After Juan Williams Firing, NPR Denies Bonus to CEO Vivian Schiller
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2011— -- NPR announced Thursday that a senior executive involved with the controversial firing of commentator Juan Williams has resigned and that the company's president will not receive a 2010 bonus.
The NPR board of directors concluded, following an internal review, that Williams' termination did not violate the terms of his contract.
But the board expressed "concern" over CEO Vivian Schiller's role in the incident and opted not to give her a year-end bonus, according to a statement released by NPR. The network's ombudsman had previously said the firing was "poorly handled."
The non-profit news organization, which is supported by financial contributions from listeners and local stations and by federal subsidies, also announced that Ellen Weiss, senior vice president for news, had resigned, but did not provide further explanation.
Williams was fired in November after saying during an appearance on Fox News Channel that seeing Muslims on planes make him "nervous."
His ouster stirred a backlash across the political spectrum, with liberals, conservatives and veteran journalists chastising NPR for his dismissal. Some lawmakers have even called for Congress to cut off federal funding for NPR.
Williams, who now works full-time for Fox News Channel, told ABC News after his firing that he believed it was "vindictive" and the result of a personal and politically motivated vendetta.
NPR said William's comment conflicted with its commitment to unbiased reporting.
Williams declined to participate in NPR's internal review of the incident, according to the statement. The board also mandated a review of the organization's ethics code and management procedures for disciplinary action.
