NPR standards chief Tony Cavin told staff that reporters should stop repeatedly quoting University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias beginning in 2026, after Tobias appeared 77 times on the NPR website in 2025. Cavin, in an email obtained by Semafor's Max Tani, described Tobias as a "dial-a-quote" who frequently offers his opinion to reporters. Tobias, who has been cited by other major outlets as well, said he was amused by the directive and plans to keep focusing on commentary related to President Trump.
NPR Tells Reporters: Stop Quoting the Same Law Professor — Carl Tobias Appeared 77 Times This Year
Photo credit: University of Richmond
NPR's standards office has directed reporters to curb repeated reliance on a single academic source after the University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias appeared extensively across the network's coverage in 2025. The guidance, issued by NPR standards chief Tony Cavin, says reporters should stop repeatedly turning to Tobias for commentary beginning in 2026.
What Cavin Told Staff
The instruction came in an internal email obtained by Semafor reporter Max Tani. Cavin noted that Tobias had been quoted 77 times on the NPR website this year and described him as something of a "dial-a-quote."
Professor Tobias' hobby seems to be getting himself quoted about anything and everything in news stories.
Cavin added that NPR is not the only outlet that frequently turns to Tobias — he has also been cited repeatedly by outlets such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. Cavin said Tobias often emails reporters offering his legal perspective and that many stories label him an "expert" regardless of the specific topic.
Examples And Reaction
NPR cited Tobias on a range of matters this year, including commentary on President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the BBC, disputes involving Harvard University, and Trump's settlement of a 60 Minutes-related lawsuit with Paramount. These interventions were among dozens of appearances that drew the standards office's attention.
Mediaite reached out to Tobias for comment. He took the news in stride, telling Mediaite he found the directive amusing and added, "It's a free world, right? I don't have much to say about it. I guess I'm supposed to be complimented by it." Asked about his plans for 2026, Tobias said he will continue focusing on coverage related to President Trump.
Broader Implications
Editors and standards chiefs often weigh the value of recurring sources against the need to diversify voices and avoid the appearance of over-reliance. NPR's memo signals a preference for broader sourcing and editorial variety as the network heads into the new year.
