GOP Formally Bans CNN, NBC From Debates

As promised, the Republican National Committee formally declared today that CNN and NBC will be blackballed from GOP presidential debates if they move forward with programs on Hillary Clinton, reports the Washington Post. “We’re done putting up with this nonsense,” RNC chief Reince Priebus told the group's general session. “There are plenty of other news outlets, we’ll still reach plenty of voters … but CNN and NBC anchors will just have to watch on competing networks.” The networks don't need the RNC's permission to host debates, but it's unlikely any candidates would show up without the group's blessing.

Neither network has suggested it would halt production of the Hillary programs. (For NBC, it will be a miniseries from its entertainment division, possibly produced by Fox Television Studios; CNN plans a documentary.) The RNC decision is part of a larger move by the party to gain greater control of the debate process, reports Politico, which quotes conservative critics who say mainstream networks are biased against GOP candidates. As a result, the RNC is pushing for a greater say in moderators and formats. (More RNC stories.)