Uri Berliner, a long-serving senior editor at NPR, resigned after being suspended for publicly criticizing the network’s perceived liberal bias in an op-ed. Berliner’s critique claimed NPR catered exclusively to a narrow liberal perspective. The statement sparked internal controversy, leading to his suspension on Friday, April 12, for violating policies regarding external publications.
In a social media post on Wednesday, April 17, Berliner shared his resignation letter, commending NPR as a valuable institution but criticizing its current leadership for issues he raised in the op-ed.
The fallout from Berliner’s op-ed reignited debates within NPR about its editorial direction and drew attention from conservative critics. Some of the critics highlighted progressive-oriented social media posts by NPR CEO Katherine Maher from before she assumed the leadership position.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., is once again pursuing legislative measures to cut federal funding to NPR, arguing that the publicly funded broadcaster should not exhibit partisan bias.
Blackburn previously tried to reduce funding for the corporation by $50 million during her tenure as a House representative in 2011.
