NPR CEO Katherine Maher says no to House hearing invitation amid bias scandal.
National Public Radio (NPR) Chief Katherine Maher has declined the House committee’s request to appear on Wednesday, as confirmed by the organization.
In a statement, a spokesperson for NPR stated, “NPR respects the Committee and its request and has offered to testify on a date in the near future that works for the Committee and Maher.”
According to NPR, a board of directors meeting was previously scheduled and publicly posted.
“These meetings are scheduled more than a year in advance. This meeting will be Maher’s first opportunity to review and consult with the Board on the challenges and opportunities facing the organization, including a strategy to lead NPR forward in fulfilling its public service mission to serve all of America,” the spokesperson continued.
The spokesperson highlighted that Maher has only been CEO for six weeks, underscoring the significance of the upcoming board meeting.
NPR has been under scrutiny for almost a month following a critical essay by a former senior editor.
Regarding Maher’s absence from the scheduled hearing, the spokesperson mentioned, “Maher is therefore unable to attend this week’s hearing and has communicated that to the committee and proposed alternate dates. Maher will provide written testimony in her absence.”
Last week, House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers requested Maher’s appearance on Wednesday.
Expressing concerns about the direction of NPR under current and past leadership, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers elucidated the committee’s worries.
“The Chair looks forward to reviewing her thorough and transparent responses to the Committee’s letter,” they added.
NPR has been facing increased scrutiny from Republicans in recent weeks following revelations in an essay by a former senior editor. The essay detailed concerns about the organization’s integrity, including the composition of NPR’s Washington, D.C., newsroom reportedly having zero Republicans and 87 identified Democrats.
As a result of these revelations, some Republicans have called for the revocation of federal funding given to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports NPR.
