MSNBC Must Act to End its Hateful Culture, February 8, 2008

As many of you may have heard, MSNBC’s David Shuster is following in the footsteps of his colleague Chris Matthews with a new low in sexist and demeaning comments. This time the attacked was lobbed at Chelsea Clinton when he said “Chelsea's sort of being pimped out in some weird sort of way?” See the full clip on You Tube here.

We have spoken out on MSNBC before in this venue but this latest salvo from MSNBC just crosses the line. The following is a letter Ellen Malcolm sent today to MSNBC News Senior Vice President Phil Griffin. We strongly encourage you to speak out as well:

Phil Griffin
News Senior Vice President, NBC Television Network
& General Manager of MSNBC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10112

Mr. Phil Griffin,

For months, women and men from all over the country have been telling me about their anger at MSNBC’s treatment of women, especially Senator Hillary Clinton. Now, just yesterday, David Shuster talked about “pimping out Chelsea.” That is completely reprehensible.

I'm sending this letter today to let you know that the misogynistic pattern in the reporting by your network must come to an end. I know I speak for millions across this country when I demand that you take immediate steps and publicly tell us what you will do to eliminate this sexist and demeaning culture that has become so pervasive in your network.

Public figures are too often the target of vitriol and biased commentary. However, your journalists have repeatedly, and in now the most odious fashion, crossed the line with personal, sexist and demeaning attacks. The half hearted apology by Mr. Shuster this morning fails to even acknowledge the insulting nature of his comments.

Your tolerance for this behavior speaks volumes about the corporate culture of MSNBC. If you refuse to take action, women across the country, viewers, sponsors, and consumers can only assume your implicit endorsement of this type of sexist commentary on women and repugnant treatment of our children.

It's time for MSNBC to act.

Sincerely,

Ellen R. Malcolm
President

Act now to stop MSNBC!

Ramona