'Embarrassing': House Oversight chair mocked after NPR president corrects him on basic journalism

26 March

During a congressional hearing on Wednesday, March 26, National Public Radio (NPR) President Katherine Maher discussed the role that federal funds play in public broadcasting. And she was questioned by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Kentucky).

During the questioning, Comer misunderstood Maher's use of the term "editorial standards."

Maher told Comer, "One of the first things I did in coming in in May was to beef up our editorial standards" — to which Comer indignantly replied, "Why is NPR even doing editorials?"

The NPR president then explained to Comer the difference between an "editorial" and "editorial standards," saying, "I don't mean editorial in terms of opinion editorial…. I mean editorial standards for our journalism was to beef up our editorial practices — bringing in more editors to make sure that we have more points of view reflected in every story."

In journalism, the word "editorial" is typically used to describe an opinion piece written by members of a publication's editorial board (as opposed to an "op-ed," which is usually written by an individual writer). And the term "editorial practices" refers to the standards or practices that a publication or broadcast station applies to everything from hard news to opinion pieces.

Maher remained polite with Comer during their conversation. But on X, formerly Twitter, Comer is drawing scathing criticism and mockery for failing to understand the difference between an "editorial" and "editorial practices.

Journalist Aaron Rupar tweeted, "oh my god — Comer thinks 'editorial standards' literally refers to standards for editorials and is corrected by the NPR head."

X user Arthur Wokeson posted, "How embarrassing."

Another X user, TD McClellan, fumed, "For Christ's sake, what an utter embarrassment...this is what happens when you think you are the Main Character, and you have to be the smartest in the room."

The Black and Gold Club's Jimmy Lemke tweeted, "@RepJamesComer I'm happy to teach you about the fourth estate if you’re interested."

Former teacher Janice Sullivan wrote, "I hope someone explains what the term 'editorial standards' to this buffoon. @RepJamesComer is another example of the stupidity that is MAGA."

Former sports anchor Mark Giangreco described Comer as a "moron."

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