NPR Under Fire: On the Kategoria-Based Apologia of Juan Williams

Abstract

In the wake of its decision to fire veteran political commentator Juan Williams, NPR came under fire from all quarters for its seemingly incongruous decision. Dubbed by conservatives as an unveiled attempt to remove Williams because of his professional role as commentator on the right-wing FOX news network, NPR was unprepared for the vitriolic outpouring of outrage from its listeners and critics. Finding itself under attack, NPR had little choice but to defend its decision and issue forth its own attack on William's work and character as a NPR political commentator. This monograph analyzes the apologetic exchange that ensued in the public arena, an exchange that created its own unique public relations challenges.

Notes

A previous version of this manuscript was presented at the Michigan Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters on March 11, 2011.