Ever since MSNBC hired radical activist Al Sharpton as a weeknight host in 2011, the network’s lack of interest in media ethics has been clear. Despite Sharpton’s history of spreading the Tawana Brawley rape hoax and paying $65,000 in damages for it, MSNBC chose to hire him to boost racial diversity among its hosts.
Sharpton’s “day job” as a race hustler has never been restricted by MSNBC, even when he perpetually loses to Fox News and CNN in his early-evening time slot on weekends. The network has also ignored media ethics concerns when it comes to Sharpton’s financial ties to Democratic politicians, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
In 2010, MSNBC suspended hosts Keith Olbermann and Joe Scarborough for donating to congressional candidates, but Sharpton has never faced similar scrutiny. When the Kamala Harris campaign donated $500,000 to Sharpton’s National Action Network nonprofit, MSNBC claimed it was “unaware” of the donation. Sharpton has also received donations from other Democratic candidates, including Joe Biden.
Sharpton’s cozy interview with Harris on MSNBC’s “PoliticsNation” in 2020 was a prime example of his willingness to use his platform to promote Democratic politicians. During the interview, Sharpton asked Harris five soft questions and failed to challenge her on any of her policy positions.
Media ethicists have warned about MSNBC’s entanglement with Sharpton, but the network’s benefits from having him on board are clear. Sharpton is still seen as a “civil rights icon” by the network’s base, and his activism on behalf of Democratic politicians helps to boost his profile and influence.
