RNC backs out of NBC's February debate amid claims of bias

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- It may be one-and-done for NBC News -- at least when it comes to being a part of the Republican presidential debate circuit.

The Republican National Committee on Friday nixed NBC News from an upcoming candidate debate in February -- claiming that the network's moderators were too hard on its contenders during Wednesday's event.

The RNC made its decision known in a letter to NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack Friday, which was also posted to the committee's website.

"I write to inform you that pending further discussion between the Republican National Committee and our presidential campaigns, we are suspending the partnership with NBC News for the Republican primary debate at the University of Houston on February 26, 2016," RNC Chairman Reince Priebus wrote.

"We simply cannot continue with NBC without full consultation with our campaigns," he added.

Priebus criticized the network for its handling of the debate Wednesday, which was moderated and broadcast by CNBC. In particular, the GOP chief claimed moderators were "petty and mean-spirited" in some of their questions -- which he called "gotcha" questions designed to embarrass the Republican candidates.

NBC News has in the past been accused by some commentators of having a liberal bias.

"[CNBC's] handling of the debate was conducted in bad faith. We understand that NBC does not exercise full editorial control over CNBC's journalistic approach. However, the network is an arm of your organization, and we need to ensure there is not a repeat performance," Priebus said to Lack in the letter.

"Before the debate, the candidates were promised an opening question on economic or financial matters. That was not the case. Candidates were promised that speaking time would be carefully monitored to ensure fairness. That was not the case. Questions were inaccurate or downright offensive," the letter continued. "The first question directed to one of our candidates (Trump) asked if he was running a comic book version of a presidential campaign, hardly in the spirit of how the debate was billed."

Frontrunner Donald Trump, already well-known for his no-nonsense approach, reportedly backed the RNC's decision Friday.

"The campaign supports the RNC's decision to suspend the debate on February 26th due to the total lack of substance and respect exhibited during Wednesday's night's debate," a campaign spokeswoman said in a statement. "We look forward to pursuing alternatives along with the RNC to ensure candidates are given ample opportunity to outline their vision for the future of our country."

NBC News responded to the letter Friday, saying it is disappointed in the GOP committee's decision.

"This is a disappointing development. However, along with our debate broadcast partners at Telemundo we will work in good faith to resolve this matter with the Republican Party," the network's reply said.

Dr. Ben Carson, also one of the GOP race leaders, said he "has no objections" to the RNC's decision.

Wednesday's event, the third GOP debate, was the first hosted by NBC News -- after Fox News and CNN broadcast and moderated the first two. CNBC reportedly charged advertisers $250,000 for a 30-second ad during the two-hour debate -- meaning a GOP snub of the network's planned Feb. 26 event could prove to be a costly one.

Ratings for Wednesday's debate were also way down, according to industry statistics. An average of about 14 million people watched CNBC's coverage -- compared with 24 million and 23 million who watched the first two.

"While we are suspending our partnership with NBC News and its properties, we still fully intend to have a debate on that day, and will ensure that National Review remains part of it,' Priebus wrote.

Friday's revolt wasn't the first disagreement between CNBC and Republican candidates. Trump and Carson -- who are running neck-and-neck to lead the GOP field -- claimed earlier this week that the network initially planned the debate as a three and-a-half hour event and only cut it down to two hours at their insistence.

A CNBC representative, though, said Wednesday's debate, which took place at the University of Colorado, was always scheduled for two hours.

Some observers have speculated that Friday's decision may be at least partially motivated by a desire by the RNC to heal fractures between the committee and candidates.