US radio station WURD has announced the firing of radio host Andrea Lawful -Sanders for conducting an interview with US President Joe Biden over questions pre-written by the White House.
“On July 3, the first post-debate interview with President Joe Biden was independently arranged and coordinated by WURD radio host Andrea Lawful-Sanders without the knowledge, consultation or cooperation of WURD management. The interview included pre-written questions provided by the White House. This is what violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet. Miss Lawl-Sanders and WURD Radio have agreed to immediately cease co-operation,” the publication said.
WURD emphasized that such an interview violates the radio’s editorial policy and “jeopardizes” listeners’ trust.
“WURD radio station is not a ‘mouthpiece’ for Biden or any other administration. Internally, we are committed to reviewing our policies, procedures and practices to strengthen WURD’s independence and the trust of our listeners,” WURD stressed.
Lawful-Sanders admitted on 6 July to receiving instructions from the White House and a list of questions to ask the US leader during the interview. Later, another journalist, Wisconsin-based Civic Media radio host Earl Ingram, who also interviewed Biden, said he was given questions to ask the president.
Later, the campaign headquarters of incumbent US President and candidate Joe Biden said that they would no longer offer questions to journalists in advance for interviews with the American leader.
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