Katherine Maher, the CEO of NPR, and Paula Kerger, the head of PBS, are set to testify before a U.S. House subcommittee on Wednesday. Their appearance comes amid discussions about cutting federal funding for public broadcasting. This hearing, titled "Anti-American Airwaves: Holding the Heads of NPR and PBS Accountable," is expected to focus on the perceived liberal bias of both organizations.
Kerger, who has been with PBS for many years, and Maher, who took over NPR just a year ago, represent two different backgrounds. Kerger has a long history in public television, while Maher transitioned from a tech background to journalism. Despite their differences, both women are united in their mission to defend public broadcasting against growing criticism.
The context for their testimony is significant. Some lawmakers, particularly those aligned with former President Trump, have been vocal critics of NPR and PBS. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who will lead the hearing, has accused the networks of biased reporting on various issues, including the Hunter Biden laptop story and COVID-19 origins. Greene stated that she wants to understand why these networks should receive taxpayer funding.
Kerger expressed concern that the current political climate represents a unique challenge for public broadcasters. "This moment does feel different," she said, emphasizing the need to make a strong case for the value of public media.
The hearing is not just about funding; it’s also about the broader role of public media in American society. Both Maher and Kerger highlight the importance of their networks in providing educational content and emergency broadcasting services. For instance, PBS recently launched a new series aimed at children with autism, showcasing its commitment to diverse audiences.
Funding for public broadcasting primarily comes from Congress through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This year, Congress allocated $535 million, with most of that going to television. NPR relies heavily on corporate sponsorship and fees from member stations, with only a small percentage of its budget coming from federal sources.
The stakes are particularly high for rural public broadcasters, which may depend on federal funding for up to half of their revenue. Kerger noted that losing this funding could pose an existential threat to these stations.
As the hearing approaches, both Maher and Kerger are preparing to defend their organizations and the vital services they provide to millions of Americans. They believe that public media plays a crucial role in informing the public and contributing to national discourse. Maher emphasized that public media is significant in the U.S. and that ongoing support from listeners and viewers is essential to its survival.