Top Comcast executives urged employees Friday to “maintain a respectful exchange of ideas” following the assassination of the conservative political activist Charlie Kirk earlier this week.

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, president Mike Cavanagh and Versant CEO Mark Lazarus sent the note Friday morning, acknowledging the decision by MSNBC to part ways with contributor Matthew Dowd for insensitive comments made on the network shortly after shooting.

“That coverage was at odds with fostering civil dialogue and being willing to listen to the points of view of those who have differing opinions,” they wrote. “We should be able to disagree, robustly and passionately, but, ultimately, with respect. We need to do better.”

Roberts and Lazarus were in attendance at a 30th anniversary party for the CNBC show Squawk Box Wednesday night when the decision to part ways with Dowd leaked. KC Sullivan, CNBC’s president, acknowledged the tragic shooting in public remarks during the event.

In their letter, Roberts, Cavanagh and Lazarus argued that the public discourse has shifted, and the company should be using its reach and influence to help change things for the better.

“Something essential has fractured in our public discourse, and as a company that values the power of information, we have a responsibility to help mend it,” they write.

Versant is set to split off from NBCUniversal early next year, with Lazarus overseeing CNBC and MSNBC, and NBCU continuing to operate NBC News.

You can read the full memo, below.

Dear Comcast NBCUniversal Team,

The tragic loss of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old father, husband, and advocate for open debate, whose faith was important to him, reminds us of the fragility of life and the urgent need for unity in our nation. Our hearts are heavy, as his passing leaves a grieving family and a country grappling with division. There is no place for violence or hate in our society.

You may have seen that MSNBC recently ended its association with a contributor who made an unacceptable and insensitive comment about this horrific event. That coverage was at odds with fostering civil dialogue and being willing to listen to the points of view of those who have differing opinions. We should be able to disagree, robustly and passionately, but, ultimately, with respect. We need to do better.

Charlie Kirk believed that “when people stop talking, really bad stuff starts.” Regardless of whether you agreed with his political views, his words and actions underscore the urgency to maintain a respectful exchange of ideas – a principle we must champion. We believe in the power of communication to bring us together. Today, that belief feels more vital than ever. Something essential has fractured in our public discourse, and as a company that values the power of information, we have a responsibility to help mend it.

As employees, we ask you to embody our values in your work and communities. We should engage with respect, listen, and treat people with kindness.