The decision by NBC News to hire Ronna McDaniel, the former head of the Republican National Committee, as a paid contributor has sparked internal controversy within the network. Prominent MSNBC personalities such as Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki, Nicolle Wallace, Lawrence O’Donnell, and Joe Scarborough publicly voiced their objections to the hiring, with Maddow likening it to putting a mobster in a district attorney’s office.
The backlash against McDaniel’s hiring began with former “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd and escalated throughout the day, with MSNBC hosts expressing discomfort and outrage over McDaniel’s history of “gaslighting” and “character assassination” during her time at the RNC.
McDaniel was hired by NBC News just two weeks after stepping down as RNC leader, with the network citing her insider perspective on national politics and the future of the Republican Party as valuable additions to their coverage. However, the outcry from MSNBC staff and talent led to McDaniel being barred from appearing on the cable network, which primarily caters to liberal viewers.
The on-air rebellion against McDaniel’s hiring extended from morning to night, with hosts across various shows pledging not to showcase her in her NBC News capacity. Wallace criticized NBC for giving a platform to election deniers like McDaniel, while Psaki emphasized the importance of honesty and good faith in television personalities who have prior political experience.
The hiring of politicians as television analysts and commentators is not uncommon, but McDaniel’s promotion of Trump’s false election fraud claims adds a contentious dimension to her role at NBC News. Given the ongoing legal and political fallout from the January 6, 2021, Capitol siege, McDaniel’s hiring has sparked heightened sensitivity and debate within the media landscape.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Ronna McDaniel’s hiring at NBC News underscores the delicate balance between journalistic integrity and political affiliations in the media industry.
___
David Bauder is a media journalist for The Associated Press. Follow his coverage for more insights into the evolving media landscape.
Read More Breaking News
