Lincoln Project Received $32 Million in Free Media from CNN, MSNBC Since Weaver Scandal Broke

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Allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior against Lincoln Project cofounder John Weaver were first reported in the American Conservative on Jan. 11. Since then, the embattled super PAC has received more than $32 million worth of free or “earned” media from cable outlets CNN and MSNBC, a Washington Free Beacon analysis found.

The Free Beacon analyzed 40 appearances—10 on CNN, 30 on MSNBC—by Lincoln Project founders and advisers between Jan. 11 and Feb. 11. The value of the earned media was calculated using the “National Publicity Value” of each appearance, as estimated by media monitoring service Critical Mention. The total value of earned media over the month-long period came out to $32,689,233.

The allegations against Weaver, and his subsequent exit from the Lincoln Project on Jan. 15, did little to alter the super PAC’s friendly relationship with CNN and MSNBC. After the scandal broke, Lincoln Project founders and advisers appeared on the cable networks 23 times before one of them (cofounder George Conway) was finally asked to weigh in on the situation. MORE