Keeping Trump as a producer renders NBC's news division untrustworthy
NBC has confirmed that not only will they go forward with airing President-elect Donald Trump’s reality show Celebrity Apprentice (albeit with a new host), but Trump will also keep his executive producer title, and be listed in show credits — a decision that has sparked widespread outrage and a petition to remove him. It is hard […]
NBC has confirmed that not only will they go forward with airing President-elect Donald Trump’s reality show Celebrity Apprentice (albeit with a new host), but Trump will also keep his executive producer title, and be listed in show credits — a decision that has sparked widespread outrage and a petition to remove him.
It is hard to understand how NBC can justify this decision. Trump and his team are not any less hateful now than they were when the network first denounced him in the summer of 2015, a decision which came shortly after Trump’s campaign kickoff in which he accused the Mexican government of sending rapists over the border.
NBC harshly condemned Trump’s remarks in their public announcement at that time:
At NBC, respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values. Due to the recent derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants, NBCUniversal is ending its business relationship with Mr. Trump.
Trump’s senior adviser, Kellyanne Conway, insists it is “doubtful” that Trump will accept a salary for his role at NBC. But the conflict of interest goes both ways: NBC News will presumably continue to report on the President of the United States, even as the office is filled by someone who remains a credited producer on a show from which they will profit handsomely — as long as that producer maintains the contract with them.
Irrespective of whether NBC’s entertainment division pays Trump, the arrangement could be profoundly compromising for the journalists in their news division.
Trump has repeatedly demonstrated contempt for ethical norms that govern our political system. And, with NBC’s stark reversal, it appears they have taken the president-elect’s lead as tacit permission to do the same.
Recommended
Biden campaign launches new ad focused on Affordable Care Act
Former President Trump has said he wants to do away with the popular health care law.
By Kim Lyons, Pennsylvania Capital-Star - May 08, 2024Trump leaves door open to banning medication abortion nationwide
Donald Trump is planning to release more details in the weeks ahead about how his administration would regulate access to medication abortion, according to comments he made during a lengthy interview with Time magazine published Tuesday.
By Jennifer Shutt, States Newsroom - April 30, 2024Biden on abortion rights: President expects to give speech Tuesday on new Florida 6-week ban
‘Having the president of the United States speaking out loud and with confidence about abortion access is a great thing’
By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix - April 22, 2024