NBC Drops Former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel Amid Public Backlash

Ronna McDaniel

NBC’s decision to hire former Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel as a contributor has stirred significant controversy, resulting in her swift dismissal from the network. The move came in response to widespread criticism, including from NBC’s own staff, which prompted an internal review of McDaniel’s role.

NBC Chairman Cesar Conde conveyed in an internal email obtained by NPR that the appointment of McDaniel undermined the cohesion and alignment necessary for the network’s success. He personally apologized to team members who felt let down by the decision and took full responsibility for the move.

Ronna McDaniel Fired?

The hiring of McDaniel had raised concerns within NBC, with colleagues expressing discomfort over her appointment. NBC’s chief political analyst, Chuck Todd, suggested during a broadcast that McDaniel’s credibility issues remained unresolved, given her past statements and affiliations.

During the controversy, prominent NBC figures like Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker and anchor Rachel Maddow publicly criticized the network’s decision. Maddow called the choice to employ McDaniel “inexplicable” and urged NBC to reconsider.

McDaniel’s tenure as RNC chairwoman was marked by her allegiance to former President Donald Trump, including her unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in the 2020 election. However, she later acknowledged President Biden’s victory, albeit amidst ongoing scrutiny over her earlier assertions.

McDaniel’s departure from NBC underscores the challenges networks face in balancing journalistic integrity with the inclusion of partisan voices, especially in the aftermath of contentious political events.