Republicans have long criticized PBS and NPR for perceived left-leaning programming, a sentiment that has intensified under the current administration, which has also restricted press access.

Despite these criticisms, a recent funding bill signed by Trump allocated $535 million to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, ensuring funding for public broadcasting through 2027.

Democrats, including Alaska Public Media President Ed Ulman, emphasized the critical role of public media in rural areas, where they often serve as the only source of news and information.

Both CEOs of NPR and PBS asserted the importance of maintaining robust public media to inform national discourse and serve the public interest, especially during times of political division.

NPR reaches approximately 43 million listeners weekly through over 1,000 stations, showcasing its extensive local journalism efforts and community engagement.

Local public media stations are leveraging the political attacks to bolster grassroots support and fundraising efforts, emphasizing their community roles and local impacts.

A recent YouGov survey indicated that PBS was the third most trusted news outlet among Americans, while NPR ranked seventeenth, countering claims of lost public trust in these organizations.

Democratic Representative Stephen Lynch criticized the hearing as a distraction from pressing issues, suggesting that the committee should focus on more significant matters like a recent security breach.

On March 26, 2025, the heads of National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) testified in a congressional hearing led by Marjorie Taylor Greene, amid ongoing efforts to defund public media.

Democrats characterized the hearing as an unwarranted attack on press freedom, drawing parallels to the Trump administration's previous controversies involving media.

Representative Jasmine Crockett condemned efforts to silence media voices that differ from conservative views, particularly those not aligned with Fox News.

PBS emphasized its role as a nonpartisan organization that has been serving local communities for nearly 60 years, providing a wide range of educational content.