PBS on the Brink of having its Funding Cut and MRC is at the Tip of the Spear
Dom Giordano, filling in for Rich Valdes, interviewed MRC’s David Bozell, Starts at the 12:15 mark:
David Bozell joined Dom Giordano to take a deep dive into a damning critique of PBS and NPR and their continued access to taxpayer funding amid accusations of left-leaning bias. The conversation centered squarely on how these publicly funded outlets systematically misrepresent themselves as politically neutral while repeatedly promoting progressive narratives—prompting growing calls, including from the White House, to strip their funding.
Bozell began by highlighting a recent MRC report showcasing a striking example of PBS’s “gaslighting” approach to bias. He noted how PBS deliberately labeled liberal commentators like MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart as “progressive” but also branded David Brooks of The New York Times—another reliably left-leaning voice—as “conservative.” This misleading framing gives the false impression of balance where little, if any, exists. Bozell emphasized that viewers are being manipulated into thinking PBS NewsHour offers ideological diversity, when in reality, it often features mutual agreement among talking heads, cloaked as debate newsbusters.org.
The discussion then turned to President Trump’s Executive Order aimed at defunding public broadcasting, sparked by mounting evidence of editorial bias. Bozell argued this was long overdue. He pointed out that PBS and NPR receive hundreds of millions in federal funds annually via the Corporation for Public Broadcasting—yet consistently advance progressive viewpoints under the guise of objective journalism whitehouse.govwhitehouse.gov. He underscored that the CPB’s charter explicitly mandates impartiality, making the networks’ left-skewed coverage not only misleading but legally suspect
Giordano asked how PBS and NPR leaders have responded to the outcry. Bozell recounted recent congressional hearings—labeled “Anti‑American Airwaves”—where CEOs like Paula Kerger (PBS) defended their networks before lawmakers. Despite facing sharp questioning from figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Jim Jordan, Bozell said they offered no meaningful rebuttal, blaming coverage gaps on simple error rather than systemic bias
The conversation also touched on specific examples: NPR’s handling of the Hunter Biden laptop story and the inclusion of “Drag Queen Story Hour” programming. Bozell argued these weren’t isolated incidents but symptoms of a culture that curates content to align with liberal priorities. He noted that NPR leadership admitted to dismissing the story, then backtracking—suggesting political pressure override journalistic integrity
When Giordano pushed on why public money should still support these outlets, Bozell said it comes down to choices. Americans don’t want to subsidize biased content when private alternatives thrive. He called taxpayer-funded journalism “a relic” that wrongly assumes high-minded objectivity while delivering partisan messaging
Dom asked what impact the MRC hopes to achieve. Bozell stressed their goal is not to silence public broadcasters, but to hold them accountable. The aim is transparency—forcing networks to acknowledge bias, adjust practices, and offer viewers a clear picture of where they stand politically. Without such reform, he said, continued funding is unjustifiable.
The exchange concluded with a strategic focus. Bozell urged listeners to write to Congress, support legislation that reforms or defunds PBS/NPR, and demand full editorial disclosure. Giordano closed by reinforcing the show’s commitment to championing free speech—but not at the taxpayers’ expense.
