MSNBC Wants to Add a 3rd Prime-Time Show

[Cash_thatswhatiwant]

Source: New York Times

By BRIAN STELTER
Published: January 21, 2009
WASHINGTON — Building on the momentum of its prime-time hours, MSNBC is developing a 10 p.m. program that would complement its left-leaning evening lineup, the cable news channel’s president said this week.

A new program could increase the competition between MSNBC, a unit of NBC Universal, and its two chief competitors, Fox News Channel and CNN, for news viewers in the time slot. Unlike most major networks, MSNBC’s original programming ends at 10 each weeknight. The 8 p.m. program “Countdown With Keith Olbermann” is rerun at 10 p.m., where it usually ranks third.

But Phil Griffin, the president of MSNBC, is making 10 p.m. a priority now. In an interview on Tuesday in a studio on the Mall, hours after the inauguration of President Obama, Mr. Griffin said that the channel needed a third original show in its lineup.

“We can’t let this momentum stop,” he said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/business/media/22msnbc.html?ref=business MORE



I wonder who will host it or what it will be. I've been noticing Tamron Hall has been on TV a lot more and has hosted Countdown.

Ana Marie Cox of time magazine, wonkette, etc. I hear is getting HER own show on Air America (I have no idea I don't listen to AA). Maybe its her?

[ErinBerin84]

1. yeah, I'm not sure who should get the new show next...

Damn, I often caught the 10 rerun of Countdown. I can think of more people who definitely SHOULDN'T get their own show than people who should, heh.

[tabbycat31]

73. download itunes

and subscribe to the podcasts of Keith and Rachel. Full length video commercial free.

[Duer 157099]

2. I hate to be the one to tell them, but that momentum is

probably directly due to having the repeat of Countdown. I keep MSNBC on all evening so that I can catch Keith and Rachel at some point, and it's been so refreshing being able to catch them at later hours.

Oh well, guess I'll have to start making a point of recording it.

[sandnsea]

3. Bring Back Phil Donahue!

With lengthy and substantive discussions, like we used to have!

[ladjf]

29. I like Phil. But, I thought he did an ineffective job on his last show.

He didn't appear to be "on top" of the issues. His heart was in the right place. He seemed out of step with the current times. He lacked the "edge" that both Keith and Rachel have.

[sandnsea]

72. Okay, then Eugene Robinson

He could do a show like Phil used to do, giving a full hour to issues instead of the 30 second potshots we have now.

[ladjf]

97. My problem is that I'm looking for another broadcaster who is

as dynamic and intelligent as Keith and there are too many of those around.

[Larkspur]

4. Better not be Arianna

I like Arianna but could not listen to her thick accent for an entire hour.

[rvablue]

66. Oh, please God NO! I second what you said and I think many would agree! n/t

[Freddie Stubbs]

67. Every time I hear her speak I think of Green Acres

[Holly_Hobby]

93. Olivah! :) n/t

[Uzybone]

5. Man, either Ana Marie or Tamron would be a nice way the end the day

[Skidmore]

28. I like Tamron.

Period. I didn't at first but she has really, really grown in her job. She's smart as a whip and not afraid to call people on BS.

[4lbs]

64. Also, if you notice, for all the left-leaning MSNBC does, it doesn't have any African Americans that

regularly host their own shows.

While President Obama doesn't want to bring up the race issue, it would be apropos that the new 10:00pm host be African American. A female African-American would be even better.

CNN has DL Hughley on his weekly program at least.

PBS has Tavis Smiley and Gwen Ifill.

[NatBurner]

63. tamron...

rowr

[Hieronymus]

69. Ana Marie would be a great asset.

[sandnsea]

70. Tamron did not know how to pronounce "Schweitzer"

or know Baucus' name was Max. If she doesn't know those basic things, she is A FUCKING IDIOT. No More Of That.

[Cash_thatswhatiwant]

86. tamron doesn't seem well informed sometimes and at other times a bit air

headed...but she's really pretty and seems liek a lot of fun, which is what shows want. lol

[firedupdem]

6. They need to do something about the morning! Joe and Mika

need to head on over to fox. It doesn't even have to be a left leaning show, just a regular morning program without the fucking snark!

