Comcast executives criticized a recent MSNBC report concerning the murder of conservative activist Chariekirk, labeling comments from analyst Matthew Dowd as “insensitive” and “inappropriate.” Dowd was dismissed from his position on Thursday.
The statement, circulated among staff at Comcast and NBCUniversal, was signed by Brian Roberts, the Comcast CEO, Mike Cavanagh, and MSNBC’s CEO, Mark Lazarus.
“You might have noticed that MSNBC ended its association with a contributor who made unacceptable remarks about this tragic event,” the memo explained.
Dowd had suggested on MSNBC that Kirk was known for spreading “hate speech” when asked about the shooting during a live broadcast.
In the memo, executives emphasized the need to “promote civic dialogue” and listen to differing viewpoints, asserting that it’s vital to express opinions, even when they diverge from Kirk’s beliefs.
They acknowledged that “something essential in our public discourse has broken,” stressing the company’s responsibility to help mend it.
Kirk was fatally shot at an event in Utah Valley College on Wednesday, triggering extensive media coverage and an urgent manhunt for his assailant.
During the MSNBC broadcast, anchor Katie Tar questioned Dowd about the environment leading to such shootings.
Dowd responded, “He was one of the most divisive young figures, consistently pushing hate speech targeting certain groups.”
Comcast’s higher-ups have informed employees at both MSNBC and NBC that there needs to be an improvement in how reports are handled.
The remarks from Dowd caused an uproar on social media, leading to MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler’s apology on Thursday, describing the comments as “inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable.”
Comcast and other major media organizations have faced criticism for perceived bias from Trump and his administration.
On Friday, Trump addressed Dowd’s firing, remarking about biased reporting on Fox & Friends.
“These radical left networks and channels, they’re scary—I’ve referred to them as the DNC before. MSNBC and others are just unfair,” he stated.
He also made claims during a show about the suspect in Kirk’s murder being apprehended.
