I have been listening to NPR since my teens. It felt like home to me. It was an example of intelligent, curious, and thoughtful journalism. It also once felt balanced and objective. Unfortunately I don’t see a sign of this across all of its properties. Stories are riddled with errors of omissions, an absence of voices from both perspectives, and in many cases… material falsehoods. Additionally, the on-air talent are almost unbearable to listen to. Without mentioning names, there is one in particular that is ear-piercing. It’s an assault on the senses. Sad to say, but I am a hard pass on NPR — and like many of my friends young and old — am not renewing my subscription to NPR; including KCRW. R.I.P. NPR

Clear, trustworthy information

They are to biased

I’ve been listening to NPR since 1997. It has been my source of news for 27 years. I have listened as it has gone farther and farther left. Journalistic integrity has declined. If you cannot hear your bias in your reporting, you have lost touch with many listeners. And we are becoming former listeners. It truly saddens me.

I really appreciate this podcast and try to start each day with it to remain informed, especially when I may not have time to sit and read the news. I also appreciate how over time, Steve has started to loosen up and joke around a bit. LoL

Coverage has gone downhill for years now. Last year in particular was the last straw. Might as well rename to Fox Jr at this point.

The is just a quick way to get the headlines out there. This is all about what is happening in the world since you slept. The topics are various and tell you what is happening with the world.

Does the military have an extremism problem?? … This is my point of view with that statement. I have always admired and have much respect for the (American) countries military and the brave men and women whom risk the ultimate sacrifice as they serve. I most admire their discipline and order thereof. Yet I DO realize those serving as well as served, may also have obtained conditions both physical and psychological from such daily extremes that may well interfere with their daily lives w/o a doubt. Therefore, awareness of such sensitive nature IS NOT TO BE TOYED WITH. Also, is the responsibility of balance one who may be seen as a leader tend to control. DONALD TRUMP was reckless with his directives involving the stand. And there was a guard rail in front of the White House’s lower stairway. That rail was penetrated by crowd against the patrol. All who then proceeded to enter pass point are considered EXTREME in that act. - s.jxn - ga

NPR’s reporting the past year in particular has been inexcusable on so many levels, but it’s been deteriorating for years. I used to listen to NPR religiously. It’s become no better than MSNBC or the Times. The only reason I still listen everyday is to hear what the left has to say. NPR either needs to publicly come out as a left of center institution or re-commit to real journalism. Call me Kreskin, but I predict they will do neither.

I used to use NPR as a news source but knowing how the interview between summer and V went I no longer want NPRs content in my feed.

NPR used to stand for journalistic integrity and actual news. Recently, I've noticed a trend away from that principle. This podcast is just another political opinion show. Which would be fine, I don't necessarily disagree with what's being presented, but I don't want to wake up to that. The show is packaged as journalism, but it hasn't been that for a long time. I've found another morning news podcast to wake up to and unfollowed up first.

Remember that Trump did not win a mandate in 2024 and to blame Biden for Trump’s re election is another way of leaving Press and Media off the hook on how they capitulated to Trump! 😱

This is horrific and horribly all too common, Thank you for the light

Highly disappointed in their coverage of recent events. May as well be mainstream media at this point. Unfollowed.

No mention of Disney/AbC apologizing to Trump or Fani Willis being kicked off the case, or SoftBank’s investment. It’s almost as if you don’t report on news you don’t like. No wonder liberals are so misinformed!

What once I regarded as my favorite, most balanced and ethical news source, I now see as pathetic excuse for journalism. Cover the GENOCIDE (not “war”) in Gaza and the litany of crimes against humanity committed by ISRAEL now charged in INTERNATIONAL COURT. Stop coddling the draconian profiteering, private healthcare system and gaslighting your sick and tired listeners that THEIR sense of justice is backwards. NPR we are DONE.

As a national public radio production, NPR should strive to present both sides or an unbiased view of news stories. There are plenty of “infotainment “shows out there. Why can’t NPR provide news without political bias or commentary?

I am officially unfollowing NPR podcasts due to a recent episode stating an opinion on the CEO united healthcare murder. I don’t need them telling me that the reaction to this situation is disturbing. I was a faithful follower and now I’m not.

