NBC drops _Ronna McDaniel_
_"We have committed to hosting RNC in August, and we view presidential conventions as the ultimate political programming," the network said in a statement._
– NBC has dropped Ronna McDaniel as the official commentator for the upcoming Republican National Convention.
– The decision was made due to concerns about her role as the chairwoman of the RNC conflicting with her objectivity as a commentator.
– In response, McDaniel stated that she was disappointed by NBC's decision but would continue to support the RNC's efforts for the convention.
Fox News' Howard Kurtz discusses the controversial hire and ousting of the former RNC chair after uproar at NBC on 'Special Report.'
_"Some decisions inside NBC might have you scratching your head. Here was someone who was an RNC chairman. They hired him. And then after the uproar, they essentially fired him before he was even doing any on-air work."_
– It raises questions about the decision-making process at NBC.
– The public reaction to the hire and quick dismissal was swift and negative.
The Controversy at NBC News
_The dust is still settling at NBC News following the debacle last month over its hiring and firing of former Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel, but scrutiny of the Comcast-owned network's leadership remains, particularly top boss Cesar Conde._
– This scrutiny comes at a time when the network is facing internal strife and external criticism.
– The decisions made by NBC News executives have drawn ire from both viewers and industry insiders.
– The controversy has raised questions about the network's journalistic integrity and its commitment to impartial reporting.
—
NBCUniversal News Group Chair's Suitability Questioned
Conde, who apologized to NBC staff over the hiring of _McDaniel_ as an analyst after network talent erupted in anger, has been the subject of multiple reports questioning whether he is best suited to remain the chair of NBCUniversal News Group, a job he has held since 2020 that oversees NBC News, CNBC and MSNBC.Â
– Conde apologized to NBC staff over the hiring of _McDaniel_ as an analyst
– Network talent erupted in anger
– Multiple reports question whether Conde is best suited to remain as chair of NBCUniversal News Group
Conde's Responsibilities
_Conde_ is not only responsible for leading Univision, but he also holds positions on the board of directors for Walmart and PepsiCo.
– He has a diverse range of responsibilities and influences in various industries.
Insider's Perspective on NBC Situation
_"I think it's untoward, and I think it needs to be addressed," an NBC insider told Fox News Digital. "Clearly Cesar's bosses knew this because everybody knows it. And it didn't occur to anybody to do anything about it. And that's Cesar for you._ He's an _innocuous_ guy who, generally speaking, flies under that sort of radar … He's a young, up-and-coming, hotshot guy. Most of us have realized NBC is a stepping stone for him, right? He's not going to be CEO of Comcast, he wants to be the CEO of another one of these types of companies, a show or a politician or whatever the case is. So I guess the point is, what's the accountability here?"
– I think it's untoward
– Everybody knows it
– Cesar's bosses knew this
– Nobody did anything about it
NBC Offers Glowing Coverage of Walmart, Pepsi as News Chief Serves as Board Member for Both Companies
NBC's news coverage of Walmart and Pepsi has been under scrutiny due to the fact that their news chief serves as a board member for both companies.
– The relationship between NBC and these companies has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
– Critics question the objectivity of the network's reporting on Walmart and Pepsi given the close ties between the news chief and the companies.
– Some believe that the coverage of Walmart and Pepsi has been overly positive and uncritical due to this conflict of interest.
In the words of one critic:
> "It is essential for news organizations to remain independent and free from influence from outside parties. The close relationship between NBC's news chief and these companies is concerning and could compromise the integrity of their reporting."
The situation highlights the importance of transparency and ethical standards in journalism to maintain public trust.
NBC Insider Insights
The _NBC insider_ said Conde could make the case that his financial ties to Walmart and Pepsi are "good conduct" for NBC's bottom line, but the ethical issues for the network still remain.
– The financial ties to Walmart
– The financial ties to Pepsi
Insider Insights
"At some point does somebody sit down and say, '_Dude, what's up?_'" the insider said. "What should Cesar be doing? Should he be resigning from these boards? I mean, the kind of money he gets from this thing is quite something."
The insider's Perspective
The insider continued, "_Something doesn't smell right with this. The optics of it are wrong, and it does look like a guy whose focus is not on the journalistic integrity of one of the oldest and largest journalistic brands in the country, it's on something else. And knowing what I know about Cesar, he's a businessman. And by the way, his bosses are business people, right? That's part of the thing to understand. The guy who replaced_ former NBCUniversal CEO _Jeff Shell is a business guy. The Roberts people_ [of Comcast] _are cable providers … We're not owned by journalists. We're not controlled by journalists. We are a different enterprise._
– The insider raises concerns about the situation.
– There is a focus on business aspects rather than journalistic integrity.
NBC News Chief and Corporate Boards
NBC News chief Cesar Conde sits on the board of directors for _Walmart_ and _PepsiCo_.
– *_Getty Images_*
Conde's Financial Ties
Conde's financial ties to Walmart and PepsiCo have been public knowledge for years. According to a recent report from the Associated Press, which cites Salary.com, Conde "earned $275,018 from _Walmart_ in 2022 and $320,000 from _PepsiCo_, in a combination of cash and stock."
