Let’s start with the obvious: Any business — whether it’s a widget factory, a corner bakery or a national television network — has the right to hire whomever they want.

Now let’s add the equally obvious: For whatever reasons, the managers of a widget factory or corner bakery may make a mistake and hire someone totally unqualified. Who cares? But we demand and expect a lot more from a major television network.

Why? Because they’re national, not local. And because they’re among the top tier of the media, which — unless they’re self-proclaimed right-wing propaganda machines like Fox News or Newsmax — pride themselves on not taking sides, but just telling the truth, right down the middle. And we expect the people they hire to personify that lofty ideal.

For the most part, NBC News has met that goal. Its roster of news reporters and anchors include some of the greatest names in television history: Hugh Downs,........

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