NPR Denounces Twitter’s “State-Affiliated Media” Label as “Inaccurate and Inappropriate

National Public Radio (NPR) has denounced Twitter’s decision to label the non-profit media organization a “state-affiliated media” account, calling the move “unacceptable”. NPR President and CEO John Lansing said in a statement that the label does not apply to NPR. Shortly after his remark, Twitter updated its website’s policy on “state-affiliated media” to include NPR.

Elon Musk, the social media site’s CEO, appeared to directly endorse the designation Wednesday, telling a user who applauded the change that it “seems accurate”. Twitter first rolled out the labeling system in 2020, saying it was intended for “outlets where the state exercises control over editorial content through financial resources, direct or indirect political pressures, or control over production and distribution”.

NPR joins the ranks of Russia’s RT and China’s Xinhua News Agency and People’s Daily in being labeled “state-affiliated media” on Twitter. Lansing said that NPR and its Member stations are supported by millions of listeners who depend on them for independent, fact-based journalism. He added that the label is “inaccurate and inappropriate” and that NPR will continue to provide unbiased coverage of news and events.

Twitter’s decision to label NPR as “state-affiliated media” has been met with criticism from the non-profit media organization and its supporters. The labeling system has been seen as an attempt to limit the reach of certain news outlets, and many have argued that it is an infringement on freedom of the press. Twitter has yet to comment on the controversy.