Comments on: Bob Edwards

Bob Edwards

Durwood — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 14:59:49 -0800

Bob Edwards gets the boot! The host of National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" since its inception in 1979 has been forced out of that job. What's next to go? Susan Stamberg's cranberry relish?

By: xmutex

xmutex — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:09:53 -0800

Isn't Bob Edwards... like.. isn't he NPR? Isn't this like McDonald's telling Ronald to take a hike? That being said, they ought to fire goddamned Joanne Silberner. Oh should they ever.

By: spotmeter

spotmeter — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:11:44 -0800

Here's the announcement from the NPR web site. Looks like NPR has been spending too much time with in spin city. They almost make it sound like he was grateful to get the axe.

By: crazy finger

crazy finger — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:23:57 -0800

Is it time for NPR members to start a letter writing campaign to get the full story?

By: scody

scody — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:32:38 -0800

Bastards! I remember the morning they announced George Harrison died, and in the midst of crying I actually had the passing thought that it was at least better to hear the news from Bob Edwards than anyone else.

By: thedailygrowl

thedailygrowl — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:33:43 -0800

That voice will be missed, I think NPR is making a mistake he was a fixture.

By: Busithoth

Busithoth — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:37:11 -0800

Dumbasses. New Coke was a better innovation. Plus, don't they realize that they've opened themselves up for a BIG loss in listeners? People admit switching between Howard Stern and Morning Edition, but now, Bob could just establish a whopping megashow that'll knock NPR out of the contest altogether... ah well.

By: dolface

dolface — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:41:18 -0800

jeez, that sucks, and it's a really bad move on npr's part. sadly, i bet it's all the local stations that are going to bear the brunt of people's disapontment in the form of smaller donations.

By: Stoatfarm

Stoatfarm — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 15:47:39 -0800

People admit switching between Howard Stern and Morning Edition

Or maybe Stern will turn out to be their choice for a replacement for Bob Edwards?

By: alumshubby

alumshubby — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 16:20:11 -0800

xmutex, why the invective against Siberner? OTOH, I have to admit the main reason I like her so much is that I find her voice attractive.

By: rushmc

rushmc — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 16:22:23 -0800

[this is bad]

By: inksyndicate

inksyndicate — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 16:24:07 -0800

"You're listening to NPR's Morning Edition. This is Michael Savage." "And I'm Linda Wertheimer."

By: specialk420

specialk420 — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 16:29:09 -0800

oh. this makes me made... i grew up listening to edwards virtually everyday - members should have had some say in this move. npr has been going down the shitcan lately - while i was out running tonight i was forced to listen to a 20 minute segment on all things considered about some mediocre gospel group - the longest feature i have heard on all things considered for some time. grrrrrrrr. they a call from this member tomorrow.

By: waldo

waldo — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 16:35:50 -0800

They did the same damned thing to Daniel Zwerdling a few years ago. He was a correspondent for them from 1980-1994, and host of Weekend All Things Considered from 1993-1999. In 1999, he was unceremoniously booted, because they wanted to "take the show in a new direction." I don't know about you, but I haven't noticed any radical shifts in ATC in the past few years. He immediately received an offer from Minnesota Public Radio (MPR is a major competitor to NPR; you know them for Prairie Home Companion and, possibly, Marketplace) where, ironically, he ended up working on the American RadioWorks, a joint project with NPR. I don't know what's going on at NPR, but I don't particularly like it.

By: stevis

stevis — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 16:57:33 -0800

Bob Edwards is our Walter Cronkite. He has a way of adding legitimacy to a news story and gravitas to even the most silly topics. If they bring in a Katie Couric-type or someone who's meant to add "sunshine" to the program I'll... I'll... oh crap, there is no one else to listen to, is there?

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 17:13:35 -0800

This seems like a bad move to make in an election year.

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 17:14:43 -0800

And by that, I mean it's a bad idea to boot a host with a proven history of integrity in a time where people are going to be listening to NPR more than usual.

By: Danf

Danf — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 17:25:47 -0800

All I can do is add to the chorus of dismay here. . .will Scott Simon be next to get the axe? It is unfortunate that the only way to hold them accountable is to withhold contributions to local stations, and with the bequest that NPR just got from Joan Kroc, it is arguable that they will increasingly do whatever they damned well please, with no thought to the wishes of listeners and local affiliates.

