Katherine Maher, the President and CEO of National Public Radio (NPR), recently testified before Congress about proposed cuts to federal funding for public media. This hearing took place at the U.S. Capitol on March 26, 2025, amid a growing controversy over the Trump administration’s plan to eliminate nearly all federal funding for organizations like NPR and PBS.
The administration claims that these networks spread what they describe as "radical, woke propaganda" disguised as news. According to a White House official, a memo outlining this funding cut is set to be sent to Congress when it reconvenes on April 28. This memo would initiate a 45-day window for Congress to either approve the cuts or restore the funding, which totals approximately $1.1 billion for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
During the hearing, Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger addressed concerns raised by Republican lawmakers about perceived bias in programming. Both leaders defended the importance of public media, emphasizing their commitment to providing free and nonpartisan news to all Americans. Maher pointed out that NPR itself receives only about one percent of its budget from the federal government, but many of its member stations rely heavily on federal funding. She noted that rural stations, in particular, could face severe cuts or even closure without this support.
In an interview following the hearing, Maher explained that the potential loss of federal funds would significantly impact NPR’s ability to operate effectively. She highlighted that federal funding supports critical services, such as safety equipment for journalists in conflict zones and resources for covering national elections.
Maher expressed concern that if the funding is cut, it would jeopardize local news coverage, especially in areas where other news sources have diminished. She pointed out that about 20 percent of Americans rely solely on their local public radio station for news.
The NPR CEO also addressed the question of whether public funding limits NPR’s operations. She argued that federal support actually helps NPR fulfill its mission of serving a diverse audience across the country. Maher reiterated that public media plays a vital role in ensuring that all voices are heard, regardless of political beliefs.
As the April deadline approaches, the future of public media funding hangs in the balance, with Maher and Kerger advocating for the importance of their services in maintaining informed communities across the nation.