Bias Claims At NPR Discussed At Congressional Hearing

A hearing was held on Capitol Hill Wednesday to address accusations of ideological bias at NPR while considering its taxpayer-funded status. The discussion revolves around transparency, viewpoint discrimination, and the responsibility of publicly funded news organizations.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered opening remarks during the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing titled “Examining Accusations of Ideological Bias at NPR, a Taxpayer Funded News Entity”1. Here are the key points she raised:

First Amendment and Freedom of the Press: Chair Rodgers emphasized her support for the First Amendment and the freedom of the press. She quoted Thomas Jefferson, stating that our liberty depends on the freedom of the press. Every news outlet should be free to express viewpoints, even those she may disagree with.

Public Funding and Viewpoint Censorship: Rodgers expressed concern about NPR, a taxpayer-funded news organization, allegedly censoring viewpoints. She highlighted accusations from within NPR’s DC bureau regarding viewpoint discrimination.

Why should American tax dollars go to an institution like NPR that has consistently failed to be fair and engages in viewpoint discrimination? pic.twitter.com/SmQ4Wo0pkm

— CathyMcMorrisRodgers (@cathymcmorris) May 8, 2024

Despite receiving public funding, NPR reportedly mocked, ridiculed, and attacked taxpayers who fund the organization.

Uri Berliner’s Op-Ed: Uri Berliner, a 25-year veteran of NPR’s national news desk, wrote an op-ed describing a troubling culture within NPR. Berliner stated that an open-minded spirit no longer exists at NPR, leading to an audience that doesn’t reflect America. He criticized NPR for not admitting its reporting errors, particularly regarding the debunked Russia collusion story.

Avoiding Stories That Could Help President Trump: Berliner revealed that NPR did not want to report stories that could benefit President Trump’s chances in the 2020 Presidential Election. Even if these stories were true and important, NPR allegedly avoided them.