Ronna McDaniel was hired as a contributor by NBC News but faced significant backlash, leading the network to plan terminating her contract.
High-profile anchors like Chuck Todd and Rachel Maddow voiced opposition to providing a platform to the former RNC chair associated with efforts to question the 2020 election results.
“I think our bosses owe you an apology for putting you in this situation,” Todd said to Kristen Welker. “There’s a reason why there’s a lot of journalists at NBC News uncomfortable with this, because many of our professional dealings with the RNC over the last six years have been met with gaslighting.”
SCOOP @PuckNews: NBC NEWS plans to drop ex RNC-chair Ronna McDaniel as a paid contributor following on-air revolt from NBC/MSNBC talent. Execs are deliberating over details; announcement pending. Meanwhile, McDaniel is seeking legal representation.
Full details, scoops &…
— Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) March 26, 2024
While NBC executives signed off on hiring McDaniel to gain Republican insights, on-air personalities criticized giving her airtime due to past RNC gaslighting.
Dylan Byers reported NBC plans to end McDaniel’s contract amid internal division, with an announcement expected soon.
Other networks have faced scrutiny for similar partisan hires seen as aiming for political access over impartiality.
The decision not to fully coordinate McDaniel’s role across NBC properties further exacerbated the situation.
