Bob Edwards is being replaced on NPR's Morning Edition, the most popular program on the public radio network, and second only to Rush Limbaugh in nationwide radio syndication.
This will come completely as a shock to most listeners because Bob has been as much a staple of morning life as is eating breakfast.
What's more disturbing is that NPR seems to have no real reason for firing Edwards.
"It's part of a natural evolution," she said. "A new host will bring new ideas and perspectives to the show. Bob's voice will still be heard; he'll still be a tremendous influence on the show. We just felt it was time for a change."
I've always been told, "if it ain't broken, don't fix it". And in this case it's not only in perfect working order but the most successful radio program produced by National Public Radio. This smells of management misconduct and politics gone bad.
I'm hoping that grass roots can form and save Bob's post at Morning Edition. It's time NPR felt the power of the blog. Spread the word, write to NPR management and let them know what a stupid move this is.
NPR contact information:
Morning Edition: morning@npr.org
Ombudsman: ombudsman@npr.org
Main Number: (202) 513-2000
Main Fax: (202) 513-3329
If anyone has an email address for Kevin Klose, President and CEO, or any other board member, please post it in the comments.
Also, I blame Bush. Of course I can't prove anything yet but I'm sure the Department of Homeland Security is involved on orders from the Whitehouse — black helicopters and all.
Join the fray by reading through and commenting at the end.
Save Bob!
And you are wrong about Mr. Bush. This is the work of Evil Doers, possibly the same ones who have hidden the WMDs.
Aww man. I hate it when he's on vacation and they get Rene SomethingOrOther to fill in. I mean, I'm sure she's nice enough, but she's no Bob.
SAVE Bob
NPR is a network and is most influenced by the managers of the 365 NPR stations in the US. You should also e-mail your local NPR stations and tell them that they will think twice about pledging if Bob is not saved.
New management in broadcasting always makes these moves. I think they try to show they are “making a difference.†This change will rank up there with PBS replaced Louis Rukeyser on Wall Street Week, or how about what happened to CBS News after replacing Walter with Dan. Both programs fell and never recovered. And recall Ted Koppel? When ABC tried to move him out the public demanded management keep him and ABC ended up having to pay him more money.
Greg, I was thinking the exact same thing on my way to work this morning. We need to get a petition going on PetitionOnline, and get this working on the big aggregator blogs like BoingBoing. Bob is THE MAN and anyone else will simply not do.
I love Bob Edwards and will do my part in the Save Bob campaign. Hoewver, I nearly sneezed Coke yesterday when I read this headline on Fark.com: "Bob Edwards, whose voice has lulled many a motorist to their fiery demise, is retiring from NPR's Morning Edition."
This link here is (from what I know) a recent development:
Letter from Bob Edwards
Furthermore, they left an e-mail address to use in order to send messages concerning the matter:
nprcomm@npr.org
I fully expect this story of a horrendous corporate decision to circulate around all of the larger weblogs, and hopefully elicit an outpouring of support for Mr. Edwards. However, in corporations as in government, changing a decision is a long and difficult process.
That letter must have been extremely difficult for Bob to write. This Bob just sent his own letter to NPR...
Reading the comments that have been entered thus far,only reinforces my belief that moving Bob Edwards off The Morning Edition anchor position is a great mistake. NPR listeners are discerning and appreciate his talent and elegance & style. Let' s not let that fade away! Yes there are other jewels at NPR but none brighter than Mr. Edwards.
It's an outrage!!! Back BOB back!!!
Please add your name to the "Save Bob Edwards" petition: we have over 21,600 names already! The petition will be delivered to NPR headquarters Friday, April 23; we hope to have at least 25,000 signatures by then.
To sign the petition, visit www.savebobewards.com and click on the "Sign the Petition" link on the left side.
You can find the email addresses of NPR senior management and almost all of the NPR Board ar this link: http://savebob.uncomplicated.net/nuke/html/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=23
Ron, thanks for the link and info. I tried the URL and didn't get anywhere. After a quick search I found the petition here.
Consider it signed.