of interviewing reporters from other news organizations on air when they can't do the story themselves. Most of the time it works well, but here's one that didn't.

Friday July 23, 2010

NPR Public Editor

Dan Schorr: One Of A Kind

by Alicia C. Shepard

July 23, 2010 • Lucky for me I had two great encounters with Dan Schorr, who died Friday. In one, he discovered a flaw in Bob Woodward's memory. In the other, well, read on.

Monday July 19, 2010

NPR Public Editor

Is Mel Gibson Newsworthy of NPR?

by Alicia C. Shepard

July 19, 2010 • Some listeners think NPR should spend its time on serious news and leave Mel Gibson's rants to the tabloids. Does he deserve 5 minutes on All Things Considered?

Friday July 9, 2010

NPR Public Editor

Ultra-conservative Vs. Ultra-liberal, And More On Bleeping

by Alicia C. Shepard

July 9, 2010 • A listener wondered why NPR correspondent Howard Berkes used the word 'ultra-conservative' to describe two Republicans running for the Senate.

Friday July 2, 2010

NPR Public Editor

Taking The Lord's Name In Vain

by Alicia C. Shepard

July 2, 2010 • Legally, there are words that NPR can't air. But it can take the Lord's name in vain and suffer no consequences — save for the ire of some listeners who find that more offensive than some swear words. NPR should ban using "god****" on the air.

Thursday June 24, 2010

NPR Public Editor

Did NPR Endanger An Afghan Farmer's Life?

by Alicia C. Shepard

June 24, 2010 • Sometimes journalists put sources in their stories in danger by sharing their names. A listener thought NPR did this in a recent story about American Green Berets trying to get Afghans to work against the Taliban, which is not above retaliation.

Friday June 18, 2010

NPR Public Editor

Listeners Hear Same Israeli-Palestinian Coverage Differently

by Alicia C. Shepard

June 18, 2010 • Some NPR listeners heard the same stories about Israel's raid on a humanitarian vessel headed for Gaza — but they drew very different conclusions. Israelis say they acted in self-defense; Palestinians say the Israelis attacked.

Wednesday June 9, 2010

Opinion

NPR Public Editor

Don't Take Away Helen Thomas' Front Row Nameplate

by Alicia C. Shepard

June 9, 2010 • Legendary reporter Helen Thomas made a mistake but it's not one that should define her career — nor should the White House strip her nameplate from the front-row seat she just gave up.

Tuesday June 8, 2010

NPR Public Editor

Latest NPR Evaluation of Middle East Coverage

June 8, 2010 • Latest NPR Evaluation of Middle East Coverage looks into how NPR reported on the Arab-Israeli conflict in the first quarter of 2010.

Wednesday June 2, 2010

NPR Public Editor

CIA Gets Numbers Wrong on Jewish Settlers

by Alicia C. Shepard

June 2, 2010 • NPR and other news organizations rely on the CIA World Factbook regularly. But they shouldn't for numbers on Jewish settlers living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. They are outdated.

Monday May 24, 2010

NPR Public Editor

When Is It Plagiarism?

by Alicia C. Shepard

May 24, 2010 • NPR ran a story about the cliche of cell phones and horror flicks. It was similiar to a popular YouTube video, and some accused NPR of plagiarism.

Tuesday May 18, 2010

NPR Public Editor

Is It An Oil Spill In The Gulf?

by Alicia C. Shepard

May 18, 2010 • Some say the BP accident should be called an underground explosion - not an oil spill. What's the difference between concrete and cement?

Friday April 30, 2010

NPR Public Editor

NPR and the iPad: Too Close for Comfort?

by Alicia C. Shepard

April 30, 2010 • NPR quickly developed a news app for the iPad and are heavily promoting it. Some wonder about the relationship between NPR and Apple and whether Apple is a sponsor. It's not.

Monday April 26, 2010

NPR Public Editor

Reviewing And Selling Books And CDs: Conflict-of-Interest?

by Alicia C. Shepard

April 26, 2010 • NPR provides links for its audience to buy books or CDs featured on-air or online and gets a portion of the revenues. This troubles some listeners.

Thursday April 22, 2010

NPR Public Editor

Why NPR Wanted To Overturn The Law Banning Animal Cruelty Images

by Alicia C. Shepard

April 22, 2010 • Some listeners were outraged that NPR would join a suit to strike down a federal law banning images of animal cruelty. Here's why.