Dave Sweet and Steve Burns

WMAL.com

WASHINGTON — (WMAL) The Republican National Committee is severing ties with NBC in favor of CNN for its February 25 debate. Previously the debate was to be hosted by NBC in partnership with Telemundo and the National Review.

 

“The Republican National Committee has decided to move forward without NBC’s participation in the February debate in Houston, Texas,” said GOP Chairman Reince Preibus. “The RNC has awarded the debate to CNN, who will broadcast it on Thursday, February 25 in Houston at a location to be decided. The RNC is ensuring the partnership with Telemundo and conservative partners National Review and Salem Communications will continue as planned.”

The move by the RNC follows an October 28 GOP debate hosted by CNBC that was largely criticized by members of the party for treating its candidates unfairly.

Christopher Newport University’s Quentin Kidd says the party exerts much influence over the debate process and, as a result, media outlets that don’t see eye to eye with a party can get left in the dust. He doesn’t see that as a good thing.

“I think it’s good for democracy for NBC to host a republican debate. And it’s good for Fox News to host a democratic debate,” said Kidd. “For those outlets to host debates by parties they aren’t normally associated with are probably good for voters.”

The next GOP debate will be hosted by Fox News on January 28 at 9 p.m. ET.

(Photo: CNN)