WNYC listeners got a chance to voice their concerns to the station's Board of Trustees on Thursday evening.
The organization has been reeling since New York magazine's The Cut published an article detailing how the former host of the Takeaway, John Hockenberry, made sexual advances toward some colleagues and undermined and insulted others. Hockenberry has said, "My behavior was not always appropriate and I’m sorry."
Then, a few days later, longtime hosts Leonard Lopate and Jonathan Schwartz were put on leave over "accusations of inappropriate conduct," pending an investigation. Lopate told WNYC News, “I have not done anything that I know of that could have led to this situation.” Schwartz has declined to comment.
Member Naomi Tarantal said she's upset by the way the organization has handled the harassment allegations against Hockenberry and confused by the sudden suspensions of hosts Lopate and Schwartz.
"I've been donating for years and years," she said. "I expect better than this."
Member David Shrader called on board members to “be bold” in rectifying “a failure in oversight and a failure in management.”
Speaking to the board, New York Public Radio President and CEO Laura Walker said she was "profoundly pained and sorry" that the WNYC workplace "did not, at times, live up to the values our programming embodies."
She said the organization does not tolerate sexist, racist or discriminatory behavior, and that it is working with an outside firm to improve its policies, including diversifying its newsroom and leadership. Walker said a " fair and thorough" investigation into allegations against Lopate and Schwartz will conclude before the end of the year.
Board Chair Mayo Stuntz said, "It’s up to us, the leadership of NYPR, to ensure that every single member of our community — from host to intern, guest to listener — feels safe, heard, and valued. Full stop."
But some listeners were skeptical about management's plan and disappointed in the board meeting itself. Following the public statements from Walker and Stuntz, the board convened behind closed doors as trustees met in an executive session. Listeners were asked to wait in the lobby for more than an hour and a half before being invited back to speak.
"I think you've forgotten the public in public media," one WNYC member said.
When members of the public were invited back to speak directly to members of the board, the officials listened closely and took notes of what they heard.