– Walmart
– PepsiCo
NBCUniversal Statement
An _NBCUniversal_ spokesperson told _The Wall Street Journal_ in 2021 that Conde would recuse himself from weighing in on stories involving the two companies.
Actions Taken:
– Conde recused himself from participating in discussions involving the two companies.
The Issue with Conde's Dual Role
"_That Conde sits on the boards of these corporations is clearly a problem_ from a journalism ethics standpoint. _And it would be true for any news executive who serves for corporations that are subjects in the news agenda_," DePauw University journalism professor Jeffrey McCall says. "_The optics look terrible for a major news executive who is being compensated for corporate board participation._ News outlets just have to be totally insulated from the business side of the media world, and this is a blending of journalism and business corporatism that shouldn't be allowed to continue._"
– DePauw University journalism professor Jeffrey McCall
Analysis of Conde's Influence on News Coverage
*"Even if Conde plays no role in direct news coverage of these two companies, it still looks bad on its face," McCall told Fox News Digital, insisting NBC staffers reporting on Walmart and PepsiCo must keep their boss's additional roles in mind.*
– Conde:
– No direct role in news coverage of Walmart and PepsiCo
– McCall's Concerns:
– NBC staffers should be aware of Conde's additional roles.
NBC News Leadership Under Fire Over Ronna McDaniel DebacleÂ
NBC News is facing criticism from viewers and online commentators after a controversial segment involving Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee. The segment, which aired on "Meet the Press," has sparked allegations of bias and unethical journalistic practices.
According to _The Hill,_ McDaniel was brought onto the show to discuss the state of the Republican Party and its relationship with President Donald Trump. However, many viewers felt that the interview took a hostile turn, with McDaniel being grilled on various issues.
Critics of the segment argue that NBC News did not treat McDaniel fairly and that the questioning was conducted in a confrontational manner. Some have gone as far as to accuse the network of pushing a liberal agenda and targeting conservative voices.
In response to the backlash, NBC News has defended the segment, stating that the tough questioning was necessary to hold public figures accountable. However, the controversy has raised concerns about the network's credibility and journalistic integrity.
– Viewers criticize NBC News for biased treatment towards Ronna McDaniel
– Allegations of unethical journalism practices
– Segment sparks debate on media bias
NBCUniversal first hired Conde in 2013 and as he climbed the ranks at Rockefeller, he joined PepsiCo's board of directors in 2016 and Walmart's board of directors in 2019. The following year, he was tapped to lead NBC's entire news operation.
NBC's Coverage of Walmart and Pepsi
Under _his tenure_ as NBC's news chief, NBC has aired several bubbly reports about Walmart and Pepsi, according to a review by Fox News Digital.
– Walmart
– Pepsi
NBCUniversal News Group chairman Cesar Conde
*NBCUniversal News Group* chairman Cesar Conde, who oversees NBC News, CNBC, and MSNBC, has been criticized in recent days. (Getty Images)
– NBC News
– CNBC
– MSNBC
NBC News Reports on Walmart's Actions
In July 2020, NBC News reported Walmart's decision to close on Thanksgiving Day and to give bonuses to employees.
In September 2020, NBC News aired a lengthy report about Walmart's partnership with TikTok and how the retail giant would be featured on the app.
In August 2022, NBC boasted about how Walmart was expanding its abortion coverage for employees.
In July 2023, "NBC Nightly News" aired a report on how Walmart was benefiting from AI.
In November 2023
In November 2023, flagship morning show "Today" offered free airtime to a Walmart Black Friday ad that reunited the cast of _"Mean Girls,"_ showing viewers the commercial almost in its entirety. That month "Today" also aired an "_exclusive_" behind-the-scenes look at a Walmart warehouse.
– "Today" offered free airtime to a Walmart Black Friday ad that featured the cast of _"Mean Girls"._
– The show also aired an "_exclusive_" behind-the-scenes look at a Walmart warehouse.
NBC Exclusive Interviews with Walmart CEO
NBC landed multiple _"exclusive"_ interviews with Walmart CEO John Furner, one in February 2021 promoting Walmart's COVID vaccination efforts for customers and employees, and another in November 2021 with him arguing Walmart is the more affordable option during rising inflation.
– February 2021: Promoting Walmart's COVID vaccination efforts
– November 2021: Arguing Walmart is the more affordable option during rising inflation
NBC News Interview with _Walmart CEO John Furner_
– _NBC News_ landed multiple "exclusive" interviews with _Walmart CEO John Furner_. (Screenshot/NBC)
And just last week, "Today" aired a positive segment about Walmart *upskilling* its employees in the AI era, though also mentioning Amazon making similar efforts.
– Today segment aired about Walmart upskilling its employees in the AI era
– Mentioned Amazon making similar efforts
NewsBusters managing editor Curtis Houck swiped "hobnobbing-obsessing" Conde, telling Fox News Digital it's "no surprise" that NBC offered such glowing coverage.Â
– _NewsBusters managing editor Curtis Houck swiped "hobnobbing-obsessing" Conde, telling Fox News Digital it's "no surprise" that NBC offered such glowing coverage._
Corporate News and Public Relations
Houck believes that corporate news demonstrates a scenario where big corporations act as public relations officials for other corporations. According to him, this goes beyond the traditional concept of "_I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine_."
