MSNBC Is Clearing Out a Slot in Prime Time (And Leaving It Empty!)

The New York Times ^ | November 26, 2003 | Jim Rutenberg

[Timesink]

November 26, 2003

MSNBC Is Clearing Out a Slot in Prime Time

By JIM RUTENBERG

SNBC is reshuffling its lineup again to clear the way for a star, so far unidentified, it hopes to introduce in prime time in the coming weeks, according to a memorandum made available yesterday.

Erik Sorenson, the president of MSNBC, said in the memorandum to his staff that he was moving "The Abrams Report" to 6 p.m.. from 9 p.m. weekdays. It had been at the later hour since major combat in Iraq ended but that time slot was supposed to be a temporary berth. The program remained there, however, when MSNBC determined in the summer that another talk show - which was to have the former governor of Minnesota, Jesse Ventura, as its host - was not suited for prime time.

"Buchanan & Press," the 6 p.m. political talk show with the liberal-conservative pairing of Bill Press and Patrick J. Buchanan as its hosts, will be canceled.

Mr. Sorenson said that he was making the changes in part because the demands of prime time were too intense for Mr. Abrams, who also has to report for other NBC News programs like "Today."

Mr. Sorenson also said that the network would fill Mr. Abrams's 9 p.m. time slot with an unidentified host; the program will have Bruce Perlmutter as its producer. Mr. Perlmutter had been the producer of "Connie Chung Tonight," which CNN canceled earlier this spring; he joined MSNBC in late summer.

Ms. Chung's name was one of several circulating among network executives as a possible host for MSNBC at 9 p.m. Other potential contenders were said by people at the network to be Lisa Ling, a former co-host of the "The View," and Deborah Norville, a former co-host of "Today," who is the host of "Inside Edition."

Jeremy Gaines, a network spokesman, had no comment.

Mr. Sorenson said in the memo that Mr. Buchanan and Mr. Press would continue to contribute to the network.

Executives said that Tamara Haddad, who had been the executive in charge of the program, would probably continue to work for the network in some significant capacity.

[Timesink]

Choosing the producer before deciding what the show is going to be is the kiss of death. Another impending disaster for MSNBC!

[Timesink]

Schadenfreude

This is the New York Times MSNBC Schadenfreude Ping List. Freepmail me to be added or dropped.

[umgud]

The Algore Show?

[martin_fierro]

MSNBC cancels shows faster'n I can watch 'em.

[Let's Roll]

My thought too. A "star" - snicker, snark

[Brandon]

Choosing the producer before deciding what the show is going to be is the kiss of death. Another impending disaster for MSNBC!

Not necessarily. It could mean that the producer will have more authority than the host, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. These star-driven talking head shows give me hives.

I did get a chuckle out of the statement that Buchanan and Press will still be "contributing" to MSNBC. I suppose there must be some toilets in need of scrubbing somewhere. The two of them would be perfect for it.

[JayNorth]

MSNBC cancels shows faster'n I can watch 'em.

MSNBC cancels shows faster'n I can ignore 'em.

[Sapper26]

They should just put up a test pattern for an hour. It'll probably recieve their highest ratings.

[Princeliberty]

You'd actually watch them?

But if they leave the slot open and just air
black empty shot the ratings would probably be
higher than they are now.

When are they just go to put the fork in MSNBC
cause it is done and go ahead pull the plug and
take it off the air?

[blaze]

Someday, Mostly...Stupid...Nonsense...By...Commies..., will realize we live in a SAVAGE NATION!!!

[CaliGirlGodHelpMe]

Oh, I hope they bring Phil Donahue back and waste more millions trying to convince us that he's got something worthwhile to say...that was the best laugh I've gotten from TV since the "Race" episode on Seinfeld.

[Bob Eimiller]

Hey...I hav an idea.... What about Alan Keyes???

[zygoat]

It's gonna be Dennis Miller.

[greyfoxx39]

No, I have it on good authority that it is Al Franken.

[MadelineZapeezda]

Alan Keyes had a show, it was canceled a few years ago. Remember he always wore colored sweaters?

[MadelineZapeezda]

MSNBC cancels shows faster'n I can watch 'em.

But I seam to watching less of FOX as it becomes all Michael all the time. Same with Joe Scarborough. I find myself turning to CNN, heaven help me, to hear news.

FOX News...if you're listening.........QUIT ALREADY!!!

[truthandjustice1]

Kiss of death for PMSNBC.

[mickie]

"FOX News...if you're listening.........QUIT ALREADY!!!

I agree.........

Greta's show stinks, either she has all jackson or all peterson......with the same crummy "line-up"

[fish hawk]

Folks, are you ready for the Gloria Allred vs Mark Geragos show???

[ChadGore]

Loosing share? Try the truth.