House Republicans target NPR for defunding

National Public Radio's headquarters in Washington, D.C.

NPR, which was heavily criticized by conservatives for its controversial firing of news analyst Juan Williams last month, is now under attack in the House. Today House Republicans brought a proposal to eliminate taxpayer funding for NPR. While NPR maintains only 1 to 3 percent of its $166 million budget is funded by taxpayers, other sources estimate the number is anywhere from 4 to 25 percent. YouCut, an anti-government spending program started by House Republicans, says ending NPR’s federal funding could save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars – money that they say should not go to what they consider a partisan news organization. With Democrats in control of the House, the vote has little chance of succeeding - but if it does go down Republicans are expected to renew their charge in January. Should NPR continue to receive federal support?

NPR, which was heavily criticized by conservatives for its controversial firing of news analyst Juan Williams last month, is now under attack in the House. Today House Republicans brought a proposal to eliminate taxpayer funding for NPR. While NPR maintains only 1 to 3 percent of its $166 million budget is funded by taxpayers, other sources estimate the number is anywhere from 4 to 25 percent. YouCut, an anti-government spending program started by House Republicans, says ending NPR’s federal funding could save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars – money that they say should not go to what they consider a partisan news organization. With Democrats in control of the House, the vote has little chance of succeeding - but if it does go down Republicans are expected to renew their charge in January. Should NPR continue to receive federal support?

Guests:

Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, DC Bureau

Bill Davis, President and CEO of Southern California Public Radio