The year 2024 witnessed a whirlwind of significant news events, from President-elect Trump's historic win and subsequent assassination attempts to global unrest and natural disasters. However, the media landscape itself experienced its own share of dramatic moments, marked by internal conflicts, questionable editorial choices, and even a scandalous romance.

NBC's Ronna McDaniel Revolving Door

NBC News faced intense internal backlash after hiring former Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel as a contributor. While hiring political figures is common practice, McDaniel's support for Trump and her alleged involvement in challenging the 2020 election results sparked outrage among NBC staff, particularly at MSNBC. Prominent figures like Joe Scarborough and Rachel Maddow publicly criticized the decision. The network ultimately terminated McDaniel's contract just days later, with NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde issuing an apology to the staff.

Ronna McDaniel's brief stint at NBC News. (Screenshot/NBC)

NPR Editor Exposes Newsroom Bias

Veteran NPR editor Uri Berliner ignited controversy by revealing what he perceived as a left-wing bias within NPR's newsroom. Berliner criticized NPR's handling of the Hunter Biden laptop story, the COVID lab leak theory, and its alleged downplaying of antisemitism. He also pointed to the lack of political diversity among NPR's editorial staff. After a suspension for speaking to the press without authorization, Berliner resigned and joined The Free Press.

Uri Berliner, former NPR editor. (Getty Images)

ABC Debate Moderators Under Fire

The first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, hosted by ABC News, drew criticism for the moderators' perceived bias against Trump. David Muir and Linsey Davis fact-checked Trump multiple times while leaving Harris's statements unchallenged. The apparent imbalance led to accusations of a 3-on-1 dynamic.

ABC debate moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis. (ABC News)

Olivia Nuzzi and RFK Jr.: A Journalistic Conflict

New York magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi became embroiled in scandal after revelations of a personal relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom she covered during his presidential campaign. While Nuzzi maintained the relationship was not physical, she acknowledged a lapse in judgment. The controversy led to her suspension and eventual departure from the magazine.

Olivia Nuzzi, Ryan Lizza, and RFK Jr. (Getty Images)

CBS News Clash Over Dokoupil-Coates Interview

CBS News faced internal strife after "CBS Mornings" co-host Tony Dokoupil's interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Dokoupil's pointed questions about Coates's anti-Israel views sparked outrage among some CBS staff, who felt the interview did not meet editorial standards. Dokoupil was subsequently required to meet with the network's Race and Culture Unit.

Tony Dokoupil and Ta-Nehisi Coates. (CBS/Screenshot)

"60 Minutes" and the Harris Interview Discrepancy

CBS's "60 Minutes" faced scrutiny after airing two different responses from Vice President Kamala Harris to the same question in separate broadcasts. The network's refusal to release the full interview transcript led to accusations of manipulation and a lawsuit from Donald Trump alleging election interference.

Bill Whitaker interviews Kamala Harris. (Screenshots/CBS News)

Newspaper Implosions Over Endorsement Decisions

The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post faced internal backlash after deciding to end their tradition of endorsing presidential candidates. The decisions, driven by their respective owners, led to staff resignations and accusations of caving to political pressure.

LA Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. ((Patrick T. Fallon / AFP | Marco Tacca/Getty Images | Fox News Digital ))

Jeff Bezos and The Washington Post.

Sharpton's Undisclosed Campaign Donation

MSNBC host Al Sharpton faced criticism after it was revealed that his nonprofit received a substantial donation from the Harris campaign shortly before he conducted a friendly interview with her. The lack of disclosure raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Al Sharpton and Kamala Harris. (MSNBC screenshot)

"Morning Joe" Hosts' Trump Meeting Sparks Backlash

"Morning Joe" co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski drew ire from liberal viewers after revealing their meeting with President-elect Trump. Critics accused them of normalizing Trump's behavior.

Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. (Screenshot/MSNBC)

ABC News Settles Trump Defamation Suit

ABC News paid a substantial settlement to Donald Trump and issued an apology after anchor George Stephanopoulos inaccurately stated that Trump had been found liable for rape. The settlement drew criticism from other media outlets, who accused ABC of setting a bad precedent.

George Stephanopoulos and Nancy Mace. (Screenshot/ABC News)