Marjorie Taylor Green’s DOGE subcommittee goes after NPR and PBS

News website Politico writes that the House DOGE Subcommittee, headed by Georgia Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, has found its first target: Nonprofit news outlets such as NPR and PBS.

The House “Delivering on Government Efficiency” Subcommittee, which complements the work of Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency, has cited NPR and PBS to testify over allegations of political bias.

“As an organization that receives federal funds, both directly and indirectly through its member stations, NPR’s reporting should serve the entire public, not just a narrow slice of likeminded individuals and ideological interest groups”, Greene wrote on her letter to NPR CEO Katherine Maher, Politico reports.

Business Insider writes that Greene’s letter specifically criticizes NPR’s lack of coverage of the Hunter Biden laptop scandal in October 2020, arguing that the organization, along with PBS, was “systemically biased”.

NPR responded with a statement, cited by Business Insider, affirming that they would “welcome the opportunity to discuss the critical role of public media in delivering impartial, fact-based news and reporting to the American public”.

Politico points out that a letter with almost identical language was also sent to PBS CEO Paula Kerger. This time for describing that Elon Musk gave “what appeared to be a fascist salute” during their reporting of President Donald’s presidential inauguration.

According to Business Insider, PBS responded with a letter similar to NPR’s statement, claiming that they would “appreciate the opportunity to present to the committee how now, more than ever, the service PBS provides matters for our nation”.

Business Insider reveals that, on average, NPR only receives 1% of its annual budget from the federal government. Meanwhile, PBS claims that only 15% of its revenue comes from the federal government.

Politico explains that the battle over federal funding for public broadcasting has been going on for decades, generally with Republicans calling for its elimination and Democrats supporting the free news and entertainment services.

With the US government going through a myriad of rapid changes, could Elon Musk and Donald Trump have their way with public broadcasting?

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