NBC News Group’s leader, Cesar Conde, has introduced a distinct political viewpoint to his position, as acknowledged by executives at Comcast, NBC’s parent company. Despite receiving accolades for his performance, which have resulted in digital expansions and impressive ratings for MSNBC and NBC’s primary TV shows, some of his behaviors, such as interacting with influential guests and retaining board seats at Pepsi and Walmart, have sparked apprehension within the newsroom.
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His performance impressed executives at NBC’s parent company, Comcast. In May 2020, Jeff Shell, then the NBCUniversal chief executive, put Mr. Conde in charge of the News Group, replacing a veteran newsman, Andrew Lack.
Privately, Mr. Shell acknowledged that Group’s leader, Mr. Conde had a different background from his predecessor.
According to two people familiar with his remarks, Mr. Shell said that there are three types of leaders who run news organizations. “Journalists, politicians and businesspeople,” Mr. Shell said, the two people recalled. “Cesar Conde is a politician.”
Under Mr. Conde’s watch, the news division has expanded its digital efforts, and MSNBC and NBC’s flagship TV programs have continued to draw good ratings. On Friday, Mike Cavanagh, the president of Comcast, praised Mr. Conde’s stewardship “during a time of transition” in media. “The performance of the News Group speaks to his great leadership especially during challenging times,” he said in a statement.
Some of Mr. Conde’s moves raised eyebrows in the newsroom.
He arranged for lists of on-air guests to be forwarded to his office, so he could drop by and greet influential and powerful visitors. When George W. Bush was interviewed on “Today” in 2021 by his daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, Mr. Conde asked his office to forward his biography to the former president in advance, according to two people familiar with the arrangement. (Mr. Conde often speaks admiringly about his time working as a fellow for then-Secretary of State Colin Powell under Mr. Bush.)
Mr. Conde also retained his board seats at Pepsi and Walmart, from which he earned more than $640,000 in compensation last year, according to financial filings. News leaders usually strive to avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest. Mr. Conde has said he recuses himself from any editorial decisions involving the two companies. (He is also a trustee at the Aspen Institute, which sponsors the Ideas Festival; in 2021, under Mr. Conde, signed a partnership to be the institute’s media partner.)
Frequently asked Question and Answer
Who appointed Cesar Conde as the leader of NBC News Group?
Jeff Shell, the then NBCUniversal chief executive, appointed Cesar Conde in May 2020.
What differentiates Cesar Conde from his predecessor in terms of background?
According to Jeff Shell, Cesar Conde has a background more akin to a politician than a traditional journalist.
What achievements has NBC News Group made under Cesar Conde’s leadership?
Under Cesar Conde’s leadership, NBC News Group has expanded its digital efforts, and both MSNBC and NBC’s primary TV programs have maintained strong ratings.
What actions by Cesar Conde have raised concerns within the NBC newsroom?
Some of Cesar Conde’s actions, such as arranging to greet influential guests and retaining board seats at Pepsi and Walmart, have raised eyebrows among NBC News staff.
How does Cesar Conde address concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to his board seats at Pepsi and Walmart?
Cesar Conde claims to recuse himself from any editorial decisions involving Pepsi and Walmart to avoid any conflicts of interest.