Marketplace, KQED explain how fabricated commentary got on the air | Poynter.

KQED's Perspectives series leads to an embarrassing and humbling experience for KQED and Marketplace.

As a PD and GM I put a lot of trust in our News Director and reporters to check sources...to get it right. There were always listeners contacting us to question the validity of stories. Not getting it right is embarrassing. Listeners depend on us. They trust us.

Here's a quick sketch of what happened. More detail is available through Poynter with a link below.

Marketplace and KQED are trying to bring a diversity of voices to the air through KQED's Perspectives and Marketplace's commentary. The piece aired is by Leo Webb. In the piece he says he is a former Army sniper with 17 kills, and a former minor league pitcher.

Neither KQED nor Marketplace were able to confirm those details after suspicion was raised by comments on both of their sites and by at least two blogs. Both KQED and Marketplace admit they did not do a good job checking Webb's story. Marketplace Executive Producer Deborah Clark and KQED's Scott Walton told Poynter.org's Craig Silverman that they should have done a better job of vetting Leo Webb.

Both organizations are doing the right thing by owning up to their mistake and moving on.

Marketplace, KQED explain how fabricated commentary got on the air | Poynter.

The story was retracted by Marketplace.

Retraction

Pledge Drive-Free Stream to Donors - The Atlantic

Finally, A Public Radio Station Offers a Pledge Drive-Free Stream to Donors - The Atlantic

Tired of the pledge drive? Already made your pledge. KQED is offering a pledge free alternative for those who have already pledged.

This fee-based listening option should pay for the additional band-width required. That is, if enough members are willing to pay for the service.  According to the article, the limited listening window is available for $45 above and beyond the membership fee. The limitation is for the current drive only.

KQED Moves to Expand Local Coverage

KQED adds staff, radio and online news reports - San Francisco Business Times

KQED is adding staff and newscasts while increasing its web presence. In the last paragraph of the article it is noted that KQED just finished a week long furlough by staff to cut expenses. The expansion might not be fully funded. According to the article in the San Francisco Business Times "Officials hope to use enhanced philanthropic contributions and sponsorships to pay for the additional services."

Read more: KQED adds staff, radio and online news reports - San Francisco Business Times