Left-wing media outlet National Public Radio is fleeing Twitter after being labeled “government-funded media” by the Elon Musk-owned social media platform.
“We are not putting our journalism on platforms that have demonstrated an interest in undermining our credibility and the public’s understanding of our editorial independence,” the outlet told The Hill in a statement. “We are turning away from Twitter but not from our audiences and communities.”
NPR also updated its Twitter bio to claim “NPR is an independent news organization committed to informing the public about the world around us. You can find us every other place you read the news.”
Twitter originally labeled NPR as “state affiliated media” last week, a designation that previously had only been reserved for outlets that were critical of US foreign policy, such as RT.
The label was then changed to “government-funded media.”
NPR’s announcement of its departure with Twitter was met with enthusiasm by many Twitter users.
Common Elon Musk W
— Samirah (@SameeraKhan) April 12, 2023
I’ve been a long time listener and support of NPR. When the pandemic hit, something changed. Listening to NPR now is like putting on noise canceling headphones. All the dissonant information just disappears. It’s eary. There’s no more on-aired corrections. No dissenting…
— Jeremy Tunnell (@plowline) April 12, 2023
Don't let the door hit you on the way out pic.twitter.com/Np3v62Xf3F
— Jon Levine (@LevineJonathan) April 12, 2023
Government Funded Media.
— Emmanuel Rincón (@EmmaRincon) April 12, 2023
If NPR isn’t “government funded media” then you won’t mind us cutting all those tax dollars you get for funding right?
— Mostly Peaceful Memes (@MostlyPeacefull) April 12, 2023
Suck a dick
— George Alexopoulos (@GPrime85) April 12, 2023
NPR’s coverage has been decried by many conservatives as left-wing in nature, and has been accused of pandering to affluent liberal in wealthy coastal zip codes.
