NBC News' Five-Alarm Fire Bound To Engulf Comcast

The NBC News situation involving Ronna McDaniel has ignited a five-alarm fire at 30 Rock, leaving the reputation of the network scarred and threatening multiple parts of the Cesar Conde-run NBC Universal News Group.

Here’s a summary of the chaos:

Ronna McDaniel’s Hiring: The decision to hire former Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel set off an unprecedented on-air mutiny. McDaniel’s role in working to subvert the 2020 vote sparked outrage among network staff and viewers alike.

Conde’s Response: Instead of dousing the flames, Cesar Conde and other NBC executives poured gasoline on the fire. Conde hesitated to sever ties with McDaniel, even after top personalities like Chuck Todd and Rachel Maddow publicly criticized the hire. Inside Conde’s inner circle, Stephen Labaton, executive vice president of communications, is facing an accusation of professional misconduct. Amid the crisis, Labaton bashed his colleagues over at MSNBC, rebuking the hosts in a profane manner. Labaton denied making the remark and suggested a disgruntled McDaniel had alleged it after being fired.

Internal Strife: The crisis spiraled out of control, leading to an all-out civil war within the news group. Staffers are enraged, and details of executive behavior are leaking out. For instance, Carrie Budoff Brown, NBC News’ senior vice president of politics, allegedly recruited a Republican to push back against Chuck Todd on social media. While Brown denies specific instructions, she acknowledges discussing McDaniel’s supporters speaking on her behalf as an NBC News contributor. The revelation has left NBC News staffers furious at the executive’s involvement.

Who's Accountable: Staffers inside the company are wondering amongst themselves who is going to be held accountable for the mess. Will any executives lose their jobs over the corporate catastrophe?

The situation is far from resolved, and the flames continue to rage. Brian Roberts, the Chairman of Comcast, is currently caught in the crossfire of a political firestorm. Former President Donald Trump has directed his ire at Roberts, blaming him for the editorial positions of MSNBC. In a previous incident, Trump called for the government to take action against Comcast. Now, with the turmoil surrounding Cesar Conde and NBC News, Roberts finds himself once again in the former president’s spotlight. Given Comcast’s aversion to drama, this situation is undoubtedly unwelcome for Roberts.