Republicans Push Legislation to Defund NPR and PBS Over Alleged Bias

Proposed funding cuts could shutter up to 180 NPR stations, disproportionately impacting rural communities reliant on public broadcasting.

Republican lawmakers have introduced bills to eliminate federal funding for NPR and PBS, citing allegations of political bias and misuse of taxpayer dollars.
NPR CEO Katherine Maher defended the organization during congressional hearings, asserting its commitment to unbiased, fact-based reporting despite acknowledging past editorial missteps.
If federal funding is cut, up to 18% of NPR's member stations—primarily in rural areas—could close, reducing access to public media for underserved communities.
Critics of NPR argue that its reporting exhibits a liberal bias, particularly on issues like immigration, and disproportionately features progressive viewpoints.
Democratic lawmakers and public media advocates have opposed the proposed cuts, emphasizing NPR and PBS’s roles in providing essential news and educational content.