Back in December, we reported that famous disappearing act Rita Cosby (and Tucker Carlson) would be the next to go from MSNBC, as GE handed down the cost-cutting measures and ratings determined who at the network could actually be considered an asset. Today, Page Six confirms the mounting murmurs:
RITA Cosby sounds less raspy following recent vocal-cord surgery, but MSNBC is still going to drop her when her contract expires on April 1. The cable network had no comment, but insiders insist the host, who has been diligently covering the Anna Nicole Smith story, is out. Cosby has been presenting daytime specials since MSNBC canceled her prime-time show, "Live & Direct," last summer.
Meanwhile, we hear at least one, if not two, Web news outlets are said to be eyeing Cosby as a possible contributor for ramped up broadband video news components. Thus far, we don't believe they've yet reached out to Cosby.
But if Daryn Kagan can do it, why not Rita? Oh, right.
Editorial Director
I'm sure that Keith Olbermann, who described Rita as "dumber than a box of rocks" is laughing his ass off about this. What Olbermann may NOT be laughing about is the return of Olbermannwatch.com.
This is the inside story of Rita Cosby and the facts of her leaving MSNBC. First of all, she wanted to leave but was bound by her contract. They lured her away from Fox in with the promise of her own show. Her show 'Live And Direct' was better in the ratings in 2005 than Kieth Olbermann's show and killing DanAbrams show in the ratings too. They could not stand a pretty and successfull woman beating them in the ratings. Olbermann hated her. I remember the first night of her show. I was in the green room watching Kieth Olbermann on the air. At the end of his show he started talking about cancer,spitting up blood, cigarettes that kill your lungs. Viewers were shocked, as I know I was. After he got off the air, Kaplan grabbed Olbermann in the hallway and started yelling at him, telling him how dare he do that right before a new show was going on the air. He told Olbermann that most viewers were so disgusted by what you just said, they turned the channel. He told him, " I don't give a f**k if you don't come in tomorrow, you will never do this again. Olbermann was shaking. As for Dan Abrams….He was going to be fired By Kaplan very soon. His show did very bad in the ratings and Kaplan wanted to replace him with something better. Anything better. My last visit to MSNBC was a shocker. A newsroom that used to be full of workers and excitment was empty. 4 people working in a newsroom with 100 desks. When Kaplan was there, there was 100s of people working. Abrams cancelled Rita Cosby's show because the men at MSNBC were jealous of a woman beating them in the ratings. Her show was slick,smart and great guests while Olbermann and Abrams shows were boring and politically one sided and still are. Throughout this whole time, Rita Cosby has handled herself with total class and tried to continue to be a team player. Shes a better journalist and a better human being than they could ever be. She puts in more energy into a story, going all over the world for the scoop, while Olbermann and Abrams sit behind their desks reporting what every other news channel is reporting. I am a regular guests on several networks, and sources tell me there is major interest in Cosby. One network bigwig told me, no one works harder than Cosby. We love her !
Shayne, THANK YOU for posting this! It’s so rare to read anything positive about Rita on these blog spots. There are so few people it seems, willing to defend her for the true journalist she is even though she has earned her stature over and over. I hate that she’s relegated to tabloid stories with MSNBC. I hope if her contract isn’t renewed she will find a more reputable and appreciative group of people to work with. Thanks again for your insight and confirmation that not everyone is out to bash her.
RITA COSBY ?
She's Fucking Gorgeous. The only reason I watch MSNBC.
She is a fabulous looking woman.
A drop dead classic blonde stunner.
Feel free to quote me.
i really hate that rita cosby is no longer with msnbc. i know i have been looking for her and couldn't find her show.
RITA COSBY IS AN IGNORAMOUS. SHE INVITES HERSELF INTO THE PRIVATE MEMORIAL DINNER HELD BY MR. STERN AND THE REAL MOURNER'S THEN IS PROMPTLY THROWN OUT. WHAT KIND OF A REPORTER DOES THAT AT A FUNERAL?> SHE IS A NO CLASS WOMAN, AND I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL SHE IS OFF THE AIR.
Surely you are a bunch of fudge packers defending this obnoxious fat cow. I wish someone would bash her head in with a sledge, and put us all out of our misery!
And don't call me Shirley.
The jerk who posted the comments in #7 has inadequacy and confidence issues with himself as a 'man'.
Making punk remarks about a woman and her weight especially when they are not true, reveals you have problems.
Rita Cosby is gorgeous. I could care less about her journalism. You run your mouth because you probably have dissappointed a few girls in your time - needle dicks.
Punks. You could not handle a woman like her, thats why you run your mouth like a high school jerk off.
By the way, how much do you earn a year?
#6 "B. Lowe" - what a clever name you made up.
#8 "ritasacow" - that's even better..
You both are likely the type to take the crack whores you pick up to Appleby's for your 'dates'.
Pathetic, name calling jerk offs who would intimidated as all hell if they met a woman in Rita's league.
She's fucking gorgeous - you could not handle a real woman - someone like her. Go back to picking up the meth addicts you meet at the convenience store next to your trailer park, you scumbags.
Better yet, go have a few drinks then go for a ride into a tree.
cONCRATULATIONS dAN abums YOU ARE THE WORST HOST IN ALL OVER ALL THE HOSTA U R THE WORST NO WONDER THE CALL IS FOR THAT BUM A BUM