After years of listening to this podcast I just had to unfollow. Their depiction of the UHC CEO assassination was completely biased. What’s the point in humanizing a killer (Brian Thompson), when his assassin is so clearly the people’s champ? Never coming back.

It’s funny how people can listen to up first and hear a liberal bias. The spoon feeding of corporate propaganda (talking points) with the feels-right style of the news is insufferable. Everyone has been so concerned with political angles for so long that they miss the real slant that has the whole country and world sliding downhill. It’s a pain to collect real information these days. It’s like doing all sections of college entrance exams. It’s sad. It’s tedious. We all deserve better. Plain truth. Good luck aggregating your information, everyone.

LET AYESHA ROSCOE DO INTERVIEWS ON SATURDAYS, NOT ONLY THE OTHER HOST

I say this as a long time listener and someone who has only ever voted for democrats The liberal bias is too much Over the years ,it became increasingly obvious they were just reporting one side stories. More recently, it has turned into active propagandizing of a narrative. It has gotten to the point where I just turn it off mid episode. As of today, I am unsubscribing. The reason I listen to NPR is to hear unbiased nonpartisan news. I am not asking for bothsidesism. Please just report the relevant facts and don’t push a narrative.

12/2/24: I disagree, pardoning Hunter is not a statement about our current justice system. It will not affect President Biden’s legacy in any negative way. I think history will show this pardon was the right and only choice. It is a statement about the coming Trump Administration. Trump plans vengeance, and intends to restructure the FBI and Justice Department to do his bidding. It is also a statement about MAGA’s unfair treatment of Hunter for years now. Hunter has been tormented and embarrassed by Republicans in the House for relatively small offenses. Hunter paid the taxes he owed. That’s resolved. Hunter had a gun for less than 2 weeks. If everyone who checks “no drugs” on a gun application is sent to prison, there will be tens of millions of Americans crowding our prisons.

just get to the point straight plz

Too biased, stopped listening to Up First from NPR.

Ayesha Rascoe and Donald Trump have this in common: sensible people don’t understand their continued success. This show, years ago, used to offer even tempered and professional journalism. Now, it does not. Instead, it’s about personality and bias. I hope the AP stays free.

The racist trolling of Ayesha then the whitewashing of this podcast in response really shows how the ruling class really feels about diversity.

For the love of god, cut out the cutesy chitchat at the beginning and end of the episode. It sounds so forced and cringey and disingenuous.

Im a centrist. I try to get info from a variety of places. This is dishonest and a waste of time. Very childish immature show. So left leaning and anything a little right is lied about.

I like this show for what it is, I think they should focus more on journalism and news rather than developing radio personalities. It’s not too much thankfully so I still listen. There are other podcasts for that, please not this one. And it might be asking too much, letting the reporters (or one at least) have some sort of conservative lean so that an issue can be seen for what it is. Unfortunately, for that I might I just need to look for another podcast for my news. From my understanding, it might be better for ratings and viewership to have a bit of showmanship and stay to one side of an issue. However, I do feel the sentiment of wanting common ground and more understanding and empathy is growing so I do believe that these are valid critiques that might help the show. Wish you all the best, keep doing your best, and I’m grateful for the show. Thanks, Michelle

Just wanting to say how much I appreciate and enjoy Ayesha’s contributions to the sound of NPR. Her reporting is, as expected, top notch. But her presentation style is inviting, authentic and unique to her. It’s a pleasure to listen to her.

The only thing is how irritating it is hear Ayesha”s voice. Grating and not radio ready. Can anyone help her with her pitch and guide her into improving it? It’s like Chalk on a blackboard.

There is no other show that treats three current topics with equal measure and that also includes just enough raw, serendipitous personal interaction to make you feel like you belong to a group of friends.

“We, The Voters”, why did the reporters tone change when speaking about a group of people that feel shamed for supporting Harris but your reporters didn’t even speak the part about students not feeling comfortable sharing their support for Trump, you had an interviewee do it. You have no integrity. You just did it again on this Final Campaign Stop episode. Why do you have a reporter upbeat and optimistic when it talking about Harris but then switch to the most depressing sounding human I’ve ever heard to talk about Trumps campaign? If you can’t hire unbiased reporters, you need to hire some conservatives. Also, we don’t care to hear about whether you do your own laundry

I used listen every morning while on my commute, and it used to be quite informative with discourse on the most salient of the day. The coverage of the Israel-hamas war has been appallingly biased towards Palestine, and I’ve had to take a break from the complete one sided coverage

I might be insane but since the election this isn’t on my feed at all.

