MSNBC staffers didn't appreciate waking up this morning to read the latest company fumble in the New York Times instead of, say, a staff email or memo from topper Phil Griffin. That's just the latest in a string of complaints reaching us from across NBC News' bureaus following the revelation that Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews would no longer be manning the anchor chair during hard news events; instead, they'll once again return to the pundit circle.
Part of the announcement was that David Gregory would be playing center square, turning to O+M for their analysis while he moderates the hard news during the presidential debates and election night returns. And that's the other sticking point for NBC News staffers: Nobody wants Gregory in that role, according the temperature our sources have taken inside the network. "The Phil [Griffin] management style has infuriated people who aren't even fans of Olbermann," says one spy. Gregory's own 6pm Race To The White House has been a ratings dud, and while Olbermann and Matthews have kept MSNBC's ratings alive, many fear Gregory will tank that progress. Staffers are cheering for the home team, but find it hard when the guy making the calls is Griffin.
And who might be taking the news the hardest? Joe Scarborough.
Because, just maybe, Scarborough thought he was better suited for the job than Gregory?
He didn't show up for work this morning, claiming illness, we're told. Possibly, he is sick, but conspiracy theorists — like Chuck Todd, who makes the case here on Morning Joe that with fewer than 60 days to the election, it's important for a show host to actually be on the air — would argue he woke up at his usual early hour, saw the Times story (or got word it was coming), blew up in a typical fury, and refused to get in the town car for 30 Rock.
Editorial Director
I couldn't be more disappointed. Finally there was a couple of guys that could offer and alternative to the right wing bias of Fox News. Now, they're going to make Olbermann and Matthews afterthoughts? I'll admit that I'm a liberal and was delighted to finally have a group of newsmen that spoke to me. It was great. I don't understand why there can't be room for all different views at the table. MSNBC was and could be great for us left wingers.
Oh well. At least Chris and Keith still have their dail programmes.
Wow. The thing about MSNBC is that they're so willing to trash each other on TV! Olbermann attacks Scarborough and Matthews; Scarborough goes after Shuster, now Todd after Scarborough.
This behavior is just unheard of on other networks.
Missy, in a way, that's why I enjoy it. I actually feel like I'm hearing how this people really feel, as opposed to network approved lines. There was a feeling of the spontaneous during the DNC and RNC. I liked it. Maybe it's my youth showing (I'm 30), but I prefer the digs and the honesty to the typical, staid and frankly bland reporting of events. If I wanted to see that, I wouldn't watch MSNBC. I'd watch any of the typical, major network evening news programmes.
Alice, I'm with you. It's the drama that makes MSNBC so much fun. I hope they don't turn into just another news show.
I've been an MSNBC junkie for the last year. This comes as no surprise. The sparring was ridiculous and made for unconfortable viewing all around. Something had to give.
It is sad when people do not realize that news is not suppost to be left or right it is what it is and news men are nit suppost to give a opinion on what they believe to be true or not true. That is whe MSNBC is not doing well because they can not tell the truth.
Erin, I don't think it's that people don't realise that news should be unbiased, it's just that a lot of people don't want it to be unbiased. The nightly network news is unbiased, I just choose not to watch those shows. I personally enjoy hearing both the news of the day AND the opinions of people I respect. Matthews and Olbermann deliver that like gangbusters.
David Gregory puts me to sleep. I've spent 18 months of this political season with KO/CM and it's been fun. I think these changes should have been made AFTER the election. With 60 days to go - it's strange to change now.
I adore KO - but even if you don't like his politics - he's an extraordinary broadcaster AND very funny - so he kept those long nights of election results moving along.
I loved Olbermann and Matthews, spats and all. I like seeing two guys who are passionate and actually care about politics! I come from a big family that screams at each other about politics over the dinner table (in a completely nonpersonal way, we all love each other in the end) and that's what it reminds me of.
I didn't like the spatting and though I'm a huge Dem, I was even a little flustered by KO saying Michelle Obama "hit it out of the park." Yes, it was great, but cool down Kieth…I know you aren't a news anchor, and thats why I love you. He's very comedic and the smartest mind in politics as far as I'm concerned. But, you should be a viewer or attendee to gush that much.
I would like KO and CM to keep the anchor seats, but they would have to attend family therapy with Joe S..
Well I admit a more conservative/moderate bend in my political perspective but I also admit I watch Chris Matthews with some level of interest…Scarborough is superb….I bristle at the sound of Olbermann's name and wonder why NBC can't find someone better than a lousy sportscaster to give an opinion that is based on dribble that reflects a high degree of lack of political knowledge…he is an embarrassment….so is Schuster and they all whine about Fox due to a high level of jealous envy…Fox & CNN really do put MSNBC to the carpet…eventually they'll realize it is the quality of the people and the product which is sadly lacking at The Peacock Network.
John,
Scarborough USED to be GOOD. Today, he is just a caricature of his former self. I can't bear to watch Morning Joe now and it was, in the past, appointment viewing. He's become mean-spirited and bombastic and his treatment of his co-hosts and colleagues is reprehensible. As for Obie, he makes my eyes and ears hurt with his over-the-top diatribe. I wish he would book guests, who at the very least, mildly disagree with him.
Olbermann and Matthews have tarnished the reputation of NBC News. They have made it very difficult for the other journalists who work there. They are a HUGE embarassment. But the people who put those guys in the anchor chair deserve much of the blame.
If you can't stand to watch the "unbiased" news, and instead like to listen to loud, heavy, men reinforce your political biases…then MSNBC, or Rush Limbaugh (they sound the same to me) are perfect for you.
I stopped watching Olbermann and Matthews quite awhile ago. Two liberal loons with only one side to spew. I stopped trusting ANYTHING they said.
NBC has made a huge mistake switching Keith/Tweety for pig-nosed dullmeister David Gregory…Another NBC News suit bad move.
Just when I think people may be wising up and not paying attention to the whining and moaning of the poor victimized republican party and their debacle of an administration, MSNBC decides to become their latest triumph!
This is another disaster disguised as a management decision. Do you think Rupert Murdoch ever listened or cared about the American public constantly complaining or stating as fact his network favored the Bush Administration and the Republican Party? NO WAY! He used it to his ratings and revenue advantage, knowing and proving it guaranteed a market for his network.
This decision reveals a knee jerk reaction and a missed opportunity to secure a larger non-republican market. David Gregory is almost as biased and unbalanced as Pat Buchanan, and Scarborough (he needs his own country back) need I say your ratings will now plummet, if you care!
As for my family and friends CNN is looking great! (At least they lack Scarborough, Buchanon, and Lord David Gregory ) MSNBC'S loudest and most annoying host and panelist believe they are the end all and know it all concerning most everything, maybe they should remember the internet holds proof their past proves otherwise!