Comedian Bill Maher voiced strong criticism of NPR during an interview on the NPR Newsmakers podcast, labeling the public radio institution as part of the "extreme-left." Maher, who has previously identified as liberal, expressed surprise at being invited to appear on the program hosted by Steve Inskeep.
During the Wednesday interview, Maher stated, "I just think of this place as so different than what it used to be." He lamented a perceived lack of engagement with opposing viewpoints, suggesting that neither political extreme in the country readily engages with arguments that challenge their positions. "And maybe I'm wrong, but I think of this place as, like, on the far extreme of the left," Maher said, prompting a brief pause before Inskeep responded, "Yeah. Maybe."
Maher further elaborated on his concerns, questioning whether NPR's news coverage presents progressive ideals in a way that allows for examination or if it enforces a singular viewpoint. "Or is it just like, 'no... it does not conform to the one true opinion,'" he asked.
Inskeep attempted to counter Maher's assessment by stating that NPR aims to feature a diversity of voices. "Well, I'm with you. We want to hear all kinds of people, and we go out of our way to do it," Inskeep said, to which Maher responded curtly, "Great."
Earlier in the interview, Maher also criticized news outlets in general for what he described as a focus on less significant issues while neglecting more critical matters such as "the politicization of the Justice Department, DOGE, ICE, corruption." He suggested that those in power often "get drunk with power" regardless of party affiliation.
This exchange follows a period of scrutiny for NPR. In March 2025, congressional representatives questioned NPR CEO Katherine Maher regarding reports of a lack of registered Republicans among its staff, with filings indicating that 87 employees were Democrats and none were registered Republicans. At the time, the CEO stated that NPR is a nonpartisan organization and suggested that the successful congressional vote to claw back funding for public media was politically motivated. Federal funding, however, constituted approximately 1 percent of NPR's annual revenue.