President Joe Biden's first post-debate interview on WURD Radio in Philadelphia sparked controversy when it was revealed that host Andrea Lawful-Sanders asked pre-approved questions provided by Biden's team.

As a result, WURD Radio cut ties with Lawful-Sanders to maintain its independence and accountability to listeners, as the Daily Wire reports.

Biden's First Post-Debate Interview

President Joe Biden's first interview following his disastrous debate was held on WURD Radio, a Philadelphia-based station known for its independent stance. The host of this significant interview was Andrea Lawful-Sanders.

During the interview, Lawful-Sanders admitted that the questions she asked President Biden were supplied by his team. These questions were crafted by White House officials and sent to the radio station via Biden's presidential campaign.

Lawful-Sanders acknowledged her role in the process, stating, "The questions were sent to me for approval. I approved them." She further explained that she received eight questions in total and chose to ask four of them during the interview.

Radio Station's Response to Pre-Approved Questions

Sara M. Lomax, President and CEO of WURD Radio, expressed that the interview arrangement was made without the station's management's knowledge, consultation, or collaboration.

Lomax emphasized that using pre-determined questions from the White House was against WURD Radio's policy of maintaining independence.

"The interview featured pre-determined questions provided by the White House, which violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet accountable to our listeners," Lomax said. She noted that this practice undermined the station's commitment to independent journalism.

Consequently, WURD Radio and Lawful-Sanders mutually agreed to part ways immediately to preserve the station's integrity and trust with its audience.

Commitment to Independence

WURD Radio reiterated its dedication to being an independent voice in the media landscape. As Pennsylvania’s only independent Black-owned talk radio station, WURD has built a 20-year history of trust with its listeners.

Lomax stressed the importance of this trust, stating, "WURD Radio remains an independent voice that our audience can trust will hold elected officials accountable." She highlighted that agreeing to a pre-determined set of questions jeopardizes that trust and goes against the station's practices.

She added added, "As Pennsylvania’s only independent Black-owned talk radio station, WURD Radio has cultivated that trust with our audience over our 20-year history. This is something we take very seriously. Agreeing to a pre-determined set of questions jeopardizes that trust and is not a practice that WURD Radio engages in or endorses as a matter of practice or official policy."

Impact on Trust and Accountability

The decision to end the professional relationship with Lawful-Sanders was driven by management's need to uphold the station's commitment to accountability and independence.

Lomax emphasized that WURD Radio does not exist to do the bidding of anyone, including the president.

"WURD Radio was not a mouthpiece for the Biden or any other Administration," Lomax stated, underscoring the station's role in providing an unbiased platform for discourse.

This incident highlights the challenges media outlets face in maintaining independence and transparency, especially when dealing with high-profile political figures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding President Joe Biden's first post-debate interview on WURD Radio in Philadelphia has highlighted the importance of journalistic independence.

Host Andrea Lawful-Sanders admitted to asking pre-approved questions provided by Biden's team, leading to her departure from the station. WURD Radio remains committed to its role as an independent, accountable media outlet, emphasizing its 20-year history of trust with its audience and its dedication to holding elected officials accountable.