| | Dear John,
During the course of this past week, questions about the need for public radio and NPR have once again become part of the national conversation. We have been closely following the interview that led to a contentious exchange between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and NPR's Mary Louise Kelly, and I want you to know that we stand firmly beside NPR and its journalistic integrity.
Secretary of State Pompeo ended the interview with NPR after a tense exchange in which she asked tough but fair questions in a respectful manner. At KQED, we value independence, trust, integrity, and fact-based journalism. Journalists have the privilege and responsibility of asking hard questions that hold powerful people and institutions accountable. We do this on behalf of you - our community and fellow citizens - and then we share the answers and present the facts, so that you can form your own opinions.
We’ve heard from a number of people who have echoed their support for NPR and Mary Louise Kelly’s work. We have also received a number of gifts in her honor and in support of journalism that doesn’t shy away from the tough questions. Thank you for letting us know that you stand behind the journalistic integrity and independence that we strive to uphold every day. A strong democracy and healthy community rely on informed citizens, and we are honored to be a news source you depend on.
KQED is a vital Bay Area news source because of the support of individuals like you who believe in our mission to inform, inspire and involve. The majority of our funding comes from the hundreds of thousands of people in our community who donate to support local journalism, with only a small portion coming from the federal government. Your dedication makes it possible for us to provide you and millions of your neighbors with the trusted source of news and information you rely on. We exist for you and because of you.
Freedom of the press is preserved in the Constitution; it is critical to our democracy.
Thank you for your support of independent, fact-based journalism.
Michael J. Isip
President & CEO
KQED
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