The show is a wonderful addition to my morning routine. But I can’t stand the voice of whomever does the Sunday show. It’s like chalk to my ears.

I tried for months to listen to NPR for a broad perspective but they do not objectively report the news whatsoever. They carry water for the left wing and consistently says the right wing lies about everything. There is no nuance or objectivity too their reporting. For their stories not involving "lies" the republicans tell, or the "angels" that democrats are, they have nice stories that will broaden your understanding... But they are few and far between.

Just wow

Show is good for getting 3 top news stories, but their title is misleading, often it is not uploaded early, more like mid morning, especially on the weekend. Also as with most American news outlets, perspective is slanted toward one political side.

The bias has been so hard to ignore lately, please just report the facts. Is there an unbiased media source anywhere? This is the most objective one I can find but still not neutral.

I’ve listened to up first for several years, segments remain a decent and short listen which I enjoy in early morning. Several special segments recently have been a rather tough listen/ un listenable. I’m sure Ayesha is a great person and employee, however…for an audio based podcast I think it’s rather egregious to have her narrate these segments. Her delivery and demeanor severely effects the product and not in a good way.

After trying a bunch of others, this is my go-to every day. Update: This remains true many months later.

Ayesha unscripted is painful to listen to. She’s the least insightful and her questions are mediocre at best. She’s the main reason I’ve skipped an episode.

Please just talk about the facts. Honestly.

I listen to this show every morning but getting tired of the hypocrisy shown on the show. And it keeps getting worse with each episode.

I love this show! I always look forward to listening to The Sunday Story with my Sunday coffee!! I really appreciate your work, your dedication, intelligence and kindness! Keep up the good work! Thank you!!

Short, information is well researched. A great way to start my day off. Thankful for the podcast. GC Really look forward to getting the Podcasts. Would prefer a more mature greeting: “Hey there .....” is more tuned to greeting horses. Have my High School students to listen and write a review for extra credit. There is HOPE for future from these insightful young people. Thanks for giving my students something to learn from besides me. Dr. GC “Hey”. I don’t appreciate the silly response opening today. Normally hosts sound professional. 7/21 reminds me of 2 immature teens. Long “Heeeey “ and attempts to answer phone was unprofessional. Almost turned off but rest of podcasts was good. Dr, GC Please stop long litany of those contributing to producing show. Boring and it is their job. Takes too long to hear list. Deleted another podcast for this issue. Hopefully you can see my message and STOP repeating whom to thank. Dr. GC Still hearing long litany of helpers. Not sure if it is necessary to daily report on people doing their job. Imagine they are paid for their work? Thanks, Dr.GC Once again like podcasts but dislike long litany of people that need thanks. Waste of time to hear all people earning money with fragile egos. Do they really have to hear their names listed? Dr. GC Tired of poor speech: Yeah, I mean, like, you know etc. Lazy speech isn’t a hood example of educated, well informed people. AP students in my high school class are encouraged to sound educated in speech and writing. Poor speech is a lazy habit and can be changed. Dr. GC Ph. D. Still dislike being addressed as “ Hey.” Doesn’t seem educated. How about Good morning? Dr. GC Really like podcast but so tired of long list of staff members who are paid getting named. Maybe once a month instead of every time. Dr. GC Would it be possible to address audience as “ hello” or “ good morning” instead of “ hey”? Sounds uneducated and disrespectful. 11/9/24 Dr. GC

I can’t believe I used to be a daily listener. And that you equated the violence against Israeli soccer fans with a slur said by them. They were stabbed and had their teeth kicked out and thrown into the canals by mobs. You also fail to mention that the attackers were Islamist immigrants. What a joke. Political correctness at the expense of a truthful picture. So shameful

Hate how ghetto the host sounds. It’s tiresome and not what I want to hear on NPR, of all places.