Dear Friends,
As you probably know by now, today American Public Media andMinnesota Public Radio terminated their contracts with Garrison Keillor and his private media companies which distribute The Writer’s Almanacand other content featuring Mr Keillor. You can read about this decision here. While Public Radio Tulsa is not privy to any of the details of the allegations or the investigation which ensued, it appears that APM and MPR acted with appropriate diligence and conducted both an internal and independent investigation of the allegations prior to reaching a decision today.
How does this affect Public Radio Tulsa? For one, it means an immediate end to The Writer’s Almanac, which we will replace with an NPR newscast at 9:01 a.m. weekday mornings. Down the road, expect further changes in A Prairie Home Companion including content changes, as well as a name change for the music and variety program hosted by Chris Thile.
But most of all, this is a sad day for public radio. Garrison Keillor has been an indelible part of public radio for close to 40 years, and has had a steadfast belief in this medium, and of public radio's potential. He has been a trusted companion to many of us. Regardless, discrimination, harassment, retaliation and other inappropriate behaviors cannot be tolerated. All of us at Public Radio Tulsa are shaken and saddened by this announcement.
Sincerely,
Rich Fisher
General Manager, Public Radio Tulsa