MSNBC Mocked by CNN for LED Screen RNC Coverage

CNN anchor Jake Tapper criticized MSNBC for using an LED screen to cover the Republican National Convention from New York City, while claiming to be live on the ground in Milwaukee.

CNN host Jake Tapper's on-air jab at MSNBC on Thursday highlighted the network's unconventional coverage of the Republican National Convention (RNC) from a New York City studio.

According to the New York Times, MSNBC anchors Rachel Maddow and others have appeared on-air with a live feed of the convention projected behind them, creating a misleading impression that they were present in Milwaukee.

MSNBC Mocked by CNN for LED Screen RNC Coverage

"We are here live, as opposed to some other networks that just have a big LED, who shall remain nameless," Tapper remarked during an interview with Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio.

The Times report detailed that MSNBC anchors, including Nicolle Wallace, Jen Psaki, and Joy Reid, were broadcasting from Midtown Manhattan, while a live feed of the convention floor played on an LED screen behind them.

MSNBC Mocked by CNN for LED Screen RNC Coverage

Veteran television news producers described the arrangement as unorthodox, creating a trompe l'oeil effect, where viewers may mistakenly believe the anchors were physically present at the convention.

MSNBC had previously announced that Maddow and other top anchors would not attend the convention in person, sending Stephanie Ruhle and Katy Tur instead.

MSNBC Mocked by CNN for LED Screen RNC Coverage

Critics argued that the live video feed of the convention behind the anchors conveyed a different impression to viewers, despite MSNBC's disclosure at the start of broadcasts that hosts were in New York or at the network headquarters.

Tapper's pointed remark came just before former President Trump accepted the 2024 Republican nomination.

MSNBC declined to comment on Fox News Digital's request.

The unconventional coverage sparked debate about the ethics of using an LED screen to simulate on-site presence, particularly for a major event like the RNC.

Some argued that viewers could be misled into believing the anchors were covering the convention in person, while others defended MSNBC's decision, citing safety and cost considerations.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by news organizations in covering large-scale events remotely, while balancing transparency and audience engagement.