Second Secretly Recorded Tape Emerges In NPR Sting

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In "Part II" of his secretly recorded conversations with National Public Radio fundraisers, conservative political activist James O'Keefe's accomplice presses for assurance that a $5 million gift to NPR from the fake group could be kept anonymous.

In the 44-minute recording, NPR Senior Director of Institutional Giving Betsy Liley speaks with a man posing as "Ibrahim Kasaam" of the fictitious Muslim Education Action Center Trust. They talk at length about the donation process. "Kasaam" presses the question of whether NPR could shield the group's donation from the government. Liley, who earlier this week was placed on administrative leave, says she thinks so but will have to check with NPR's legal counsel. That's among several mistakes she made during the call.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting released this statement:
"For nearly fifty years, the federal investment in public broadcasting has helped to strengthen our society. Public broadcasting educates our children, increases our sense of community as Americans, and provides a respectful non-commercial alternative on a hyper-commercial media landscape. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is responsible for the health and vitality of public broadcasting in the United States and the investment of taxpayer dollars in locally owned and controlled public broadcasting stations and national producers and distributors of content such as PBS and NPR. Recent events involving NPR officials have not reflected the values and aspirations of public broadcasting. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is committed to fair, balanced, objective, and transparent journalism that reflects a variety of viewpoints. The Corporation is committed to editorial standards that clearly separate decisions about content from financial or political considerations. We demand respect for all Americans whatever their racial or ethnic background, political belief, educational level, or occupation. The Corporation condemns the unprofessional conduct and offensive statements by Mr. Schiller and Ms. Liley that are inconsistent with these values. We will continue to work with our local station and national network partners to achieve these values and we will support NPR in its search for a Chief Executive who can strengthen NPR and fulfill them."


Second Secretly Recorded Tape Emerges In NPR Sting Statement (CPB)