On Monday night, MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow clarified to viewers the network’s decision not to broadcast former President Donald Trump’s speech following his decisive victory in the Iowa caucuses.
Maddow cited the channel’s stance against airing what it deemed false information. Furthermore, she explained that MSNBC and other news outlets are interested in telling the truth.
“At this point in the evening, the projected winner of the Iowa caucuses has just started giving his victory speech,” Maddow said. “We will keep an eye on that as it happens. We will let you know if there is any news made in that speech if there is anything noteworthy, something substantive and important.”
“The reason I’m saying this is, of course, there is a reason that we and other news organizations have generally stopped giving an unfiltered, live platform to remarks by former President Trump. It is not out of spite, it is not a decision that we relish, it is a decision that we regularly revisit. And, honestly, earnestly, it is not an easy decision.”
Finally, Maddow noted that airing Trump’s “untrue” statements live on television hurts MSNBC’s brand.
“But there is a cost to us, as a news organization,” Maddow added. “Of knowingly broadcasting untrue things. That is a fundamental truth of our business and who we are. And so, his remarks, tonight, will not air here live. We will monitor them and let you know about any news that he makes.”
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
