WAMU News Director Quits Over Principles

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, February 23, 2012 | 7:59am CT

NPR Affiliate WAMU/Washington DC News Director Jim Asendio has resigned on principles telling the Washington Post he objected to his reporters getting together with donors to the station. Asendio believes there should be a clear division and a wall between reporters and those who help fund the station through contributions. After finding out reporters were scheduled to attend an event this week to mingle with donors, he walked out.

Asendio told the Post, "When it comes to crossing the firewall, that's where I draw the line. That questions our credibility and trustworthiness." He also said he received an email from WAMU General Manager Caryn Mathes which stated, "My refusal to attend a major station event would send an irreversible and permanent statement on whether I was a member of our team." He concluded, "So, seeing the handwriting on the wall and not wanting to get into any kind of job difficulty, I felt it best to stand on my journalistic ethics and resign."