NBC News Walks Back Decision to Bring on Former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel
NBC News made a notable reversal on Tuesday, opting to rescind its decision to bring former Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel on board as a paid contributor. This decision came in response to significant internal dissent over her hiring, particularly from key figures within the network.
McDaniel’s appointment drew sharp criticism from various news anchors and personalities, especially those associated with NBC’s liberal-leaning affiliate MSNBC. They voiced concerns over McDaniel’s involvement in former President Donald Trump’s endeavors to challenge the outcome of the 2020 election.
In an email addressed to the staff, NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde announced the decision, stating that after considering the valid concerns raised by many within the organization, Ronna McDaniel would not be joining NBC News as a contributor. Conde took full responsibility for the initial decision and extended a personal apology to team members who felt disappointed by it.
The announcement of McDaniel’s hiring was made by NBC News last Friday, with plans for her to provide insights and analysis on U.S. politics, including the upcoming 2024 election. However, McDaniel’s comments during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” aired on Sunday, further fueled the controversy. She mentioned Trump’s desire for her departure from the RNC and defended her stance on not holding him accountable for the Capitol riots of January 6, 2021.
Criticism of McDaniel’s hiring came from various quarters within NBC, including high-profile figures such as the co-hosts of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, as well as MSNBC’s leading anchor Rachel Maddow and political analyst Chuck Todd.
McDaniel’s resignation from her role as RNC chair in late February, amid pressure due to fundraising challenges and disappointing Republican performance in the 2022 congressional midterms, added further scrutiny to her appointment at NBC News.
Her transition from a political position to a media role is not uncommon, as seen with other figures like Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary under President Joe Biden, joining MSNBC, and Kayleigh McEnany, former White House press secretary under Trump, joining Fox News.
In conclusion, NBC News’ decision to retract its offer to Ronna McDaniel reflects the significant impact of internal dissent within the organization and highlights the complexities involved when political figures transition to roles within the media landscape.
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