NPR CEO Katherine Maher declines House hearing invitation amid controversy.

According to the organization, Katherine Maher, the National Public Radio (NPR) Chief, will not comply with the House committee's invitation to appear on Wednesday.

NPR spokesperson informed Planet Chronicle Digital that Maher won't appear before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as requested, due to a full-day meeting with the organization's board of directors.

The spokesperson stated that NPR respects the Committee's request and has agreed to testify on a date that is convenient for both the Committee and Maher.

The NPR reported that the board of directors meeting was previously scheduled and publicly announced.

The Board has scheduled these meetings more than a year in advance. This meeting will be Maher's first opportunity to review and consult with the Board on the challenges and opportunities facing the organization, including a strategy to lead NPR forward in fulfilling its public service mission to serve all of America.

The meeting is crucial because Maher has only been CEO for six weeks.

"The spokesperson stated that Maher cannot attend this week's hearing and has informed the committee of alternate dates. In her absence, Maher will submit written testimony."

Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., wrote to Maher requesting her appearance on Wednesday.

The congresswoman stated that the Committee has worries regarding the potential trajectory of NPR under past and current leadership.

A committee spokesperson commented on Maher's decision to defy the request in a statement to Planet Chronicle Digital, stating, "It reveals a lot that Maher has opted not to appear tomorrow to address how his taxpayer-funded news outlet discriminates against the perspectives of millions of Americans."

The Chair eagerly anticipates examining the detailed and open responses to the Committee's letter.

Since a former senior editor at NPR raised concerns about its integrity in an essay, the organization has faced renewed scrutiny from Republicans. Among other revelations, Uri Berliner discovered that the NPR newsroom was made up almost entirely of Democrats and no Republicans.

Some Republicans have advocated for the revocation of federal funding for NPR, which is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), following the revelation.