Tavis Smiley quit, faults NPR on diversity
"I just felt like the pace of progress at which they are comfortable moving is too slow," he says. "The audience can handle a quickened pace, and the country can't afford a slower pace."
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NPR needs more creative marketing to reach underserved audiences, the host says. He takes the network to task for lacking a diverse staff. Even President Bush, he says, recognizes the symbolic importance of having a diverse Cabinet. "I'm not really sure that NPR has even gotten on base symbolically," Smiley says.
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Some white listeners complained that Smiley's delivery, which diverges from the more reserved sound of most NPR hosts, is too loud and energetic.
Current.org | Tavis Smiley leaves NPR show, 2004
''The most difficult thing that I have had to do,'' he said, ``is fight a culture at NPR, a culture that is antithetical to the best interests of people of color.''
Comments
NPR is soooo white!
Posted by: hk | December 20, 2004 2:19 AM
"too loud and energetic" - it's like a joke from martin mull or garrison keillor, for criminy's sake.
Posted by: r@d@r | December 20, 2004 12:30 PM
no no no. not more diane reems. please. arrrgh.
Posted by: snakehairedgirl | December 20, 2004 10:43 PM
NPR is said to be close to finding a replacement for Smiley, so the show won't go away. It's possible a new host will bring a different sound and focus, though.
Posted by: nedlog | December 21, 2004 3:44 PM
Update: Ed Gordon, a contributing correspondent to 60 Minutes Wednesday, will host a public affairs show about "news, trends and topical issues of interest and importance to the African-American community" and produced by NPR. Via Current.org.
Posted by: nedlog | December 21, 2004 5:41 PM