I’ve Been at NPR for 25 Years. Here’s How We Lost America’s Trust. Uri Berliner, a veteran at the public radio institution, says the network lost its way when it started telling listeners….
I’ve Been at NPR for 25 Years. Here’s How We Lost America’s Trust. Uri Berliner, a veteran at the public radio institution, says the network lost its way when it started telling listeners….
NPR is the searing proof that information and propaganda platforms should NEVER be government funded/run.
This was a dumping ground for every brainwashed liberal/communist/globalism academic and CIA social engineering putsch (in this country) all paid for with our taxes.
MPR is the equivalent of our propaganda radio operations - that've been used for decades to subvert a foreign populous toward a color revolution - on our own soil.
Of course virtually ALL media is NPR (government op/controlled), but without the nauseating patchouli stench, wafting through the air.
Takes courage to stand up for one’s principles and I give him credit . But there comes a time you have to look at yourself in the mirror. It’s unfortunate that so many ppl hv TDS. I say to ppl that I’m not having Trump over for dinner. I’m voting for the policies. And what I feel is best for the country. And I hold dearly our 1st Amendment that I saw taken away from us under the Obama Administration and certainly with the Biden Administration. The censorship we saw under this administration has been out of control and what was done under Covid reminded me of what my parents went through under Hitler when he got into power in 1933. They brought me up what it was like for them living under Nazi rule. And what my father went through in concentration camp. I saw the propaganda by the MSM and the Biden Administration and it was no different than what Joseph Goebbels did. The problem with most Americans is they don’t know history or human nature. And how ironic how the left accuses Trump of everything they are guilty of doing. And I laugh when I hear the morons on CNN and MSNBC spew out the words Nazi and Fascist when they have no idea what they are talking about. And when they tire of that they use racist and white supremacist even if one is a black conservative. No wonder why ppl like URI Berlinger is waking up. Along with a lot of other Americans.
The Trump Russia connection is 100% real, and you're EXACTLY the type of liberal that caused his rise.
You started at NPR just before W and the conservative movement destroyed the previous funding model and allowed Koch enterprises and other corporatists to buy out the NPR byline. NPR got objectively more conservatice and refused to cover climate change properly because of it. No mention at all of that?
The only one pushing lies is you. Most Trump-Russia collusion stories have been discredited and as Mr. Beeline said, many originated from chief Russia hoaxer Adam Schiff. The only people who still believe in the Trump Russia connection are desperate MSNBC viewers.
I find some of his arguments as lazy and completely devoid of recognizing what has happened over the past 25 years. First and foremost, NPR didn't "lose" conservative listeners, they left to follow the exploding right wing positional media over the past 25 years. Just as I left being a Fox News viewer over time because of how partisan and fear based it became. How many times over the past 25 years have Conservatives tried to shut down or defund NPR? That as much as any events is what has driven conservatives away from NPR.
He uses as an example that "Mueller report did not find collusion." First, let's acknowledge very clearly that Mueller articulated that his report DID NOT exonerate Trump. We also know from trump's own son and others that they specifically met with Russian operatives to get dirt on Hillary. Donnie Jr. testified that it went nowhere because the dirt was not "dirty enough." 8 different trump associates went to jail for lying to the FBI, so what did they lie about? What we do know is trump pardoned every one of those who lied for him. We also know that for collusion to be proven, we'd need the REAL testimony of his family members and the testimony of the 30 Russians that were indicted. We got neither of those.
Really Vicki? I watch and read across the entire spectrum of news, from Reason to National Review to CNN. I read the Mueller report, did you? So you disagree, Conservatives LOVE NPR, Republicans work tirelessly to ensure NPR is fully funded? Really?
You like NPR, have become delusional. Thinking conservatives are too stupid to hear more than one side like URI said NPR was stupid enough to present only one side. NPR, like you, picked sides. Now, they must live with that decision. Oh, like many Democrats, you have decided to blame republicans and fox for NPR’s loss.
