In a recent display of journalistic loyalty, CNN’s media correspondent Brian Stelter has come to the defense of PBS and NPR, asserting that these public broadcasters are merely fulfilling their role in the news ecosystem.
For years, conservative voices have clamored for the defunding of these institutions, arguing that they receive taxpayer money while consistently delivering news coverage that skews sharply to the left. Their critics contend that the programming often disparages anyone with views right of Bernie Sanders.
With the possibility of Republicans finally moving to cut off federal funding for PBS and NPR, Stelter has jumped into the fray, attempting to frame these outlets as paragons of journalistic integrity.
NewsBusters reported:
During the Tax Day edition of CNNâs Inside Politics, Stelter appeared alongside host Dana Bash to allege that President Trumpâs agenda includes defunding PBS and NPR, which he claims are just âcovering the news.â If Stelter genuinely believes this, it begs the question of how he defines newsworthiness.
Bash probed further, asking, âWhatâs the White Houseâs take on not only PBS and NPR but its broader conflicts with media organizations, including the AP, that we discussed earlier?â
Stelter responded by explaining, âThe White Houseâs narrative revolves around combating what they term âwokeismâ and liberal bias. Theyâve outlined instances of perceived bias at NPR and PBS, accusing them of disseminating âradical woke propaganda disguised as news.ââ
However, Stelter wasnât convinced by this perspective: âSome of the examples cited on the White Houseâs list are merely instances where NPR and PBS are reporting on the news, such as stories about transgender Americans. This list clearly reflects the presidentâs agenda to challenge DEI initiatives. Moreover, we see the FCC facing pressure, and signs of authoritarianism emerging. Yet, networks like CBS continue to report the news. The same can be said for PBS and NPR.â
Hereâs the clip:
Brian Stelter warns that “it would also be, in many cases, Republican constituents that would suffer” from the defunding of PBS and NPR. He also claims, “Some of the examples [of liberal bias] on the list on the White House website are examples of NPR and PBS simply covering the news⊠pic.twitter.com/DjSb07mYBT
â Alex Christy (@alexchristy17) April 15, 2025
It seems that figures like Stelter view the progressive stance as the norm, rendering conservative viewpoints as fringe. Such a perspective illustrates a broader disconnect, where acknowledging conservative arguments is perceived as an aberration.

