Joe Biden Interviewer from WURD Radio Resigns After Admitting Interview Questions Sent in Advance

WURD Radio, a prominent talk radio station in Pennsylvania, has terminated Andrea Lawful-Sanders, a host on "The Source," after she used interview questions provided by President Joe Biden's campaign.

Sara M. Lomax, President and CEO of WURD Radio, emphasized the station's commitment to journalistic independence and announced Lawful-Sanders' departure, effective immediately, according to Politico.

Andrea Lawful-Sanders, host of "The Source" on WURD 96.1 FM/900 AM in Philadelphia, parted ways with the station after admitting to using questions prepared by Biden's campaign for her interview.

This action violated WURD Radio's principles of independence, prompting her resignation in mutual agreement with station management.

Sara M. Lomax underscored WURD Radio's status as Pennsylvania's sole independent Black-owned talk radio station, stressing its dedication to accountability in journalism.

The controversy erupted after Lawful Sanders received and approved a set of questions from Biden's campaign ahead of the interview, which aired amid concerns over the president's debate performance against Donald Trump.

Criticism and Clarifications

Biden interviewer Lawful-Sanders' use of pre-approved questions drew criticism for potentially compromising journalistic integrity.

While Joe Biden's campaign defended the practice as routine in media engagements, WURD Radio condemned it as detrimental to maintaining trust with its audience.

The controversy highlighted broader issues of media ethics and political influence in journalistic practices.

The Biden campaign clarified that such practices do not condition interviews but provide suggested topics for discussion, aiming to focus on relevant issues like the president's debate performance and outreach to Black voters.

The fallout led WURD Radio to reevaluate its policies and procedures to reinforce its commitment to independence.

Lomax emphasized the station's role as a critical voice in the community and pledged to uphold rigorous standards moving forward, CBS News noted.

In response to the incident, Biden administration officials reiterated that the White House was not involved in coordinating the interview or providing questions.

They affirmed that future interactions with media outlets would avoid suggesting interview questions to uphold transparency and impartiality.

Media Reactions and Public Perception

The incident sparked debates within media circles about the boundaries between journalistic integrity and political access.

Critics argued that pre-screened questions risk undermining the press's role as a watchdog and fostering perceptions of media bias.

Joe Biden interviewer, Lawful-Sanders, in statements to CNN and other media outlets, acknowledged receiving the questions but asserted she did not feel pressured to ask specific questions, the New York Times reports.

Her resignation from WURD Radio signals ongoing scrutiny over media practices and their impact on public trust.

The controversy surrounding Andrea Lawful-Sanders' departure from WURD Radio underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining journalistic independence amidst political engagements.

As media outlets navigate evolving norms in interview practices, the incident serves as a reminder of the essential role of transparency and integrity in fostering public trust.

Both broadcasters and political entities face heightened scrutiny over their roles in shaping public discourse and accountability in media engagements.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Radio host who interviewed Biden confirms his aides sent questions for approval - From CNN