MSNBC did not make the Republican National Committee’s list of outlets sponsoring a noticeably smaller number of presidential primary debates this cycle.
The RNC announced nine scheduled debates and three pending debates Friday, beginning in August and ending in March, 2016, in contrast to the grueling 2012 primary debate cycle, which began in May and consisted of closer to 20 debates.
Liberal outlets Politico and MSNBC, which hosted debates last year, are off the list, after conservatives criticized their involvement in the last cycle. The RNC also added a “Conservative Media Debate” — details pending — as part of an effort to include a larger conservative media presence. (RELATED: RNC Wants Role In Picking 2016 Primary Debate Moderators)
“The 2016 cycle is underway, and I can tell you it will be a landmark election for Republicans,” RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement Friday. “This schedule ensures we will have a robust discussion among our candidates while also allowing the candidates to focus their time engaging with Republican voters.”
Fox News and CNN will each host up to three of the debates. CNBC, Fox Business, ABC, CBS and NBC/Telemundo will also host debates.
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