NBC News swiftly reversed its decision to hire former Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel as a paid contributor, following intense backlash from both internal staff and external critics.
The reversal came after just 80 hours, during which NBC faced mounting pressure and criticism over the controversial hire. NBCU News Group boss Cesar Conde announced the decision to rescind McDaniel’s contributor role in a memo to staff, acknowledging the concerns raised by many within the company.
While Conde took responsibility for the hire, attributing it to a collective recommendation from some members of the leadership team, internal tensions at NBC have escalated as various factions assign blame for the debacle.
The uproar stemmed from McDaniel’s involvement in efforts to undermine the 2020 election and her history of disparaging NBC News and MSNBC. Despite attempts to deflect criticism by framing it as an attack on Republicans, the objection was rooted in McDaniel’s actions rather than her political affiliation.
The fallout from McDaniel’s dismissal extends beyond NBC, with right-wing figures seizing on the opportunity to paint the network as biased against conservatives. However, NBC’s decision was praised by its journalists and top stars, who viewed it as a demonstration of respect for their concerns.
Meanwhile, McDaniel is reportedly considering legal action against NBC, highlighting the deepening rift between her and the network. As NBC navigates the aftermath of this controversy, it faces the challenge of managing its reputation amid continued scrutiny and potential legal battles.
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