CNN Media Reporter Accuses NBC of ‘Helping to Elevate’ and Normalize ‘Far-Right Outlets’ With GOP Debate Partnership

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

CNN senior media reporter Oliver Darcy accused NBC News of “helping to elevate and normalize” two “far-right outlets” by hosting Wednesday’s Republican presidential debate, which was partnered with alternative video platform Rumble and the conservative Salem Radio.

In CNN’s Reliable Sources newsletter, Darcy wrote, “Respected news organizations typically do not partner with right-wing companies known for trafficking in extremism. But NBC News chose another path.”

Darcy argued that NBC News’ decision to host the debate in partnership with Rumble and Salem Radio — companies which were selected by the Republican National Committee (RNC) — helped “elevate and normalize both of the far-right outfits.”

In October, after it was revealed that NBC News would be hosting the debate, Darcy wrote that it was “striking that NBC News would agree to link arms with such organizations,” which he said had “legitimized radical voices in recent years” and had “a history peddling and profiting off extremist rhetoric.”

Darcy specifically cited Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, conservative author Dinesh D’Souza, former Trump deputy assistant Sebastian Gorka, and former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis, who all host shows on Salem Radio Network.

Days later, after RNC spokesperson Keith Schipper claimed that Darcy’s own network had also been pitching the RNC “on doing a debate with Salem,” and had “agreed to have Rumble as the livestream partner,” Darcy warned CNN against following in NBC’s footsteps and wrote, “When reached for comment Wednesday evening, a CNN spokesperson declined to comment to me on the matter.”