Comedian Bill Maher tells NPR that he considers the outlet part of what he calls the “far extreme of the left,” and says he was surprised to be invited to NPR’s “Newsmakers” podcast. In an interview with NPR host Steve Inskeep, Maher discusses his reaction to the invitation and reiterates his view of NPR’s political positioning. The comments are reported as happening during the Wednesday conversation for the “Newsmakers” segment. Both accounts describe Maher’s characterization of NPR using similar language and emphasize that he questions why he was included given his criticism. The sources do not provide additional details from the broader discussion beyond Maher’s statement about NPR. Overall, the reporting centers on Maher’s critique and his expressed surprise at being invited to appear on the program.