Comcast Leaders Push Broadcasters for 'Respectful Idea Exchange' Post MSNBC Comment Controversy

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Comcast Issues Memo on Respectful Dialogue After MSNBC Fires Commentator

Comcast executives have issued a memo to employees, urging them to engage in a "respectful exchange of ideas" following the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. The letter comes after MSNBC, which is currently overseen by Comcast, cut ties with political commentator Matthew Dowd for his on-air reaction to Kirk's assassination.

The letter from Comcast CEO Mark Roberts, Comcast President Michael Cavanagh, and Versant CEO Mark Lazarus highlighted the importance of unity and respect in the wake of the incident. "The tragic loss of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old father, husband, and advocate for open debate, whose faith was important to him, reminds us of the fragility of life and the urgent need for unity in our nation," it read. "Our hearts are heavy, as his passing leaves a grieving family and a country grappling with division. There is no place for violence or hate in our society."

The memo also addressed the recent decision to end MSNBC's association with Dowd, who made comments that were deemed unacceptable and insensitive. "That coverage was at odds with fostering civil dialogue and being willing to listen to the points of view of those who have differing opinions. We should be able to disagree, robustly and passionately, but, ultimately, with respect. We need to do better."

Kirk, a right-wing media personality and political organizer, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10. He was 31 years old.

After the news broke, Dowd appeared on MSNBC Live With Katy Tur, where the host asked him about “the environment in which a shooting like this happens.” Dowd criticized Kirk, stating, "He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups." He continued, "And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. And I think that is the environment we are in."

Dowd later shared an apology on his BlueSky account, writing, "My thoughts & prayers are w/ the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. On an earlier appearance on MSNBC I was asked a question on the environment we are in. I apologize for my tone and words." He added, "Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack. Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind."

In their letter, Comcast executives urged employees to "engage with respect, listen, and treat others with kindness." They referenced Kirk's belief that "when single sparkle stop talking, really bad stuff starts." The memo emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful exchange of ideas, regardless of political views.

Comcast owns NBCUniversal and still temporarily controls MSNBC. In the coming months, a newly formed company called Versant will spin off from Comcast and take many of NBCUniversal's cable channels with it, including MSNBC, which will soon be retitled MS NOW.

President Donald Trump was the first to share the news of Kirk's death following his shocking assassination. He has since announced that he plans to posthumously award Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," the president shared on Truth Social. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us."

Kirk rose to fame after co-founding Turning Point USA at just 18 years old to advocate for conservative politics on high school, college, and university campuses. Leading up to the 2020 presidential election, his three-hour radio talk show, called The Charlie Kirk Show, made him a close ally of Trump's and, in 2020, he was appointed by the president to a commission promoting "patriotic education." He also frequently went viral for events like the one in Utah, where he would travel to college campuses and debate students with opposing political views.