In an attention-generating move, Twitter, led by CEO Elon Musk, labelled NPR “state-affiliated media” earlier this month. The label placed NPR alongside propaganda organizations in Russia and China.
When the limelight created by that move diminished, Twitter changed the label to “government-funded media.”
BPR rejects Twitter’s inaccurate and misleading labeling and re-labeling. As a social media platform that serves news audiences, Twitter’s change is meant to sow doubt, and imply that NPR’s coverage and editorial judgment is influenced by the government.
It is not.
In response, NPR announced it would not maintain its Twitter accounts and would deemphasize Twitter across the organization.
As one of 260 member stations of the NPR network, Blue Ridge Public Radio airs NPR content, shares NPR stories online and contributes stories to the network and other stations. Our journalists abide by the NPR Code of Ethics. Like NPR, we hold editorial independence and impartiality as our highest values, and we believe the free press is vital for a functioning democracy.
We are able to do this because more than 90% of BPR funding comes from the community. Local listeners, readers, businesses and other organizations provide financial support to BPR. Control over BPR is local.
We believe the communities of Western North Carolina deserve fair, accurate, independent coverage, on all platforms--even those managed by individuals who may prioritize sensationalism over ethics.
For now, we remain active on Twitter and transparent about our decision-making. We intend to continue to monitor all social media platforms and adjust our participation if needed to serve our ethical duties and provide our audiences with trusted, fact-based news on all platforms.
We welcome your thoughts on our decision. Please share them at news@bpr.org.
