FEC dismisses complaint against NPR
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has unanimously dismissed a complaint against national Public Radio (NPR), wich accused the association of advocating for Kamala Harris, then-Vice President, in the 2024 election. the complaint, filed by the United States Justice Foundation and the Policy issues Institute in October, claimed that NPR should not receive the press exemption that protects news organizations from campaign finance scrutiny, alleging that it operates as a public relations arm for the Democratic Party. In response, NPR argued that it functions as a legitimate news entity, pointing to an FEC decision in 2017 that affirmed its status. The FEC’s decision, disclosed recently, confirms NPR’s exemption as a press entity amidst ongoing scrutiny from Republicans, who have expressed concerns over NPR’s political coverage. This dismissal comes at a time when there are talks about potential federal funding cuts for NPR.
FEC dismisses complaint against NPR accusing it of advocating Harris
The Federal Election Commission unanimously dismissed a complaint against NPR accusing it of “clearly and unmistakably” advocating then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
The vote of the four commissioners, made up of two Republicans and two Democrats, was held in February, but the FEC disclosed the dismissal on Monday. NPR’s victory comes as the news organization has been under intense scrutiny by Republicans for its coverage of politics.
The complaint, filed by the United States Justice Foundation and the Policy Issues Institute in October, claimed NPR was not entitled to the press exemption that protects news organizations from scrutiny under campaign finance laws.
“This Complaint asserts that NPR is not operating as a bona fide news organization, and instead essentially conducts itself as a public relations branch of the Democratic Party, actively advocating for the election of clearly identified Federal candidates and expressly advocating for the defeat of opposing Federal candidates,” the complaint said.
NPR responded to the complaint in a November filing, saying it is a press entity as affirmed by the FEC in a 2017 decision.
“While the Complainants take issue with the content of NPR’s 2020 and 2024 presidential election coverage, they have not—nor could they—suggest that the form of NPR’s coverage is any different than other election cycles,” the response from NPR said.
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The FEC’s unanimous 4-0 dismissal of the complaint seemingly affirms its stance that NPR is a press entity subject to the exemption.
The dismissal comes as Congress could cut federal funding for NPR after months of intense GOP scrutiny of the outlet’s news coverage and leadership. NPR CEO Katherine Maher was grilled before the House Oversight Committee’s DOGE subcommittee last month.
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