DeKalb GA News

CNN's media correspondent Brian Stelter has expressed his support for PBS and NPR, asserting that they are "simply covering the news." Stelter made these comments on CNN's Inside Politics, hosted by Dana Bash, amidst discussions about the potential defunding of these public broadcasting outlets by Republicans.

For years, conservative voices have argued for the defunding of PBS and NPR, criticizing them for what they perceive as biased coverage favoring liberal viewpoints. With the possibility of Republican efforts to withdraw taxpayer funding from these outlets, Stelter has criticized these efforts, positioning PBS and NPR as credible news sources.

In the Inside Politics segment, Stelter commented on the White House’s position, explaining, "When it comes to the White House’s framing of this, it’s about taking on wokeism and liberal bias." He cited a quote from the White House website claiming that taxpayer funds have supported NPR and PBS, which they argue spread "radical woke propaganda disguised as news."

Stelter challenged this view, stating, "Some of the examples on the list on the White House website are examples of NPR and PBS simply covering the news, for example, about transgender Americans." He added that, despite allegations of partisan bias, PBS and NPR "keep reporting the news."

During the discussion, Stelter also addressed broader media dynamics, stating, "We see signs of authoritarianism all around. And yet networks like PBS and NPR continue their reporting."

Stelter highlighted potential consequences of defunding these outlets, mentioning, "it would also be, in many cases, Republican constituents that would suffer."

The debate over the role and funding of public broadcasting continues as discussions about media bias and governmental influence in media coverage remain significant.