NBC News’ Chuck Todd suggested Tuesday that the major networks have been slow to report on the controversy surrounding Jonathan Gruber — the controversial Obamacare architect who has come under fire recently for his comments praising the law’s “lack of transparency” and the “stupidity of the American voter,” because it’s a “political story.”
Todd’s remarks came during a broader discussion with Newsmax TV’s Steve Malzberg on the subject of bias in the media.
“Is there bias in the media on the left?” Malzberg asked.
“I think there is cultural bias is what I always talk about. The bias stems from the fact that the news media is headquartered in New York City. I’ve always felt that the cultural bias on issues on like religion, particularly social issues, where there is this feeling, middle America feels New York imposes more of its cultural values,” Todd responded.
“I think that is what has created this perception that therefore all media leans left. I think culturally it is there. I don’t think it’s as pervasive as some believe on the right. I think that the cultural stuff is what makes it credible,” he added.
Malzberg continued, asking the “Meet the Press” host why the major networks have been so slow to report on the Gruber controversy. “[I]t’s a huge story!” Malzberg said.
“I’m not saying it’s not a story. Look, I’m not in charge of any of those newscasts, but what is the news today of that? It’s a political story. Network news in general hasn’t been covering the political back and forth of Washington a lot lately,” Todd said.
“I don’t think this has to do with Gruber, specifically. I would just caution people on that,” he added.
