Flickr Photo: ClangoPublic radio is an interesting space to watch. It can be an old school media model, determining what's important and broadcasting it to the silent masses. But many public radio stations are also leaders when it comes to integrating new social media tools into their work and giving their communities a voice in the process. That's why it was strange to read that NPR CEO Ken Stern has been let go. From the NPR coverage:

Stern argued that NPR shows and news and cultural segments increasingly had to be available on whatever platforms people wanted to hear them.

NPR is considered a leader in news and music podcasts. And under Stern it has also struck deals to deliver its content new ways, such as through cell phones.

But that push has aggravated anxiety among local stations about their relationship to the network. NPR member stations rely heavily on popular shows, particularly Morning Edition, to generate donations. But if people can listen to them through NPR's Web site or even their own cell phones, why would they stay loyal to stations still reliant on pledge drives?

Was Stern really let go solely because of an old vs. new media clash? Probably not. Are NPR stations around the country asking these kinds of questions about social media? Definitely.