NPR CEO Absence Ignites Congressional Debate on Media Bias and Funding

A House subcommittee hearing on alleged bias at NPR highlighted deep partisan divides, with Republicans accusing the network of left-wing bias and Democrats defending its journalistic integrity.

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.