Bill Maher Puts Media Outlet In The Hot Seat

Bill Maher gave NPR a blunt assessment of its political identity, and the network’s host did not seem especially eager to accept it.

Maher, the longtime host of HBO’s Real Time, appeared on NPR’s Newsmakers podcast in an episode released Wednesday. During the conversation, he offered a characterization of the network that many listeners have probably thought themselves.

“Maybe I’m wrong,” Maher said, “but I think of this place as the far extreme of the left.”

It is not difficult to understand why he would reach that conclusion. NPR’s programming frequently centers on issues that occupy the modern progressive agenda, including climate change, race, transgender politics, and immigration. Listeners who tune in during almost any part of the day are likely to hear those subjects discussed, often from a perspective that reflects the assumptions of the political left.

Even NPR’s lighter programming tends to carry the same cultural tone. The network may consider its audience broad and diverse, but its editorial outlook is rarely mistaken for conservative or even politically neutral.

Maher’s comment came during a discussion about his relationship with comedian Louis C.K., whom Maher invited onto Real Time in October. The appearance came eight years after allegations of sexual misconduct damaged Louis C.K.’s career.

Maher argued that the punishment directed at the comedian had been far more severe and lasting than the criticism faced by wealthy progressives who chant “globalize the intifada” or express sympathy for Hamas.

“Your audience is going to love this, by the way,” Maher told host Steve Inskeep.

The remark was plainly sarcastic. Inskeep responded by insisting that NPR’s audience was “a little more diverse than you might think.”

Maher did not appear convinced.

“Really?” he replied. “I’m surprised you even had me on.”