Multiple people at NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC are reportedly angry over NBC’s decision to host a town hall for President Donald Trump Thursday, according to reporter Yashar Ali.
“I’ve heard from over a dozen NBC, MSNBC, and CNBC sources (talent and staff) and the frustration with and anger toward their employer for scheduling a town hall against Biden is palpable,” Ali tweeted Wednesday. (RELATED: Reporter Yashar Ali Claims NBC News Editor Dafna Linzer Tried To Intimidate Him On Behalf Of The DNC)
I’ve heard from over a dozen NBC, MSNBC, and CNBC sources (talent and staff) and the frustration with and anger toward their employer for scheduling a town hall against Biden is palpable.
— Yashar Ali ???? (@yashar) October 14, 2020
The second presidential debate, originally scheduled for Thursday, October 15, was canceled after Trump objected to a virtual format proposed by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The format was presented following Trump’s Oct. 2 announcement that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Instead of the debate, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden agreed to a town hall with ABC News Thursday, to air at 8 p.m. NBC announced Wednesday that it will hold a town hall for Trump at the same time – reportedly prompting backlash from multiple “talent and staff” across the networks owned by NBCUniversal.
NBC’s town hall will be outdoors and “TODAY” anchor Savannah Guthrie “will moderate a conversation between Trump and a group of Florida voters,” the network announced. The town hall will comply with guidelines and government regulations put in place amid the pandemic.
ABC News will not be moving its town hall despite NBC’s announcement, according to Ali. NBC News did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller.