RNC Chairman threatens to bar CNN, NBC from airing GOP debates

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus has sent letters to CNN and NBC calling for both networks to cease in what he calls "promotion" of Hillary Clinton in the form of biographical documentaries on the former Secretary of State. If the networks do not comply, Priebus has threatened to bar the networks from airing any GOP primary debates in the 2016 election cycle.

Priebus has been vocal in calling for far fewer debates than the 2012 cycle and more control by the RNC in sanctioning debates and choosing moderators.

Report from the Washington Post:

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus on Monday called on CNN and NBC to rethink their decisions to film documentaries about Hillary Clinton, calling each a “thinly veiled attempt at putting a thumb on the scales of the 2016 presidential election.”

Priebus also threatened, if they push forward with their plans, to avoid partnerships with the networks for any 2016 presidential debates. 

Both networks announced their plans in recent weeks. CNN’s documentary is set to run on TV and in theaters, while NBC’s is a miniseries starring Diane Lane.

“It’s appalling to know executives at major networks like NBC and CNN who have donated to Democrats and Hillary Clinton have taken it upon themselves to be Hillary Clinton’s campaign operatives,” Priebus said in a statement. “Their actions to promote Secretary Clinton are disturbing and disappointing.”

The letters were sent to Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, and Jeff Zucker, president of CNN Worldwide.
The chairmen of the Republican parties in Iowa and South Carolina — two early states that generally hold multiple debates — said they support Priebus’s move, suggesting it would have support within the RNC ranks.