NPR loses over $1 billion in federal funding amid claims of bias

In July 2025, the House approved a rescissions package that cut more than $1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, affecting National Public Radio (NPR) significantly. The move brought intense scrutiny and criticism regarding the network's editorial choices and alleged political bias. NPR's CEO Katherine Maher expressed deep frustration over the funding cuts during interviews, explaining the immediate effects it would have, particularly on rural stations that rely heavily on federal support. She pointed out that local coverage and independent programming would suffer as a result of this financial loss. Critics, including former NPR editor Uri Berliner, have attributed the network's loss of funding to its perceived alignment with 'fringe progressivism.' Berliner argued that this bias hindered NPR's claim to being an impartial news source and essentially led to its defunding. He emphasized that during his 25 years at NPR, he witnessed a shift towards more partisan coverage, especially after the 2016 election, where the news organization allegedly prioritized narratives that would harm then-President Donald Trump over objective reporting. Filmmaker Ken Burns also weighed in on the importance of federal funding for public media, describing it as a unique American institution. Burns warned that cutting funding would have disastrous effects on content creation for both new filmmakers and the education of children, particularly in underserved rural communities. He asserted that, despite concerns about financial sustainability, public broadcasting serves an essential purpose in delivering factual news and educational programming. The ramifications of these funding cuts extend beyond just NPR. Maher noted that the reductions could lead to layoffs and diminished news coverage, especially in already hard-to-reach areas. Critics argue that the loss of federal funding is a broader commentary on how the U.S. government prioritizes or deprioritizes public media. As the political landscape continues to shift, the debate over the role, funding, and perceived biases of public broadcasters like NPR remains contentious. The future of public media is uncertain in the face of budget constraints and rising political tension surrounding its existence.