[ErinBerin84]

9. seriously, all they do is bitch and moan

occasionally they have good guests, but I usually can't last more than 5 or 10 minutes. Today, I turned it on and Tucker and Joe were pissing about a fucking STREET being closed off and saying that "Obama is just another guy, no better than them, so fuck him security!" (well basically), and repeating the RW radio meme that the Lowry prayer was racist. I agree, just a normal morning show (I don't know...John Harwood and Tamron Hall? Just please, not Contessa) would be nice.

[Seen the light]

7. It will be a right-winger

Be assured.

[MadBadger]

8. It probably should be.

[navarth]

11. not.

[MadBadger]

14. They only have liberals wish shows post dayside. They should balance it out

so that there is at least 1 conservative.

[navarth]

16. pfft. disagree.

[MadBadger]

17. Got anything to add to the one or two word responses?

[musicblind]

24. Apparently not.

Nothing is more annoying than someone who thinks their opinion does not need backing.

[navarth]

56. there would be no point, would there?

you want to add right wing content.

I think that's nuts. There's already far too much of that.

I doubt that I'm going to change your mind, and you're damn sure not going to change mine.

Let's celebrate freedom of choice.

[MadBadger]

59. I think that MSNBC should have another conservative voice to add balance to the network

I think all networks should have an equal balance of left and right wing hosts.

[navarth]

61. Even if I was to believe you were sincere

why in the world would you not have MORE progressive content on the tv if you're so interested in balance?

All networks having equal balance? When that happens, maybe. Right now there are 2 hours of progressive programming in the ocean of misinformation we call the M$M. And you want to add more to the hegmony to add balance? WTF??

Look, I don't want to hury anyone's feelings, but I find it impossible to take your idea seriously.

Maybe you'll get your wish? Well, WHOOPEE.

Again: let's agree to celbrate freedom of choice.

[MadBadger]

62. I think MSNBC should be responsible for themselves and not what the other Networks do

I also look at this as right vs left, not progressive vs. not progressive, beause its pretty clear that you can be on the left but not be a progressive. MSNBC currently has four hosts that Id feel comfortable about calling "Left" Matthews, Shuster are there, but more towards the center, and Maddow and Olbermann are more left. MSNBC has one host who is on the right being Scarborough. I think the media should be...and I hate to use the FOx slogan, but as fair and balanced as possible.

And there is no need to be rude and question my sincerity. It is insulting.

[tabbycat31]

85. and how many "liberals" does fox employ

Seriously, if you really want right wing programming, just turn to Faux News. They're full of it. MSNBC already has Joe and Mika. Let them become a liberal news channel because we sure as hell need one.

[MadBadger]

98. And I dont think MSNBC should become the liberal Fox

I think balance is a good thing for a news network to have.

[navarth]

94. sorry

It's just that it was hard to believe you were sincere. The argument seemed ridiculous to me. But hey: no worries. You might even get your way.

Again: I think there is far too much of what you want, so I have no interest in having more. Balance would dictate more progressive programming and less of the other.

Neither do I accept out of hand your assertion that one can be on the left and not progressive; but parse these terms as you like.

The bottom line for me is that I don't need to see more Limbaughs or even Smirconishes on the tv. Not when all these other options are so much more desirable, constructive, and enlightening.

In the end, MSNBC won't make up it's mind based on either of our opinions.

All the best

[Hippo_Tron]

89. Right wingers already have an entire network...

The bottom line is that it makes no financial sense for MSNBC to add a right winger.

[nyc 4 Biden]

50. The only conservative I don't mind is...

..that bald radio host guy from Philadelphia(i think) who is frequently a guest on Hardball with Tweety. He isn't too bad for a conservative.

ETA:

I found him... Michael Smerconish

This doesn't hurt..."On October 17, 2008, the politically-conservative Smerconish endorsed Barack Obama for President."

[marimour]

81. Michael Smerconish would be a great idea.

He has the personality for his own tv show. Putting an anchor in that spot in the pundit role might be kinda boring.

[redstate_democrat]

10. I think it should be a round table with all of the hottest bloggers

They can have it moderated by a regular blogger/host and then do it as an in person round table, with a debate section and a viewer blogger/twitter/call in segment. The bloggers (left and right) can debate each other on the issues and then allow the viewers to weigh in.

