That is correct...he, unlike most others; got caught.
If as a citizen he wants to donate to an individual candidate, that small amount of money would have almost no effect. I knew a journalist many years ago who was an outspoken champion of all things liberal, but chose not to vote in elections so he wouldn't appear to be 'biased'. He might have been the only person who didn't get how silly that was...
I suspect the network is feeling more than a little guilt about the liberal bias that runs through every news show they have - and this type of 'illusion trumps reality' might be comforting. Also, in their own little world, it might be the only thing that gives the illusion they're less biased than FOXNews - which allows citizens who happen to work for their network to make donations to politicians.