A recent commentary written by Alpena News Editor Justin Hinkley for the April 27 edition opined on the recent NBC news versus Ronna McDaniel controversy. To review, a few weeks ago the network hired McDaniel as a paid contributor, specifically as a political analyst. McDaniel served as chair of the Republican National Committee from 2017 until her resignation in 2024. This announcement was met with sweeping resistance from NBC news staff who objected to collaborating with someone who actively worked to undermine and subvert the 2020 election. Notably, McDaniel made false claims of voter fraud, characterized the Jan. 6 insurrection as “legitimate political discourse,” helped organize fake electors, and promoted multiple election conspiracy theories. The network summarily cut ties with McDaniel.

Justin’s commentary suggested NBC made an error in parting ways with McDaniel saying mainstream media could dampen existing perceptions of being overly liberal by incorporating conservative voices in their programming. Being inclusive of conservative views in mainstream media is not only a good idea, it’s currently standard. What should never be standard, however, is entertaining the notion that all viewpoints deserve a platform. Balance does not come from incorporating the thoughts or opinions of anyone who vacated the principles of integrity and honesty in a public forum.

Anyone who makes claims of election fraud based solely on the fact that their guy lost has relinquished credibility and has abandoned all rectitude. And it’s time we stop referring to this presentation as election-denying. It should be addressed for what it really is: unpatriotic and undemocratic. It’s understandable why NBC news staff didn’t want to be affiliated with such an individual as it would certainly call into question their own standards in reporting. Truth matters. Integrity matters. McDaniel gave up her seat at any table of legitimacy when she abdicated these principles.

DIANE O’CONNOR,

Alpena