Mike for many you are correct, too stupid, for the others they just want their "i am a victim" echo chamber. The majority of Conservatives have no time or want for Point Counterpoint, they just want to bury themselves in the fear and loathing rhetoric of Carlson, Hannity, Laura, Alex Jones et al.
But please, prove me wrong by providing me links to all the activities taken up by Conservatives and the GOP supporting NPR. Meanwhile, let me share a link from a LIBERTARIAN source calling out yet another instance of the GOP trying to defund NPR over the past 20 years.
Amen! We were Fox watchers when they first came on; even looked forward to Bill o’Reilly. Then they (and he) became more & more extreme and we turned the channel.
If Conservatives left NPR, it was voluntary & because they’re becoming more & more radicalized as time goes on. There used to be a middle ground. That train left the Station with the tea party and finally died with Trump.
Archie and Jughead live....the least radical of all are conservatives who stick with the basic premise of good common sense, unlike the last especially insane and woke craziness that are beyond left of the past (current) three years!
I guess you never read Mike Taibbi’s in depth investigative Rolling Stone article on Russiagate. I would before embarrassing yourself on this post. One cannot argue with facts.
Mueller never said there was no Russian collusion. Go back & read the Report. The writer complains about “don’t say gay” yet people have been using the derogatory term Obama care for the affordable healthcare act for years. This entire rambling tirade is tiresome & ridiculous. Whine much?
I figured out pretty early on that NPR and PBS went woke after Trump was elected. I happily voted for him, a self made and daring entrepreneur that was abrasive but never backed down. And still does not. Having worked in DC in the political realm I knew the game. I was tired and sick of it and the ever quest for reelection rather than "doing the people's work" which is about what most politicians are about. After that, I wrote both so called "for all the people" organization off as traitors and that's what you are. Pushing your own liberal agenda instead of representing all the people regardless of their disposition on politics. The worst is taking money and advertising as you do but not doing what your promise/advertise. That is sinful and it's thoroughly disgusting. Thanks for speaking up, we have a new respect for you. But not the organizations.....
A great article Mr. Berliner, from someone who considers himself fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I think you could make the same comments about all of the issues ignored (probably by NPR and others) regarding EVs, electrical power, the intermittency of wind and solar and the need for distributable power. For example, as to EVs, all of the "issues" (limited range, cold weather, battery weight and tire wear outs after10,000 miles etc. etc.) about EVs were out there before their sales fell off the cliff-but we never heard about them until recently from any of the press I listen to or read. Every unusual weather event is now tagged as climate change by reporters who know nothing of any scientific connection, or the fact that such weather events also happend hundreds of times over the millenia. John Stuart Mill said something to the effect that he who only knows his own side of the issue knows very little. We need to hear both sides. You are spot on.
Thank you for writing this Uri. I have very fond memories of listening to NPR in the car, and had many 'driveway moments' myself over the years.
It is a shame that such a wonderful institution could adopt a 'my way or the highway' attitude towards reporting the 'news', let alone editorial opinions. To actually respect diversity, you have to reflect diversity, which few news outlets seem to be willing to do.
I am heartened to see that folks like Bari, Glenn, Matt and now yourself still exist in journalism. That does give me hope that once we get through this period of ideological capture the future of your industry can return to the status it once had in society.
Thanks Mr Berliner for the courage to speak up. I quit listening (and contributing) to NPR years ago when every story seemed to have a climate crises bent. Do any of their reporters recognize many of their listeners do not buy the argument that by reducing CO2 emissions we somehow can prevent bad weather?
Thank you, Mr. Berliner. This needed saying long ago.
