New York Public Radio has placed hosts Leonard Lopate and Jonathan Schwartz on leave as it investigates claims of “inappropriate conduct” by the two men, the station announced Wednesday.
Lopate and Schwartz were placed on leave effective immediately, WNYC CEO Laura Walker said in a statement. “New York Public Radio takes these kinds of allegations very seriously and is reviewing these matters promptly,” Walker said.
WNYC declined to comment on the the nature of the allegations and when they were filed with management. “We do not comment on confidential personnel information and cannot say more at this time,” said a spokesperson.
Lopate hosts the weekday two-hour arts and culture program The Leonard Lopate Show and has been a host at WNYC for more than 30 years. WNYC’s Mary Harris is filling in for Lopate Wednesday. Schwartz hosts weekend shows on the station and has hosted for WNYC since 1999.
The latest allegations follow news of allegations of sexual harassment and bullying against John Hockenberry, former host of WNYC co-production The Takeaway.