NBC News Punishes Reporter Behind Viral Paul Pelosi Report Network Later Scrubbed: Report

NBC News reportedly suspended an on-air reporter over a report on the attack on Paul Pelosi, which the network later retracted.

What is the background?

On November 4, NBC News correspondent Miguel Almaguer reported that Paul Pelosi gave police no indication that he was in danger when they responded to his residence. The report was based on Almaguer’s sources.

Almaguer explained:

After a “knock and report,” the front door was opened by Mr. Pelosi. The 82-year-old did not immediately declare an emergency or attempt to exit his home, but instead began walking several feet back into the foyer toward the attacker and away from police. It’s unclear whether the 82-year-old was already injured or what his mental state was, sources say.

The report quickly spread on social media. And without explanation, NBC News later removed it from all network platforms.

“The article should not have aired because it did not meet NBC News reporting standards,” NBC News said in a statement.

However, the network didn’t explain what about the report failed to meet its editorial standards, nor did the company explain how the story managed to air when the story didn’t go through the proper review channels.

What happened to Almaguer?

The daily beast reported that NBC News is suspending Almaguer and conducting an investigation.

The network hasn’t officially confirmed the suspension, and company officials have declined to comment on internal staffing issues, but Almaguer has in fact not appeared on the NBC airwaves since his report on Paul Pelosi.

Almaguers Profile on the NBC News website was also scrubbed.

The lack of transparency about Almaguer and the distant story draws criticism even from people who have officially worked at NBC News.

“NBC News needs to be more transparent with its viewers about this mistake. Who wrote Miguel’s screenplay? Who approved the script? Are he and his producers suspended pending an internal investigation?” said a former network executive who spoke to Fox News.

“NBC’s silence on this matter speaks volumes,” the former executive added. “NBC owes it to its audience to be honest and not cover this up.”