Firing Juan Williams invited the inevitable criticism from conservatives who have always bristled at NPR’s federal funding and leftward drift. But the more progressive-minded now have a reason to question whether they ought to continue citing NPR as a thoughtful outlet insulated from lowbrow market pressures.

The argument for NPR — from anyone who enjoys it — is that NPR offers a variety of educational programming that would not be possible if the station had to compete for advertising revenue. The education portion is apparent in its mission statement, to “create a more informed public – one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures.”