Call it "Night Cap(itol)" or something like that. Invite people like Glen Greenwald, marc ambinder, KOS, TPM guys, Jack and Jill politics peeps, Wonkette peeps, and so on and so on. There are so many good bloggers. They could invite the start ups, lesser knowns, and so forth. Make it interactive and go in depth with the topics. I would definitely tune in to that.

[navarth]

12. the Keith repeat is great. I would miss it. n/t

[Yes We Did]

13. CENK!

OMG! He would be awesome... Although, not sure how much I'd like him being censored.

[SKKY]

43. CENK or Ed Schultz...

...my preference in that particular order.

[nyc 4 Biden]

49. I agree and I would add Ron Kuby, Errol Louis and David Shuster

to my wish list. Cenk would be tops though. I'm not sayin' anything, I'm just sayin'.

[navarth]

57. YES. The Young Turks would be an excellent addition.

Why didn't I think of that?

[Lex]

15. Ron Reagan Jr. would do a good show!

I really believe he would.

[discopants]

18. Thom Hartmann

smartest man on radio.

[Lochloosa]

34. I'll second that.

[dem629]

38. The cure for insomnia.

[Ganja Ninja]

53. Thom Hartmann in a Larry King style format. n/t

[navarth]

95. agreed. n/t

[Critters2]

19. They should get Ron Reagan, Jr. That would completely explode

a bunch of Freeper heads!

[quantass]

20. Ideally it should be Cenk of TYT,,,,that guy is pretty good!

[ej510]

21. I bet you it will be Luke Russert.

[redstate_democrat]

22. Well then they can kiss my ass if they make that move.

That would be an insult to Bush's intelligence.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

35. I like the way you think

Cenk would be great for TV, as anyone who sees TYT on youtube knows.

[Norrin Radd]

23. Eugene Robinson would be good.

[Barack_America]

45. Eugene Robinson would be spectacular.

I love that guy and really hope that his future is as bright as it looks to be.

He's witty, fair and smart.

[sandnsea]

71. Yes Yes Yes!

He could do an in-depth talk show.

[BattyDem]

78. Ooooh ... I never thought of him. He'd be great!

Ok ... Gene or Cenk is fine with me!

[Perky]

25. Buy out The Daily Show and expand it to an hour to compete with Leno's new show.

[dem629]

36. Compete with themselves? Don't think so.

[Raine]

26. COOL ... I liked Dan Abrams show

but they took him off and gave his spot to Rachel. I think they should give him the 10:00. :-)

[JI7]

27. i like the Olbermann rerun at that time

[wyldwolf]

30. It's MSNBC: Presidential, where DUers battle it out live!

[mucifer]

31. They need to hire people of color.

Just my opinion.

[mucifer]

32. Frangela!

frangela.com

[dem629]

37. If that's the best person, sure, but not just for the reason you stated.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

33. Sam Seder would be the answer.

He was starting to appear on MSNBC about the same time Madow did - then Mark Green stupidly replaced him with Lionel on AAR.
We could have had another breakout progressive star on our hands if he'd been allowed to keep up his momentum.
A Seder/Maron show would give the Daily Show a run for its money.

If not that, bring back Phil Donahue - though based on the converasations I had with a few involved with that prgram, I don't think Phil would want it.

Let's just hope they don't feel the need to hire a rightwinger for supposed 'balance.' They didn't seem to think that was necessary for most of the Bush years when they went to an all rightwing lineup after cnning Donahue.

[SuperTrouper]

39. CHRIS KOFINIS has what it takes

[MarjorieG]

42. Agree with understanding issues, big picture, assertiveness, could he lead a show?

[aaaaaa5a]

40. I think Ed Schultz would be fantastic. NT

[Phoonzang]

41. Rip Taylor. nt

[navarth]

58. R.I.P. Taylor? Didn't know he died. n/t

[Barack_America]

44. Smerconish.

That would be my guess. They've been testing him by having him fill in on Hardball, and as a "conservative" (though an unusually reasonable one) he could be said to bring balance to the network, whatever that means.

[nyc 4 Biden]

52. You beat me to it.

I agreee it could be Smerconish, and if it had to be a conservative, I wouldn't be too disappointed to see him there.

[marimour]

82. yep. hes one of few conservatives I can actually stand listening to.

