At first, NPR executives and spokespersons did not fully explain the move, leaving many listeners confused.[6] Eventually they did make some attempts to explain themselves. According to NPR spokeswoman Laura Gross, "It's part of a natural evolution. A new host will bring new ideas and perspectives to the show. Bob's voice will still be heard; he'll still be a tremendous influence on the show. We just felt it was time for a change."

Executive Vice President Ken Stern also explained the move. "This change in Morning Edition is part of the ongoing evaluation of all NPR programming that has taken place over the last several years. We've looked at shows like All Things Considered and Talk of the Nation with an eye to how we can best serve listeners in the future."[4] Although Stern later participated in an online chat with listeners at NPR's website, it only heightened their confusion and anger.[citation needed]

The decision to remove Edwards, made shortly before his 25th anniversary with the show, was met with much criticism by listeners.[3] Jeffrey Dvorkin, NPR's ombudsman, reported that the network received over 50,000 letters and emails, most of them angry, regarding Edwards' demotion; the listener reaction was the largest reaction on a single subject that NPR had received to that date.[7] Other journalists, including ABC's Cokie Roberts and CBS' Charles Osgood, expressed dissatisfaction with the move.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5129574&forum_id=2#44673064)