By: vito90

vito90 — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 17:49:20 -0800

The Al Franken led liberal radio network fires up this coming Monday, I believe. Coincidence?

By: n9

n9 — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 17:53:26 -0800

I have a recording of Bob doing Morning Edition on 9/11 somewhere. They way he managed the show and the things he said on that day were more than just far and away better reporting than any other news outlet, it was some of the best and honest reporting ever. The man has such humanity in his voice. To hear him occasionally as a commentator will just be too sad. I love the man. I have a 10 year unbroken love affair with Public Radio and this is the worst news I've heard since... I don't know when. WTF?

By: twsf

twsf — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 17:59:42 -0800

Wow, I guess I'm the only one here, but I find Edwards practically unlistenable. His bland, uninflected mumble shouldn't be confused with gravitas, and his interviews are uninsightful and unprobing. And friends who have worked with him confirm this when noting that he can only read from staff-prepared questions. He's been around forever, but longevity and quality ain't synonymous.

By: Manjusri

Manjusri — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 18:25:29 -0800

I'm not sure if its the right place, but I sent my complaint to ombudsman@npr.org.

By: moonbird

moonbird — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 18:36:25 -0800

< backlash> No bueno. Ixnay. Total denial. Mornings will suck... I just went through the bios and I can't think of anyone else capable of delivering the same level of warm, fatherly gusto that dear Bob can. Senior correspondent means nothing; I never hear Zwerdling anymore. < /donation>

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 18:52:04 -0800

They didn't waste any time fixing his bio. Still, I think the first line says it all, "To many listeners, Bob Edwards is public radio." (Oooops, gotta fix the tense here: "As host of Morning Edition, Edwards conducts [sic] more than 800 interviews each year covering politics, international affairs, education, labor, economics, sports, the arts, and entertainment.") Please add the line: "Before we canned his ass."

By: Vidiot

Vidiot — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:07:25 -0800

I think it's a particular shame that they didn't let him at least continue until the program's 25th anniversary in November. It would have been a good time for him to gracefully bow out, and NPR owes him nothing less. I'm guessing this is their new ME's doing.

By: whatnot

whatnot — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:38:12 -0800

Edwards was our best guest speaker in j-school. Really down to earth with a dry sense of humor. The Al Franken led liberal radio network fires up this coming Monday, I believe. Coincidence? "Hello, Bob? This is Al. Have I got an offer for you ..."

By: ALongDecember

ALongDecember — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:43:06 -0800

ombudsman@npr.org is the correct place to email complaints/comments to NPR. I just sent my email.

By: Dreama

Dreama — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:44:49 -0800

Why the presumption that this didn't come from Edwards himself? Perhaps he has a personal reason for wishing to scale back his worklife or to not have to get up in the dead of night to prepare for a morning drive, news-intensive program anymore. It's a terrific grind, I couldn't blame him for deciding to bow out gracefully rather than sticking around for a big fluffy anniversary then skulking away afterwards.

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:48:02 -0800

Dreama, From the article: Edwards said he was disappointed by the move, particularly that he won't be host when the program celebrates its 25th anniversary in November. "You have to figure it's going to happen someday and you get out before they do it," he said. "But I failed." He said he was given no specific reasons for his ouster. "It's the old 'move the program in a new direction.' There was no Janet Jackson incident," he said.

By: RavinDave

RavinDave — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:50:15 -0800

I'm guessing our local affiliate is just overjoyed that this jackassery is taking place on the eve of their latest fundraiser. I wrote and informed them that I expected an unequivocal protest posted on their website and relayed to the boneheaded marketing whizes who are evidently responsible for this.

By: graventy

graventy — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:50:39 -0800

The Al Franken led liberal radio network fires up this coming Monday, I believe. Coincidence? i seriously doubt it'd happen, but it wouldn't be the first public radio person to leave for the liberal radio network. our beloved M(innesota)PR personality Katherine Lampher left to be a cohost on Franken's show. then again, she was only part time after she got drunk and did a hit and run on a parked car. oops. gossipfilter.

