NPR ‘On Point’ Host Tom Ashbrook Fired Over Alleged Workplace Abuse

Tom Ashbrook, the longtime host of National Public Radio’s On Point, which has more than two million listeners via 290 stations, was fired from Boston radio station WBUR on Wednesday for allegedly creating an abusive work environment. The move comes after Boston University, which operates the radio station, launched an investigation into Ashbrook’s behavior following several complaints against him in December. Both female and male staffers alleged that Ashbrook, who had been at the station for 16 years, engaged in bullying, verbal abuse, and unwanted touching. An internal investigation found that Ashbrook had not violated sexual harassment policies but did create an abusive work environment, according to a statement from Boston University. Ashbrook, who has been on leave from the station since December, called the decision “profoundly unfair” but apologized to “those who found the show’s pace and me just too much.”