I listened to NPR almost exclusively until about 2007. There was no single event that turned me off their programming, but it was clear even that long ago that NPR was being captured by leftist ideologues, and then not long after that they began to kneel to other political orthodoxies. I have a vivid memory of tuning in to Dianne Rheem one day when she was interviewing someone from the left and someone from the right. They were both respected authorities in their field, but diametrically opposed political viewpoints. Early in the interview the conservative said he felt outnumbered, and Dianne pointed out that the two men were equally matched. The conservative did not say it, but I'm sure he was thinking he was a lone conservative facing two leftists. I had been thinking the same thing. No self-awareness at all on Rheem's part. How could there be? Everyone else in her office was what they call -- also with a charming lack of self-awareness -- "progressive".
Breath of fresh air and loved hearing Uri on Honestly. I stopped listening to NPR when I saw blatant avoidance and complete neglect for the topics i was concerned with. It is disturbing when you think you can trust a news source and then realize it’s still all woke lies. Thank you for the validation Uri!
Thank you for this article as it sheds light on why I haven’t found value in NPR journalism the past few years. I used to love Morning Edition and others but I haven’t been able to stomach them as of late.
Your article helped me to understand that I wasn’t crazy that something did happen internally that changed the product and that it was done intentionally. Thank you again and I too hope the new CEO will reinvigorate NPR with curiosity and diversity of thought.
All of the "old" media is simply a conduit for propaganda and lies told by our government and the global cabal of demons.
Well said Elaine.
NPR is the searing proof that information and propaganda platforms should NEVER be government funded/run.
This was a dumping ground for every brainwashed liberal/communist/globalism academic and CIA social engineering putsch (in this country) all paid for with our taxes.
MPR is the equivalent of our propaganda radio operations - that've been used for decades to subvert a foreign populous toward a color revolution - on our own soil.
Of course virtually ALL media is NPR (government op/controlled), but without the nauseating patchouli stench, wafting through the air.
NPR is bland and boring. I suggest a diversity study of staff's educational background. Get rid of the Ivy Leaguers and things would get better.
Takes courage to stand up for one’s principles and I give him credit . But there comes a time you have to look at yourself in the mirror. It’s unfortunate that so many ppl hv TDS. I say to ppl that I’m not having Trump over for dinner. I’m voting for the policies. And what I feel is best for the country. And I hold dearly our 1st Amendment that I saw taken away from us under the Obama Administration and certainly with the Biden Administration. The censorship we saw under this administration has been out of control and what was done under Covid reminded me of what my parents went through under Hitler when he got into power in 1933. They brought me up what it was like for them living under Nazi rule. And what my father went through in concentration camp. I saw the propaganda by the MSM and the Biden Administration and it was no different than what Joseph Goebbels did. The problem with most Americans is they don’t know history or human nature. And how ironic how the left accuses Trump of everything they are guilty of doing. And I laugh when I hear the morons on CNN and MSNBC spew out the words Nazi and Fascist when they have no idea what they are talking about. And when they tire of that they use racist and white supremacist even if one is a black conservative. No wonder why ppl like URI Berlinger is waking up. Along with a lot of other Americans.
Who was president in 2020?
Wow, this piece is literally littered with lies.
The Trump Russia connection is 100% real, and you're EXACTLY the type of liberal that caused his rise.
You started at NPR just before W and the conservative movement destroyed the previous funding model and allowed Koch enterprises and other corporatists to buy out the NPR byline. NPR got objectively more conservatice and refused to cover climate change properly because of it. No mention at all of that?
You should be fired immediately.
The only one pushing lies is you. Most Trump-Russia collusion stories have been discredited and as Mr. Beeline said, many originated from chief Russia hoaxer Adam Schiff. The only people who still believe in the Trump Russia connection are desperate MSNBC viewers.
What planet are you from because it sure isn't the earth?
You are either a troll or just plain ignorant.
I find some of his arguments as lazy and completely devoid of recognizing what has happened over the past 25 years. First and foremost, NPR didn't "lose" conservative listeners, they left to follow the exploding right wing positional media over the past 25 years. Just as I left being a Fox News viewer over time because of how partisan and fear based it became. How many times over the past 25 years have Conservatives tried to shut down or defund NPR? That as much as any events is what has driven conservatives away from NPR.
