NPR Stations Wanted Edwards Out?

National Public Radio has been feeling the brunt of listener unhappiness over the announcement that Bob Edwartds would be leaving as host of Morning Edition. “NPR, based in Washington, has received more than 17,000 calls and e-mail messages from angry listeners, its officials said.” So why was the move made? “In recent years, several station managers confirmed, some member stations have voiced concerns to NPR management that Mr. Edwards, who has served as host of Morning Edition from its beginnings in 1979, often seemed less engaged on the air.”