By: davidmsc

davidmsc — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 20:00:19 -0800

I love his voice. I often imitate him while driving to work and listening, intoning "...I'm Bob Edwards..." in that deep voice just like he does.

By: PrinceValium

PrinceValium — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 20:13:23 -0800

Here's Bob's 9/11 coverage.

By: HiddenInput

HiddenInput — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 20:26:02 -0800

The thing that I find most odd is that they chose to boot him before they had a permanent replacement lined up. One of the things I don't like about ATC is that they have so many different hosts that it almost seems ridiculous -- one of the nice things about Morning Edition has been hearing the same voice every day. Now I'm afraid Morning Edition is going to follow ATC down the revolve-a-host path.

By: jazzkat11

jazzkat11 — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 20:32:57 -0800

He has been a staple and a fixture in my daily news fix - it's so easy to take things for granted.

By: RakDaddy

RakDaddy — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 20:46:50 -0800

My mornings aren't gonna be the same without hearing "I'm Bahb Edwards..." Jebus. First the bit with Sandra Tsing Loh (while I'm not a fan, I think she got a raw deal from Ruth Seymour), and now this. Does NPR want to drive away its listenership?

By: crazy finger

crazy finger — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 20:50:24 -0800

My email to the ombudsman: As a contributing member of NHPR, I wanted to inform you that the "new direction" for a "Morning Edition" that doesn't include Bob Edwards will most likely coincide with a "new direction" in my contribution this year: down.

By: sacre_bleu

sacre_bleu — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 20:50:53 -0800

I've been listening, and paying, to NPR for years, and in my opinion it's never been worse. The crappy fake interviews the All Things Considered hosts have with correspondents are so stilted and choppy that I have to summon the will to avoid switching to drive time classic rock. Then there are the perspectiveless pieces, the one-note tunes where once there were orchestras. I'll probably keep paying. But if it slips much further, what's the point?

By: RavinDave

RavinDave — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 21:03:44 -0800

What's most troubling is that NPR's press release is textbook spin -- I go to them to avoid that. Well, I used to.

By: xmutex

xmutex — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 21:26:26 -0800

alumshubby: I find Siberner's voice slight motivation to stab myself in the throat.

By: specialk420

specialk420 — Tue, 23 Mar 2004 21:30:33 -0800

then again, she was only part time after she got drunk and did a hit and run on a parked car. do you think we can start a petition to convince edwards to move to st. paul and take over lampher's position? that would be a better trade than the one that got us sprewell .... and that was one helluva a good trade :)

By: precipice

precipice — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 01:08:59 -0800

Favorite Bob Edwards moment: after Susan Stamberg did her completely weird cranberry relish thing yet again, Bob closed the piece by saying, "And that's why we call her our special correspondent." I'm really disappointed -- Linda Werthheimer, now Bob Edwards. They have this incredible thing that works, and they seem to be out to destroy it. Sad, and out of touch.

By: Beansidhe

Beansidhe — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 05:10:18 -0800

As a Central Florida resident, I move that Edwards come to Orlando and give Patrick Duggins the boot. That man is the most self-serving I've heard in public radio.

By: deadcowdan

deadcowdan — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 05:10:42 -0800

It finally occurred to me what this news reminded me of. Back in 1991, the wonderful Detroit Tigers organization decided to replace longtime radio announcer Ernie Harwell. The move got them bad press, bad PR, bad fan reactions, and generally bad karma, and a few years later he was back in the booth. This move strikes me as being about as wise and about as likely to help NPR as firing Ernie Harwell was for the Tigers. There are some things you just don't mess with.

By: dong_resin

dong_resin — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 05:36:05 -0800

I really enjoyed his delivery. If I paid taxes this would irritate the hell out of me.

By: moonbird

moonbird — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 05:45:37 -0800

I've been listening to Bob's handling of 9-11 that PrinceValium posted. It's totally chilling, and he covered the story just like Edward R. Murrow. Who else could have done that? It's a compelling broadcast in itself, but Bob's management of the broadcast for such a visual experience was as top notch as journalism gets. Viva Noah Adams! Viva Daniel Zwerdling! Viva Linda Wertheimer! Long Live Bob Edwards!

