NBC Fires Producer Who Edited Zimmerman Audio

NBC News has fired the producer who edited the George Zimmerman 911 call that aired in the aftermath of the Trayvon Martin shooting, reports the New York Times. The producer has not been named, but reportedly was based in Miami and had worked for NBC for several years. Sources say that NBC officials were upset by the misleading edit, which clearly violates the Today Show's policies.

The edited version of the tape: “This guy looks like he’s up to no good. He looks black." In the unedited version: “This guy looks like he’s up to no good. Or he’s on drugs or something. It’s raining and he’s just walking around, looking about.” After the dispatcher asks, “OK, and this guy—is he white, black or Hispanic?" Zimmerman responds, "He looks black." Conservative outlets first reported on the gaffe, accusing NBC of going overboard to make Zimmerman sound racist, notes the Hollywood Reporter. (More NBC stories.)