University of Texas at Austin officials have fired longtime KUT Public Media General Manager Debbie Hiott after an alleged argument with the institution over a festival held by the station.
Hiott disputed the claim that she had any contact with university officials to KUT reporters related to a festival that took place in recent weeks and claimed she was asked to resign or face termination, according to a report by the outlet.
This comes after UT officials had ordered the radio station to scale back its plans for an inaugural festival, which featured several key speakers, including U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, and retiring U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin. The university cited security issues, though some speculated the move was political, according to a report by the Austin-American Statesman.
In a written response to Austin’s NPR station, Anita L. Vangelisti, the interim dean of the Moody College of Communication, said the termination was immediate.
“I want to thank Debbie for the service she has provided in this role since 2019,” Vangelisti told KUT reporters. “She has been a dedicated proponent of providing news, content and music to the Central Texas community and beyond.”
An interim general manager would be named on Tuesday, Vangelisti said.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.