He uses as an example that "Mueller report did not find collusion." First, let's acknowledge very clearly that Mueller articulated that his report DID NOT exonerate Trump. We also know from trump's own son and others that they specifically met with Russian operatives to get dirt on Hillary. Donnie Jr. testified that it went nowhere because the dirt was not "dirty enough." 8 different trump associates went to jail for lying to the FBI, so what did they lie about? What we do know is trump pardoned every one of those who lied for him. We also know that for collusion to be proven, we'd need the REAL testimony of his family members and the testimony of the 30 Russians that were indicted. We got neither of those.
That is the dumbest thing I"ve read today. You sound like like the propaganda networks, such old and pathetic rhetoric. Ho hum.
https://reason.com/2024/04/19/another-day-another-doomed-plan-to-defund-npr/
Really Vicki? I watch and read across the entire spectrum of news, from Reason to National Review to CNN. I read the Mueller report, did you? So you disagree, Conservatives LOVE NPR, Republicans work tirelessly to ensure NPR is fully funded? Really?
You like NPR, have become delusional. Thinking conservatives are too stupid to hear more than one side like URI said NPR was stupid enough to present only one side. NPR, like you, picked sides. Now, they must live with that decision. Oh, like many Democrats, you have decided to blame republicans and fox for NPR’s loss.
Mike for many you are correct, too stupid, for the others they just want their "i am a victim" echo chamber. The majority of Conservatives have no time or want for Point Counterpoint, they just want to bury themselves in the fear and loathing rhetoric of Carlson, Hannity, Laura, Alex Jones et al.
But please, prove me wrong by providing me links to all the activities taken up by Conservatives and the GOP supporting NPR. Meanwhile, let me share a link from a LIBERTARIAN source calling out yet another instance of the GOP trying to defund NPR over the past 20 years.
https://reason.com/2024/04/19/another-day-another-doomed-plan-to-defund-npr/
Amen! We were Fox watchers when they first came on; even looked forward to Bill o’Reilly. Then they (and he) became more & more extreme and we turned the channel.
If Conservatives left NPR, it was voluntary & because they’re becoming more & more radicalized as time goes on. There used to be a middle ground. That train left the Station with the tea party and finally died with Trump.
Archie and Jughead live....the least radical of all are conservatives who stick with the basic premise of good common sense, unlike the last especially insane and woke craziness that are beyond left of the past (current) three years!
I guess you never read Mike Taibbi’s in depth investigative Rolling Stone article on Russiagate. I would before embarrassing yourself on this post. One cannot argue with facts.
Matt Tai bi is a professional liar who literally lived and worked in Russia for years.
You are absolutely right in your response the URI Berliner opinion piece. To me he should get a job with his friends at FOX!
He should try to read the unredacted version of the Mueler report. He has not.
Should NPR give equal voice to the lie of the 2020 “stolen election”? NO!
Yes, the Bush cuts, the Trump turn has been disabling and destructive to many, many media outlets [if not all]. He's ignoring so much. How sad.
Mueller never said there was no Russian collusion. Go back & read the Report. The writer complains about “don’t say gay” yet people have been using the derogatory term Obama care for the affordable healthcare act for years. This entire rambling tirade is tiresome & ridiculous. Whine much?
I figured out pretty early on that NPR and PBS went woke after Trump was elected. I happily voted for him, a self made and daring entrepreneur that was abrasive but never backed down. And still does not. Having worked in DC in the political realm I knew the game. I was tired and sick of it and the ever quest for reelection rather than "doing the people's work" which is about what most politicians are about. After that, I wrote both so called "for all the people" organization off as traitors and that's what you are. Pushing your own liberal agenda instead of representing all the people regardless of their disposition on politics. The worst is taking money and advertising as you do but not doing what your promise/advertise. That is sinful and it's thoroughly disgusting. Thanks for speaking up, we have a new respect for you. But not the organizations.....