– Different corporations serving as PR representatives for each other
– Emphasis on mutual benefits and cooperation
– Reflects a complex network of corporate influence and control
NBC'S OUSTING OF RONNA MCDANIEL REINFORCES STATUS AS _ANTI-TRUMP_, _PRO-BIDEN NETWORK_
– NBC news has been _carrying_ water for the Democratic Party for years
– They employ journalists who see their role as _informing citizens_ through their _own internal_ moral lens rather than _reporting facts_
– Now they are seeking to silence all dissenting opinions _especially those_ that call out Trump's Joker-like shenanigans
– They know that Ronna McDaniel is the voice of reason in the Republican Party and that her _ouster_ will only strengthen the _canon_ of their _progressive_ rhetoric
PepsiCo's Bright Marketing Strategy
PepsiCo similarly benefited from NBC's on-air coverage. In March 2021, "_Today_" plugged the soda giant's limited edition Peeps-flavored Pepsi. In December 2021, NBC promoted Pepsi's Super Bowl Halftime Show app. In December 2022, "_Today_" put a spotlight on the viral "Pilk" trend inspired by a Pepsi ad featuring Lindsay Lohan drinking a glass of milk combined with Pepsi. In February 2023, "_Today_" offered a "sneak peek" into Pepsi's Super Bowl ad starring Steve Martin. Weeks later, "_Today_" plugged another Pepsi ad, this one featuring Ben Stiller reprising his "Zoolander" character.
– March 2021: "_Today_" plugged the limited edition Peeps-flavored Pepsi.
– December 2021: NBC promoted Pepsi's Super Bowl Halftime Show app.
– December 2022: "_Today_" spotlighted the viral "Pilk" trend.
– February 2023: "_Today_" offered a "sneak peek" into Pepsi's Super Bowl ad.
– Weeks later: "_Today_" plugged another Pepsi ad featuring Ben Stiller.
Recent Pepsi Promotions on "Today" Show
_"Today"_ offered heavy promotion of Pepsi just last month alone, showing a viral video of a 15-month-old boy who _"really, really wanted to try a Pepsi"_ and hyping fast food chain Subway's _"head-turning"_ decision to switch to Pepsi from Coca-Cola starting next year.
– The show featured a viral video of a 15-month-old boy who _"really, really wanted to try a Pepsi"_.
– Subway made a _"head-turning"_ decision to switch to Pepsi from Coca-Cola starting next year.
NBC's "Today" Highlights _Pilk_ Trend
NBC's "_Today_" highlighted the so-called viral "Pilk" trend inspired by a Pepsi ad featuring Lindsay Lohan in December 2022. 
– _Pilk_ trend
– Pepsi ad featuring Lindsay Lohan
– December 2022
Pepsi's Connection with NBCUniversal
_Pepsi's_ ties to NBCUniversal appear to go far beyond friendly reports on "Today." In 2021, Pepsi was a sponsor of NBCUniversal's Upfront, an annual industry event networks hold to promote their programming to advertisers.
– Pepsi's ties to NBCUniversal
– Pepsi was a sponsor of NBCUniversal's Upfront
Events Involving PepsiCo and NBCUniversal
In 2019, while Conde served as the chairman of NBCUniversal International Group and NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, PepsiCo provided "Pepsi Sparkling Rosé" for the company's "BravoCon." In 2015, one year before Conde joined its board, Pepsi partnered with Conde-led NBCUniversal International for a "Back to the Future" campaign to promote its brand. There's no evidence to show the two events were related, however.
– PepsiCo provided _"Pepsi Sparkling Rosé"_ for _"BravoCon."_
– In 2015, Pepsi partnered with NBCUniversal International for a _"Back to the Future"_ campaign.
Notable Partnerships
NBCUniversal has announced a direct partnership with Walmart in November allowing Bravo viewers to shop online while watching the streaming service Peacock for merchandise seen in its programming.Â
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NBC News Controversy
_"This is a huge issue for NBC News and a clear conflict of interest on Cesar Conde's part," media columnist and Fox News contributor Joe Concha said._
– This statement highlights the concern raised by Joe Concha regarding conflict of interest at NBC News.
Former NBC News executive vice president Bill Wheatley similarly told the AP
_It seemed to me that this was an additional instance of NBC management not understanding the rules by which news leaders are supposed to play._
– NBC News executive vice president Bill Wheatley similarly told the AP
– _"It seemed to me that this was an additional instance of NBC management not understanding the rules by which news leaders are supposed to play."_
Neither NBC nor its parent company Comcast responded to requests for comment.
_Neither NBC nor its parent company Comcast responded to requests for comment._
Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report.
– _Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report._
About Joseph A. Wulfsohn
Joseph A. Wulfsohn is a media reporter for Fox News Digital.
Contact him:
– Email: [email protected]_
– Twitter: @_JosephWulfsohn_
