Considering All Things—Even Sex

NPR reports on divisive topics regularly. This month, it aired stories covering statewide abortion bans, the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre and claims made by Michael Wolff in his new book, Siege: Trump Under Fire.

But a recent series from NPR's All Things Considered sought to approach a sensitive topic differently from how it is usually covered in the news.

The topic? Sex.

Producers from the afternoon newsmagazine created "Let's Talk About Sex," an eight-episode series that aired from March to May, to discuss sex and "the role it plays in our lives, our relationships and society," host Ailsa Chang explained in the first segment.

In the Public Editor's office, we heard feedback from listeners who weren't as enthusiastic about exploring the topic on the afternoon news program. One listener wrote:

I am not a prude, but [I] think that discussion of most sexual acts and behaviors over National Public Radio is inappropriate. In my opinion, All Things Considered does not mean that all things should be accepted for inclusion in your programs.

I spoke with the newsroom staff involved to address listener concerns and understand the newsroom's reasons for airing these stories.

The idea for the