NPR Criticizes Twitter for Labeling Its Account as ‘State-Affiliated Media’

National Public Radio criticized Twitter Inc. for labeling its social-media account as “US state-affiliated media,” a designation the independent public broadcaster on Wednesday said was disturbing and unacceptable.

Twitter’s guidelines say the company adds the designation for government-controlled news sources. NPR says on its website that less than 1% of its budget comes from federal grants, including from the government-supported Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Most of NPR’s revenue comes from corporate sponsorships, it says, along with dues and fees paid by its member stations.