[LynneSin]

46. I'd love to see a Crossfire or Politically Incorrect style show at the 10pm shot

As much as I'd love 3 straight hours of liberal hosted shows I think the third show should be something that allows debate amongst opposing viewpoints with 2 equally strong voices from either party hosting the show (not a Hannity and the Whipping Boy type show).

When you have both sides you get to see how stupid the one side really is - which is usually the conservative side.

[Sebastian Doyle]

76. Well, if they did old school Crossfire, not the Begala/Carville version.

Actually MSNBC did have that for a while with Press & Buchanan. Maybe they should bring that back again? Though Press is too middle of the road DLC really... How about Donahue & Buchanan? I think they would be good sparring partners.

[nyc 4 Biden]

47. CENK CENK CENK CENK!!!!

Bring TYT to TV!!!

My back-up choices would be David Shuster, Ron Kuby, Errol Louis or Ed Schultz.

[Occam Bandage]

48. Giving the One True Wonkette her own show would be awesome. The rest, meh.

[navarth]

96. Wonkette would be fun. The rest, meh??? Come now, Mr. Bandage

if you say 'meh' to Thom Hartmann (for instance), I must doubt your sanity. This will never do!

[Justitia]

51. Bill Maher! Bring on the funny! -eom

[peaches2003]

54. Start with the weekend programming!

He ought to immediately put MSNBC news and commentary programming on the weekends! MSNBC is not a competitive serious news channel showing idiotic law and order shows all weekend. Get real, MSNBC. Why send your viewers to other channels all weekend? Worry about weekdays 10pm after you straighten out your weekends. :think:

[meli224]

55. that is so true

their weekend programming sucks. I hate having to put CNN on. I wish they would change that. I can't stand the woman they have on with the blond hair, Alex Witt I think? She is such a moron.

[navarth]

60. agreed

[Dr.Phool]

65. Eric Alterman would be a nice addition.

Or Katrina Vanden Heuvel.

[mt13]

68. they should get...

Cenk Uygur & The Young Turks!!!

[ecstatic]

74. Phil Donahue or Dan rather nt

[MissDeeds]

75. My vote goes to Allison Stewart n/t

[caraher]

92. Mine too

I thought Stewart did a fine job filling in when Rachel and Keith both took a week off. I found Countdown hard to watch, but Rachel's show hosted by Allison Stewart was fine.

[BattyDem]

77. I vote for Cenk!

:D

[amoreena]

79. Agree that MSNBC's weekend programming sucks...

do they even realize how many people have to switch over to CNN when MSNBC is showing another prison lockup show?

For that 10 pm weeknight slot how about two or three co-hosts, like Eugene Robinson, Ed Schulz, Smerconish, Tamron, take your pick.
Edited to add Aaron Brown (used to be on CNN). Dan Rather is excellent too.

For the morning slot get rid of the Morning Moron and Miss Meek-a Mouse. I really like Stephanie Miller and the two guys that were on air with her when she was trying out for the morning spot. Don't know how they ended up with that hatemongering Moron Joe.

[BumRushDaShow]

80. JOE MADISON

He can blow any lunatic fringe nutjob away. Although he's already doing 4 hours in the morning on XM... But OMG, even for a 1 hour show on MSNBC, and his doing it from somewhere in D.C. where he is stationed, would rock.

[RepublicanElephant]

83. unfreakin' believable!

why should conservatives get ONE second more airtime when they already control almost ALL media outlets?!

if folks want fair and balanced, lets do it right --- bring back the fairness doctrine and the equal time rule.

as far as a new show goes, it sure was neat to see eugene robinson's picture along with chris, rachel, and keith on the promo for msnbc's inaugural coverage. made things look more diverse, like america.

[jillan]

84. Wowee! Things just keep getting better and better. I vote for Thom.

[TheKentuckian]

87. I'd like a little new school "Cross-Fire" action

as long as both sides are top notch, even expand the format and add Greens and Libertarians.

It would add some balance, allow a platform to some views that aren't mainstream, and reintroduce debate to a mass audience.

[leftofthedial]

88. Umm, Tucker Carlson is available....

:puke:

[TheKentuckian]

91. I was thinking more way back

Buchanan and that old ex-CIA guy that was on the left. I loved that dude, he'd own Pat and Novak five days a week.

[EraOfResponsibility]

90. I sorta enjoy the repeats of Countdown