As some of you may know, NPR recently announced that it would "reassign" longtime Morning Edition host Bob Edwards to a new role as senior correspondant. With Edwards having been host since Morning Edition's first show (25 years ago this November), many listeners have been outraged that NPR is forcing Edwards out only months before his 25th anniversary. Here, some excerpts from the transcript of an online chat with Jay Kernis, NPR's senior vice president for programming. Poor guy...

Q: Why are you holding a chat, if the answers do not matter in the decision-making process?
Jay Kernis: Because we want to explain the process.

Q: Considering the degree of impact which Bob Edwards has on Morning Edition listeners, why did NPR
choose to let us, the listeners, hear about his ousting on the streets, as it were? You consistently mention that NPR values its listeners' probity and intelligence, yet you tried to foist off on us bland
examples of spin. Can you blame us for being upset?
Jay Kernis: We agree that the announcement could have been handled better.

Q: Many people are wondering why you would "dump" an anchorman after such a distinguished career and a rise in the number of people listening to NPR?
Jay Kernis: We are expanding the role of the host on Morning Edition and we are moving from one to two hosts. The news demands of the broadcast require more than one host to keep the program timely every morning.

Q: Your letter states that Bob Edwards was included in the discussions about the updating of the Morning Edition Lineup, yet you state that he was "told" of the changes at a particular point in time. Which of these is more accurate?
Jay Kernis: They are both accurate.

Q: Programming changes have not incited the reaction that this one has; I believe it is why some have threatened to stop contributions. Will NPR absolutely not consider keeping Edwards until the anniversary which might seem a fairer move to supporters of Morning Edition?
Jay Kernis: It was a long process and once I made the final decision, we didn't want to wait another nine months.

Q: Now that the announcement is out, and given the public outcry, what prevents an extension to at least meet Edward's 25th anniversary with the show? Also, you explain that since you had already deliberated about the change for 18 months, "Given the length of time, we did not believe it appropriate to wait another nine months before making this change." Do you honestly feel that after 24 years, NPR can't afford to wait another nine months?
Jay Kernis: Bob is going to be on the road throughout the summer.