Malpractice at NPR
Segment # 392
Why the board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting did not force Katherine Maher to step down as CEO of NPR prior to her March 26th testimony before Congress was an egregious mistake. They could have easily installed an interim CEO that would have testified that none of this happened under his/her leadership. Instead Maher was eaten alive while she she projected disdain, arrogance, and total condescension for the “Neanderthals” that were questioning her. It could not have gone worse; so I can only assume that federal money is not important to CPB. That being said Maher’s performance might have turned off the center right and center left supporters they do care about. Allowing this to happen was inexcusable and people should be fired.
CPB (Corporation for Public Broadcasting) – A federally funded nonprofit that provides financial support to both NPR and PBS, as well as local public media stations. CPB does not produce content but distributes funding to ensure public media remains independent and accessible.
On March 26, 2025, Katherine Maher, CEO of National Public Radio (NPR), testified before the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) regarding federal funding for public broadcasting. The hearing, titled "Anti-American Airwaves: Holding the Heads of NPR and PBS Accountable," was led by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and focused on allegations of political bias within NPR and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). YouTube+10LAist+10NPR+10Fox News+4NPR+4LAist+4
During her testimony, Maher acknowledged that NPR's initial dismissal of the Hunter Biden laptop story was a mistake, stating that the organization should have covered it "more aggressively or sooner." She also addressed concerns about her past social media comments regarding former President Donald Trump, expressing regret for any perceived bias and emphasizing her commitment to impartial journalism. New York Post+1Fox News+1Vanity Fair
Republican lawmakers questioned the objectivity of NPR's reporting, citing critiques from former NPR editor Uri Berliner, who had previously argued that the organization's coverage reflects a progressive ideology. Maher responded by highlighting NPR's dedication to delivering unbiased, fact-based news to the American public.
The hearing also addressed the broader issue of federal funding for public media. Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger defended the necessity of such funding, particularly for local stations that rely on federal support to serve their communities. They argued that public broadcasting plays a crucial role in providing educational content and ensuring access to information across diverse populations. YouTube+8LAist+8NPR+8New York Post+8Fox News+8LAist+8
This testimony occurred amid ongoing debates about the role and funding of public media in the United States, with some lawmakers advocating for reduced federal support due to concerns over perceived bias.