House Republicans call NPR CEO to discuss alleged bias.
House Energy & Commerce Committee Summons NPR CEO to Address Left-Wing Bias Allegations
The House Energy & Commerce Committee is calling NPR CEO Katherine Maher to Congress to respond to accusations of left-wing bias, despite receiving federal funds. Committee Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers expressed concerns about NPR’s direction under past and present leadership. As a publicly funded radio organization, NPR should prioritize fair and objective news reporting that represents the views of the broader U.S. population, not just a niche audience.
McMorris Rodgers, along with Morgan Griffith and Bob Latta, sent a letter inviting Maher to publicly testify before Congress to address the allegations of political and ideological bias at NPR. The lawmakers also inquired about the political affiliations of NPR’s newsroom staff, concerns raised by the board of directors regarding political diversity, and sought internal materials regarding viewpoint diversity.
Conservatives have long criticized NPR for its left-wing bias, particularly as it receives federal grants and government funding. Former NPR editor Uri Berliner highlighted the mishandling of critical stories like Hunter Biden’s laptop and COVID-19 lab leak theories, as well as the imbalance of registered Democrats in the newsroom.
Lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with Maher’s past statement questioning the need for truth in journalism, as well as her criticism of free speech protections. Maher faced questioning about NPR’s coverage of national security issues like the Mueller report, Hunter Biden’s laptop, and the origins of COVID-19, accusing the outlet of left-leaning reporting.
The Committee requested Maher’s response to their inquiries by May 14, following Maher’s dismissal of criticism as a distortion of her views. The hearing aims to address concerns over NPR’s editorial practices and ensure a commitment to fair and balanced reporting.
Stay updated on this developing story as NPR CEO Katherine Maher faces questioning from the House Energy & Commerce Committee regarding left-wing bias allegations. Follow us on Twitter at @bostonpostnews for the latest updates.