By: pardonyou?

pardonyou? — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 06:28:40 -0800

I like Edwards too, but just playing devil's advocate for a second: Don't you think NPR gave this a shitload of thought -- including the fact that a large segment of the current audience would be dismayed? The analysis probably goes something like this: ME has a regular audience of X listeners. Those listeners love Bob, however X has been slowly declining, and the average age of X is growing. If we replace the host, we believe (based on market research, focus groups, blah blah blah) that 10% of X will stop listening to ME in the first year, but that we'll pick up an additional 20% new listeners. Of course, due to the fact that I misplaced my crystal ball, I don't know whether those assumptions are accurate or inaccurate -- only time will tell. But you probably should at least concede that NPR did more than just wake up today and say, "You know what? We really should get rid of that Edwards guy." Anyway, they should have axed Tavis Smiley.

By: jonmc

jonmc — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 06:48:14 -0800

Am I the only person on MeFi who dosen't listen to NPR? I think the news should be delivered by Cousin Brucie, Scott Muni and the ghost of Wolfman Jack.

By: MrMoonPie

MrMoonPie — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 06:53:15 -0800

Good freakin' riddance. I hate Bob Edwards. I recently recieved a survey form from NPR, and I said the best thing they could do would be to get rid of the guy. I hate the way he speaks. His voice rises and falls so much that I have to crank up the volume to hear the quiet passages, so much so that the louder ones blast my tender morning ears. Gah.

By: mooncrow

mooncrow — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 07:00:31 -0800

C'mon, I seriously doubt losing Bob Edward's voice will make a lot of difference to the quality of NPR. Do you really think that Edwards writes all his own stuff? Sure, he's got a calm and reflective tone, but his voice isn't the reason I listen to NPR. The writing, reputation, and focus on the issues are the reason I listen.

By: mooncrow

mooncrow — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 07:03:36 -0800

our beloved M(innesota)PR personality Katherine Lampher --yikes! -- I beg to differ -- I can't stand Lampher and am really glad she is off to do other things.

By: sudama

sudama — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 07:07:35 -0800

What's most troubling is that NPR's press release is textbook spin -- I go to them to avoid that. Well, I used to. Agreed, that was weird and embarassing. One point of clarification: nobody donates money to NPR and nobody belongs to NPR -- you pledge and join the member stations who buy programming from NPR. About the only thing they could do to improve the situation (apart from reversing the decision) would be to give Morning Edition to Tavis Smiley.

By: languagehat

languagehat — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 07:08:26 -0800

So this is MrMoonPie's fault. Get him!

By: nofundy

nofundy — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 07:11:40 -0800

Viva Noah Adams! Viva Daniel Zwerdling! Viva Linda Wertheimer! Long Live Bob Edwards! Yes. Give your NPR money to Air America and let's get these people hired to deliver real news on the new network. People NPR should shitcan: Juan Williams Mara Liasson Nina Totenburg Scott Simon [your media whore name here]

By: nofundy

nofundy — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 07:13:50 -0800

Sudama, Beg to differ. I donate to NPR through United Way at work. Or, I used to. Air America sounds better now. I'm very disappointed with some recent changes in the news people.

By: nofundy

nofundy — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 07:17:07 -0800

Bob Edwards is paying the price for his speech at Lexington, Kentucky probably. I posted a link to the speech here at MeFi. How dare he disagree with Dear Leader! The teremity he has to question the wisdom of aWol! A new word: Edwards got sterned.

By: jonmc

jonmc — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 07:27:29 -0800

Now, now nofundy. Looks like we have have to change the foil in your hat again. *sigh*

By: oissubke

oissubke — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 07:32:39 -0800

People admit switching between Howard Stern and Morning Edition.... I'm not the only person who does that? I wonder if NPR realizes how many of their listeners are folks who don't want to sit through Stern commercials....

By: elvissinatra

elvissinatra — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 08:43:46 -0800

While the ombudsman has no say over the hiring and firing practices of NPR, he definitely should be held accountable for the spin in the npr.org piece. Yuck. Nofundy, why Nina Totenburg? I love her. My favorite is when she reads the transcripts from Supreme Court cases! She rules. I can't stand Juan Williams though. He was the worst on Talk of the Nation. Terrible, terrible host. He seems better now in his new role, but I still loathe him for ruining Talk of the Nation.

