*Journalist Farai Chideya has replaced the disgruntled host of National Public Radio’s "News and Notes With Ed Gordon" effective immediately, NPR spokeswoman Andi Sporkin told Richard Prince’s Journal-isms.
According to the column, Gordon had criticized NPR for what he said was its failure to take responsibility for problems. His gripes with “News and Notes” began shortly after it replaced the “The Tavis Smiley Show,” which saw the exit of its own host amidst criticism of NPR’s perceived lack of commitment to a multicultural audience.
According to Journal-isms, Gordon said problems arose with Smiley's leftover staff and working relationship with co-workers based in Los Angeles, with its time difference and “certain mentality. I don't want to sound like the biggest issue is the staff, but it is a big hindrance,” said Gordon, who remained based in New York.
"Communication is not easy," he said. There are "people on the staff who are frustrated and felt duped, too."
As previously reported, Gordon was recently announced as the host of “Our World With Black Enterprise,” a weekly, half-hour syndicated television show that premieres Sept. 30.
Meanwhile, “News and Notes” continues with Chideya, a well-known broadcast and digital media journalist, longtime public radio show host and founder of www.PopandPolitics.com an online journal for young Americans which attracts more than 50,000 visitors monthly,” an NPR press release stated.
"The new elements of News & Notes will reflect the mounting importance of the Internet in how the public seeks news and information, Chideya’s proven experience in unifying traditional and new media and NPR’s current efforts to extend its presence in digital platforms,” NPR said, according to Journal-isms.
"The show will feature significant contributions from its online community to identify issues of interest, spot trends, share discoveries, participate in shaping the program and join in News & Notes’ dialogue with newsmakers. The show’s existing roster of respected experts will contribute regular segments on a wide range of issues relevant to the African American audience.”