NBC's latest move has caused quite a stir, with their most recent hire, former Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel, already being shown the door after public outcry, even from NBC's own talent.
McDaniel joined the news network just two weeks after stepping down from her RNC role, but her appointment was quickly met with skepticism internally. Her colleagues wasted no time expressing their concerns on air, prompting NBC to rethink her reported $300,000-a-year contract.
In an internal email obtained by NPR, NBC Chairman Cesar Conde explained that the decision to let McDaniel go was made to maintain cohesion and alignment within the organization. "No organization, particularly a newsroom, can succeed unless it is cohesive and aligned. Over the last few days, it has become clear that this appointment undermines that goal," Conde wrote, also apologizing to the team for any letdown they felt.
The situation escalated as NBC's chief political analyst, Chuck Todd, called out the decision on air, suggesting that McDaniel's answers might have been influenced by her contract with NBC. He pointed out that McDaniel still has "credibility issues that she still has to deal with."
Rachel Maddow also weighed in, questioning the network's judgment in hiring McDaniel, calling the decision "inexplicable." She expressed hope that NBC would reconsider.
McDaniel's tenure as RNC chair was marked by controversy, particularly her claims that the 2020 election was rigged against Trump. Despite her earlier statements, McDaniel now acknowledges Biden as the legitimate president, though she maintains there were problems with the election.
Her quick exit from NBC highlights the challenges of navigating political affiliations in the media landscape, especially in the aftermath of a contentious election.
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