By: szg8

szg8 — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 08:44:32 -0800

First Todd Mundt and now this.... what's next?

By: stupidsexyFlanders

stupidsexyFlanders — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 09:17:34 -0800

why Nina Totenburg? I love her. My favorite is when she reads the transcripts from Supreme Court cases! Nina Totenberg is great and all, but she gets WAY too much airtime. About eight minutes into one of her court pieces, the thought always flashes: Who's she got polaroids on, anyway? And now: ...and why can't she share with my man Bob Edwards?

By: piskycritter

piskycritter — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 09:34:06 -0800

Does this mean we don't have to listen to him drone on about baseball anymore?

By: pzarquon

pzarquon — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 10:03:32 -0800

Bummer. Here's a piece in the Washington Post with a few more quotes. Of course, our local NPR affiliate started its drive today. This time, I just fired up the iPod.

By: Qubit

Qubit — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:45:16 -0800

One point of clarification: nobody donates money to NPR and nobody belongs to NPR -- you pledge and join the member stations who buy programming from NPR. Absolutely not true. First, Mrs. Krock donated something like $2 million to NPR earlier this year - directly to them. A few years ago when Tory Malatia did some horrendous things to the programming at WBEZ in Chicago I stopped supporting them and sent money directly to NPR instead.

By: lathrop

lathrop — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 15:27:57 -0800

Keep Totenberg ! shitcan Cokie Roberts.

By: dong_resin

dong_resin — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 15:57:03 -0800

If they touch Dan Schor, I'm organizing a firebombing. Fair warning.

By: RavinDave

RavinDave — Wed, 24 Mar 2004 17:01:02 -0800

I got a response back from the email complaint I sent to our local affiliate (cc'd to ombudsman@npr.org) expressing my dismay. They sent me a copy of a letter from Bob Edwards that NPR has been releasing on his behalf, dictated at gunpoint no doubt: Dear Listener, Over the course of the last 24 hours I have been overwhelmed by the support and good wishes from all of you. As I have repeatedly said, Morning Edition and public radio have the most remarkable audience. Your thoughts about the program and me are a testament to that. I want to take this opportunity to assure you all that I will be here at NPR for the long haul. And while this transition will be difficult for me, as I am leaving a post that I have loved and have given my heart to, I look forward to continuing to be a significant part of NPR and the amazing program lineup. After April 30, I will become a senior correspondent for NPR, and while it is true that we are still working out the details of that position, I have no doubt that all my needs will be met and that I will continue to do journalism for this fine institution. The past 25 years at the helm of Morning Edition have been the best of my life. But I am not saying goodbye. I hope you continue to listen and support your public radio station. Bob Edwards

By: nofundy

nofundy — Thu, 25 Mar 2004 05:09:20 -0800

Why Nina Totenburg? Take a look back to election 2000. Nina gave big slurpees to Scalia and company during the 5-4 usurpation of democracy. Unforgivable.

By: sudama

sudama — Thu, 25 Mar 2004 06:56:33 -0800

Absolutely not true. First, Mrs. Krock donated something like $2 million to NPR earlier this year - directly to them. If somebody complaining in this thread has $2 million to dangle in front of NPR over Bob Edwards' career change, this is getting interesting. Otherwise my point is that you're not going to affect the decisionmaking process by witholding your $50. I think what NPR needs is some actual competition.

By: LairBob

LairBob — Thu, 25 Mar 2004 09:10:43 -0800

If anyone has to go, it's "Weekend Edition Sunday" host Liane Hansen. I really can't stand her...what I especially hate is the way she stomps all over one of my favorite features, the puzzle section with Will Shortz. (Shut UP! Let the friggin' guest guess!)

By: amphigory

amphigory — Thu, 25 Mar 2004 10:45:56 -0800

Save Bob Edwards

By: smackfu

smackfu — Thu, 25 Mar 2004 13:11:35 -0800

FYI, Kroc donated $200 million, not $2 million.

By: DenOfSizer

DenOfSizer — Thu, 25 Mar 2004 14:42:38 -0800

Right on LairBob! Liane's not stupid, but man is she irritating! For the record, Rick Karr is a HOTTIE! Hope he doesn't jump ship and run for TVland.