Suspended NPR editor resigns after accusing network of liberal bias

Context: In an essay in The Free Press earlier this month, Berliner criticized NPR's coverage of various topics and wrote that "an open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR."

• NPR's Chief Content Officer Edith Chapin then defended the network against Berliner's accusations in a memo to staff, saying NPR leaders "strongly disagree" with his views.
• NPR reported Tuesday that Berliner had begun a five-day suspension without pay on Friday.

State of play: In a statement posted to X announcing his resignation, Berliner said he wants to see NPR "thrive and do important journalism."

• "But I cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems at NPR I cite in my Free Press essay," he added.
• NPR told Axios it "does not comment on individual personnel matters."

The big picture: Many prominent newsrooms are wrestling with questions of bias and neutrality in their coverage, including the New York Times.

• These debates come as public trust in media has plunged in recent decades in the U.S. The downward trend is true of Republicans, Democrats and Independents alike.

Editor's note: This story is developing and will be updated.