News Hounds

Don’t Let Fox News Defund NPR

Reported by Ellen - October 25, 2010 -

In the wake of NPR firing Juan Williams, Fox News has joined the right wing in renewing its longstanding campaign to defund NPR. But as Free Press notes, cutting off NPR funding as punishment for firing Williams is like seeking the death penalty in small claims court. Please join us in supporting Free Press’ campaign to defend NPR.

Free Press’ Josh Silver wrote in a Huffington Post piece,

Public media like NPR play a crucial role in the American information ecosystem that is otherwise drowning in a sensationalism and soundbytes. It's no secret that newspapers -- the primary source of journalism -- are slashing staff and cutting back on original reporting. Many small- and medium-sized communities now have barely any reporters acting as the eyes and ears of the public.

NPR and its public media cousins provide the bulk of in-depth journalism and educational programming on television and radio -- and they are one of the few places currently hiring journalists and expanding their efforts to cover government and big corporations. Democracy is predicated on an informed citizenry, and never has the need for a robust public media system been greater.

We couldn’t agree more. Please sign the petition and pass it on. And while you're at it, check out Free Press' long-term campaign to reform public media.

On Friday (10/22/10), Free Press’ Joel Kelsey defended NPR to Megyn Kelly. Although Kelly’s show, America Live, airs during what is supposed to be part of Fox News’ “objective news” window, Kelly made it pretty darn clear where she stands on the issue – and it wasn’t with Kelsey.