Congressional Republicans grilled the heads of NPR and PBS over accusations of liberal bias during a heated House hearing. Lawmakers accused the taxpayer-funded networks of pushing “radical left positions” while neglecting conservative viewpoints. The clash highlights growing tensions over federal support for public media as Republicans push to defund these organizations.
Republicans blasted PBS for briefly featuring a drag queen on a New York City station’s website, calling it proof of “anti-American” programming. They also cited NPR’s lack of ideological diversity, pointing to a former editor’s claim that were registered Democrats with zero Republicans. PBS CEO Paula Kerger admitted the drag queen segment was a mistake but insisted it never aired on children’s shows.
Critics like Heritage Foundation’s Michael Gonzalez argued public broadcasting has become a “propaganda machine” for progressive politics. Former NPR editor Uri Berliner’s resignation over the network’s alleged left-wing bias became a focal point, with Republicans demanding accountability. NPR CEO Katherine Maher dodged questions about staff political leanings, saying the organization doesn’t track voter registrations.
The hearing exposed sharp divides over the role of federal funding. Republicans called the $535 million annual taxpayer subsidy wasteful, arguing private ads and underwriting now cover most costs. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) slammed PBS for airing commercials indistinguishable from corporate networks, asking why public media needs government checks if it operates like a business.
Democrats countered that GOP efforts to defund NPR and PBS would silence rural communities relying on these networks for emergency alerts and education. Alaska Public Media’s Ed Ulman warned cuts could leave remote areas without critical weather warnings. PBS highlighted how shows like Sesame Street teach literacy to children without access to preschools.
Conservatives argue public media’s leftward shift alienates half the country. Elon Musk and Donald Trump have labeled NPR/PBS “far-left” outlets, with Trump’s FCC launching probes into their funding practices. Project 2025—a conservative policy blueprint—urges defunding, claiming these networks no longer serve the national interest fairly.
If Republicans succeed, local stations like San Diego’s KPBS face losing 13% of their budgets—about $4 million yearly. While NPR/PBS leadership vows neutrality, critics say years of biased coverage prove otherwise. The hearing reinforced concerns that taxpayer dollars fuel media skewing against conservative values.
As trust in mainstream media erodes, alternatives like NEWSMAX gain traction by offering right-leaning perspectives without public funding. With 100 million+ U.S. households now accessing independent conservative networks, the debate over NPR/PBS relevancy—and taxpayer burdens—will likely intensify ahead of 2026 midterms.
