Overview

• NPR CEO Katherine Maher did not attend the hearing, citing a scheduling conflict with a board meeting, sparking criticism from Republicans.
• Former NPR editor Uri Berliner's essay alleging bias within the network prompted the congressional scrutiny.
• Democrats argue the hearing is unnecessary, citing NPR's role in providing balanced journalism and supporting local news coverage.
• Witnesses discussed potential reforms for public broadcasting, including decentralizing NPR to empower local stations.
• The debate also touched on broader issues of media funding and the role of public broadcasting in a democratic society.