Bob Edwards forced out of ‘Morning Edition’

updated 1:51 p.m. ET March 23, 2004

NEW YORK - Bob Edwards, host of National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” since its inception in 1979, has been forced out of that job.

At the end of April, the 56-year-old Edwards will become senior correspondent of NPR News, with his reports being heard on various network broadcasts.

NPR’s Steve Inskeep and Renee Montagne will serve as interim co-hosts starting in May until a permanent successor to Edwards is named.

Spokeswoman Laura Gross said NPR’s programming and news management made the change because they’re trying to refresh all of the network’s broadcasts.

“It’s part of a natural evolution,” she said. “A new host will bring new ideas and perspectives to the show. Bob’s voice will still be heard; he’ll still be a tremendous influence on the show. We just felt it was time for a change.”

Edwards said he was “proud to have served with my ‘Morning Edition’ colleagues, who perform a daily miracle at ridiculous hours when resources are not abundant.”

NPR estimated Edwards has conducted 20,000 interviews during his years on the show.

The network also announced that two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner William K. Marimow, former editor of The (Baltimore) Sun, will join NPR in a newly created position of managing editor for NPR News.

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