NPR CEO Katherine Maher has defended her previous “woke” social media comments and dismissed internal turmoil within the organization following criticism from a veteran staffer about its left-leaning bias. Maher, who became CEO in March, has faced backlash over past remarks on various topics, including the First Amendment, misinformation, and the perceived bias of written history towards the perspective of white men.
However, Maher has emphasized the need to address the organization’s transformation to better fulfill its mission. “All of this, frankly, is a bit of a distraction relative to the transformation our organization needs to undergo in order to best serve our mandate,” she told the Wall Street Journal.
Maher condemned claims of bias at NPR, stating that the organization should be open to criticism but defending its journalistic integrity. She cited the findings of external reviewers, such as NPR’s public editor and Poynter executive Kelly McBride, who examined coverage of Israel and Gaza and concluded that the journalism was “really solid.”
Maher also responded to criticism from Uri Berliner, a Peabody Award-winning journalist who resigned after raising concerns about journalistic blind spots and a perceived lack of diversity in the newsroom. Berliner had alleged that there were 87 registered Democrats and no Republicans on NPR’s editorial staff. Maher characterized Berliner’s comments as “profoundly disrespectful, hurtful, and demeaning” to his colleagues and accused him of questioning their integrity based on their political affiliation.
Despite the controversy, Maher remains focused on NPR’s long-term growth and dismisses concerns about her personal political opinions affecting her ability to lead the organization. “There are many professions in which you set aside your own personal perspectives in order to lead in public service, and that is exactly how I have always led organizations and will continue to lead NPR,” she said.
