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NBC News producer fired over editing of Zimmerman 911 call

By Lena Sullivan 04/07/2012 14:13:00

Read More: Trayvon Martin , George Zimmerman

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The edited audio clip from a 911 call implied that Zimmerman shot Martin because he was black

An NBC News producer has been fired after a misleading report on the Trayvon Martin case suggested that shooter George Zimmerman was racially motivated.

The edited audio clip from a 911 call implied that Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer in Sanford, Fla., shot Martin because he was black.

"This guy looks like he's up to no good. He looks black," according to the clip that aired March 27 on the “Today” show.

A transcript of the actual recording of the call between Zimmerman and the 911 dispatcher shows the version that was aired was significantly modified.

George Zimmerman: "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."

911 dispatcher: "O.K., and this guy - is he white, black or Hispanic?"

George Zimmerman: "He looks black."

After critics blasted the segment as misleading, NBC News launched an internal investigation into how the recording was edited, and concluded on April 3 that there had been a mistake.

"During our investigation it became evident that there was an error made in the production process that we deeply regret," NBC News said in a statement. "We will be taking the necessary steps to prevent this from happening in the future and apologize to our viewers."

The unnamed producer, who has been described as experienced, was fired on Thursday. His dismissal was first reported Friday evening by The New York Times, which cited two people familiar with the matter.

NBC News declined to comment about the firing.

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