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Calling its decision "appalling," FAIR said freelance host Simeone joined Occupy Washington protesters. As a result, NPR affiliate WAMU fired her as host of Soundprint, citing ethics guidelines.
NPR officials said they played no part in the decision. Whether or not true, it began investigating her occasional role as an Occupy Wall Street Washington spokesperson.
Simeone said NPR's code of ethics was cited for her firing. They say in part:
"NPR (and WAMU) journalists may not engage in public relations work, paid or unpaid....exceptions may be made for certain volunteer nonprofit, nonpartisan activities, such as participating in the work of a church, synagogue or other institution or worship, or a charitable organization, so long as this would not conflict with the interests of NPR (and WAMU) in reporting on activities related to that institution or organization."However, NPR's code has exceptions, including for "freelancer(s) who primarily (do) arts coverage." It also states, "There may be instances in which the type of programming may not demand the application of a particular principle in this code."
FAIR asked if NPR monitors all hosts, including for arts and culture programs. "If the hosts of Car Talk took part in a Tea Party protest, would they be fired?"
Moreover, its code isn't clear. NPR news host Scott Simon expressed views on Washington's Afghan and Iraq wars. Reporter Mara Liasson appears regularly on Fox News. She denounces Democrat party members.
On October 3, 2002, she said:
"These guys are a disgrace....You don't go to an adversary country, an enemy country, and badmouth the United States....(T)these guys ought to, I don't know, resign."
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