GOP senators worry about NPR bias and ask CEO to make changes.
Republicans Send Letter to NPR CEO Over Concerns of Ideological Bias
A group of Republican senators recently expressed their concerns about ideological bias at National Public Radio (NPR) in a letter addressed to the organization’s CEO, Katherine Maher. These concerns arose following criticism from former senior editor Uri Berliner, who resigned from his position citing Maher’s “divisive views.” The letter, spearheaded by Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota and also signed by Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, and Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri, highlighted the senators’ worries about the editorial direction under NPR’s national leadership.
In his essay for the Free Press on April 9, Berliner raised issues surrounding why he believes NPR has lost public trust. He criticized the coverage of various events, including allegations of former President Trump’s collusion with Russia in the 2016 election, Hunter Biden’s laptop, and the theory that COVID-19 originated in a lab in China and was leaked. Berliner also disclosed that his research revealed there were “87 registered Democrats” in editorial roles in NPR’s Washington, D.C., headquarters, with no Republican representation.
The senators emphasized that the lack of ideological diversity at NPR constitutes an “ethical failure.” They expressed concern that the predominately left-leaning editorial stance poses a threat to the integrity and diversity of thought at the publication. They called on Maher to address this issue and initiate a “course correction” to remedy the lack of diversity exposed within NPR.
Maher’s lack of editorial background, combined with her outspoken Democratic views expressed on social media, has drawn further scrutiny. In 2020, Maher criticized news outlets for their coverage of looting during the riots following the death of George Floyd, stating, “I mean, sure, looting is counterproductive. But it’s hard to be mad about protests not prioritizing the private property of a system of oppression founded on treating people’s ancestors as private property.”
Following Berliner’s public criticism of NPR, some Republican lawmakers have called for restrictions on funding for the organization, which receives federal grants. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has announced her intention to introduce legislation aimed at addressing funding for NPR, with several measures already under consideration in the House.
Overall, the concerns raised by Republican senators highlight the ongoing debate surrounding ideological bias in the media and the importance of maintaining impartiality and diversity of thought in news coverage. As NPR faces scrutiny over its editorial practices, the organization may need to take steps to address these concerns and ensure that its reporting reflects a wide range of perspectives.
