Bob Edwards forced out of ‘Morning Edition’

NPR newsman hosted program since its inception in 1979

NPR.org	NPR is replacing Bob Edwards as host of its morning news program. Edwards will stay with the news organization as a senior correspondent.

More from The Big Money

A Hulu for This … and That … Oh, and Maybe That, Too!

Chrome for Mac: The Roundup

Nano-Potemkin Village

GM’s IPO Is Back

My Mark Reuss Prediction

(external links)

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.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

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.