NPR Exec Central in Juan Williams Firing Resigns

In the wake of an extensive internal review at National Public Radio, the senior executive who had a key role in the firing of commentator Juan Williams has resigned.

In a lengthy memo, the NPR Board of Directors announced that VP Ellen Weiss has resigned, but gave no further details.

The board also expressed concern over the roll that CEO Vivian Schiller, who famously said Williams should have kept his opinions between him and his shrink, had in the firing. Although it ruled out terminating Schiller's employment, it said she would not receive a salary bonus for 2010.

Williams was fired by NPR after saying on Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor" that he gets nervous when he sees people on a plane with clothing that identifies them as Muslim. NPR said his remarks violated its standards of not having on-air personnel giving opinions.

Williams said he was fired because he appeared frequently on Fox News.

The memo from the board also details new internal procedures for personnel decisions and disciplinary action, and announces a new ethics panel.

"We have taken this situation very seriously and the Board believes these recommendations and remedial steps address the concerns raised in connection with the termination of Williams' contract," said Dave Edwards, Board Chairman, in the memo. "The Board regrets this incident's impact on NPR and will work with NPR's CEO, Vivian Schiller, to ensure that these actions will be expeditiously completed, examined, and monitored on an ongoing basis."

[RobAla]

I won't hold my breath until "Left things considered" actually becomes "All things considered.: It is still an extremist mouthpiece for progressive left wing Democrats. This would be fine if it wasn't didn't receive public funding (you know using money confiscated from our paychecks - yes, even the paychecks of conservatives - who never have a voice on that network).

[outwestbutnotca]

Good! Now one day after Shiller gets canned and Juan get rehired PBS can once again count on my support. Intil then, don't even think about it.

[bradkt1]

Too little, too late. The whole Juan Williams affair was handled stupidly and clumsily. They should have just left him alone. The firing over his truthful remark about muslims was clearly a pretext that fooled nobody.

This is the designated scapegoat who took the fall.

[bobnjersey]

[The firing over his truthful remark about muslims was clearly a pretext that fooled nobody. ]
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do you think that juan crosses the street when he sees a group of young black men hanging on the sidewalk up ahead? do you think he would openly state that on oreilley like he did his comment about muslims? do you suppose he would have gotten away with it?