Self made……
“Self made” with daddy Trump’s $400 million dollar start up money and then went bankrupt 6 times. “Self Made”?
Okay, how many days until Uri is not longer employed by NPR? I am betting 8 days.
I think by Friday, I’m afraid. But great article. And what courage.
Courage to lie?
YOU WIN
https://twitter.com/uberliner/status/1780610524411048183
Welcome to your new Substack career! Truthtellers wanted!
The problem is not that NPR is biased, the problem is that conservatism has become synonymous with bigotry, lies and abuse of power.
If you look at the last 8 years and think the problem is that CONSERVATIVES are lying.....
That is Absolutely the problem.
Actually people like you are the problem...living in a dream world of CNN, etc. Yes, there is a Santa Claus, Lisa!!! (wink wink)
I have encountered that leftist mindset expressed every election since 1960. It is obviously a tenet of faith, because it is not based in fact.
A great article Mr. Berliner, from someone who considers himself fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I think you could make the same comments about all of the issues ignored (probably by NPR and others) regarding EVs, electrical power, the intermittency of wind and solar and the need for distributable power. For example, as to EVs, all of the "issues" (limited range, cold weather, battery weight and tire wear outs after10,000 miles etc. etc.) about EVs were out there before their sales fell off the cliff-but we never heard about them until recently from any of the press I listen to or read. Every unusual weather event is now tagged as climate change by reporters who know nothing of any scientific connection, or the fact that such weather events also happend hundreds of times over the millenia. John Stuart Mill said something to the effect that he who only knows his own side of the issue knows very little. We need to hear both sides. You are spot on.
Thank you for writing this Uri. I have very fond memories of listening to NPR in the car, and had many 'driveway moments' myself over the years.
It is a shame that such a wonderful institution could adopt a 'my way or the highway' attitude towards reporting the 'news', let alone editorial opinions. To actually respect diversity, you have to reflect diversity, which few news outlets seem to be willing to do.
I am heartened to see that folks like Bari, Glenn, Matt and now yourself still exist in journalism. That does give me hope that once we get through this period of ideological capture the future of your industry can return to the status it once had in society.
Thanks Mr Berliner for the courage to speak up. I quit listening (and contributing) to NPR years ago when every story seemed to have a climate crises bent. Do any of their reporters recognize many of their listeners do not buy the argument that by reducing CO2 emissions we somehow can prevent bad weather?
Thank you, Mr. Berliner. This needed saying long ago.
I listened to NPR almost exclusively until about 2007. There was no single event that turned me off their programming, but it was clear even that long ago that NPR was being captured by leftist ideologues, and then not long after that they began to kneel to other political orthodoxies. I have a vivid memory of tuning in to Dianne Rheem one day when she was interviewing someone from the left and someone from the right. They were both respected authorities in their field, but diametrically opposed political viewpoints. Early in the interview the conservative said he felt outnumbered, and Dianne pointed out that the two men were equally matched. The conservative did not say it, but I'm sure he was thinking he was a lone conservative facing two leftists. I had been thinking the same thing. No self-awareness at all on Rheem's part. How could there be? Everyone else in her office was what they call -- also with a charming lack of self-awareness -- "progressive".
Breath of fresh air and loved hearing Uri on Honestly. I stopped listening to NPR when I saw blatant avoidance and complete neglect for the topics i was concerned with. It is disturbing when you think you can trust a news source and then realize it’s still all woke lies. Thank you for the validation Uri!
Thank you for this article as it sheds light on why I haven’t found value in NPR journalism the past few years. I used to love Morning Edition and others but I haven’t been able to stomach them as of late.
Your article helped me to understand that I wasn’t crazy that something did happen internally that changed the product and that it was done intentionally. Thank you again and I too hope the new CEO will reinvigorate NPR with curiosity and diversity of thought.