Congressional Republicans are intensifying pressure on National Public Broadcasting (NPR) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) following a bias scandal within NPR. The House and Senate Republicans have sent letters to both entities, urging action to uphold NPR's integrity and address allegations of ideological bias made by former senior editor Uri Berliner.
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce has requested NPR CEO Katherine Maher to appear for an Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing to address the allegations. Committee Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers expressed concerns about NPR's leadership direction under past and present management.
Despite the committee's request, NPR spokesperson stated that Maher would not testify on the scheduled date due to a prior commitment. NPR has offered to testify on an alternative date and will provide written testimony in Maher's absence.
The House Energy and Commerce committee spokesperson remarked that Maher's decision not to testify speaks volumes, emphasizing the importance of transparent responses to the committee's inquiries.
On the Senate side, Chairwoman Maria Cantwell is focused on passing a five-year reauthorization bill, indicating no immediate plans to address the NPR allegations in the Senate.
CPB has also received scrutiny over its grant funding to NPR, with Senators Ted Cruz and Rick Scott sending letters regarding the matter. CPB confirmed receipt of Senator Cruz's letter and pledged to respond promptly.
The allegations of bias in NPR's newsroom have prompted discussions and bills in both chambers to cut NPR's funding. One proposed bill aims to halt federal funding to NPR and restrict public radio stations with federal grants from engaging with NPR.
Berliner's essay, published a month ago, revealed a lack of Republican representation in NPR's Washington, D.C., newsroom compared to Democrats.
