Joy Reid Delivered Huge Ratings for MSNBC, So They Chose the Fox Reject

[Stellar]

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DailyKos

If you were waiting for a daily news program featuring a lightweight, partisan hack with absolutely no charisma, then MSNBC really came through for you Monday night.

Greta Van Susteren’s “For the Record” debuted—not to be confused with the Fox show she no longer has--“On the Record”. Despite the preposition change, Van Susteren’s show was pretty much indistinguishable from her old show on Fox. A softball question followed by an occasional harder one that she allowed the guest to evade. I really don’t understand CEO Phillip Griffin’s reasoning for hiring her: she had low ratings with a conservative audience at Fox—does he think she’ll find more conservatives over at MSNBC?

As stupid as that sounds, NBC honchos seem to be doubling down on that strategy. Greta joins Morning Joe, Chris Mathews, and more recently, Megyn “Don’t Worry Kids, Santa isn’t White” Kelly. Pretty good lineup for the demographic of people who are too stupid to realize they aren’t watching Fox.

On the other hand, Joy-Ann Reid is a real hard-hitting journalist who doesn’t know what a softball question is. She is smart, quick on her feet, and can be a pitbull when a guest tries to evade her. She’s also given MSNBC some of their highest numbers in over a decade:

Airing on the weekends from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., AM Joy delivered the time period’s biggest total viewer audience since the 1st quarter of 2003 and biggest A25-54 audience since Q4 2012.

Despite a crushing election, this nation leans left. Trump was beaten in the popular vote by 3 million votes, and Democrats won the majority of votes in the Senate and House as well. If ratings were based on arcane rules or gerrymandering like our national elections, then yes, MSNBC’s strategy would make sense. But they aren’t. Ratings are actually based on popular opinion. There is a huge market for the American progressive audience---one, I might add, that is not currently being filled.

Instead of trying to peel a few of the age 80+, angry, white racists from Fox, MSNBC could be making a play for the large 25-54 audience who think Trump needs his feet held to the fire over hard-fought programs, civil rights... and just plain civility.

Ironically, MSNBC was in the prime position for this market, and they already had the voice. Joy was already on the payroll, scored big in ratings, and Griffin could have hired her for a fraction of the bloated salary given to Van Susteren.

[uponit7771]

1. Sigh... Like being kicked in the onions

[cilla4progress]

2. I'm personally put off / offended and

will not watch. Turned it off today.

[Generator]

3. Because the corporations- the owners are always in the pocket of Republicons

Fuck the little guy-lower taxes. It's always this. I hope their bunker spot is secure or that seat on the mission to the planet they intend to live on. What about their grandchildren? Humanity sucks.

[Stellar]

8. I really think that's why they got Rachel to vouch for Greta-they could have gave Joy that position.

[chimpymustgo]

12. Rachel insisted her vouching was of her own volition - based on their friendship. But Greta's

show, is so far, unwatchable. And I'm offended they would treat one the smartest, best interviewers, hold-their-feet-to-the-fire anchors like this.

I'm sure it doesn't help that she is black. That relegates her to weekends. She's better than Greta - and a bunch of the white folks on during the weekdays and nights. Sigh.

[Stellar]

15. hear, hear! nt

[Flatpicker]

35. I think Rachel

Needs to come off the air.

She's lost perspective and respect since the 2016 election.
Too much into the horse-race to a point that she made him a legitimate candidate.

MSNBC could go off the air and we wouldn't be missing much anymore.

[chimpymustgo]

36. Rachel has become an enigma to me. One night, she gives me hope. The next night,

I feel she is betraying us.

When you get the kind of money and power she has, it can take you out of the "in-the-trenches" fight.

[kstewart33]

50. Have to disagree.

Rachel's show breaks news as she did with the Flint water scandal. Her team of researchers are top notch, and MSNBC knows it. Best ratings by far of any show on MSNBC. Sharp as a whip. Gave Conway the toughest time in her interview a few weeks ago.

No way MSNBC would lose her.

Joy's earned a daily program. MSNBC is clearly trying to widen its audience. But it stands to lose loyal viewers if it strays too far. I'm willing to give Greta more time. I've seen only 30 minutes or so of her show, and was concerned about the lack of balance which I think MSNBC is looking for in the daytime schedule. But we'll see.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

4. It's sickening. Joy Reid is probably their best anchor. n/t

[yeoman6987]

11. Is it possible Joy didn't want it and turned it down?

[chimpymustgo]

13. Really?????????

[yeoman6987]

19. Doing a daily show instead of a weekend show? It's possible.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

14. I suppose.

[radical noodle]

27. I do love having something to watch

on Saturday and Sunday mornings. She's a breath of fresh air compared to MTP and all the other Sunday shows.

The 6 pm slot has always seemed like a dead spot to me. They seem to fill it with odds and ends, and Greta is certainly the end for me.

She often fills in for evening shows when the regular host is off.

[bettyellen]

30. Doubtful! She's done full week coverage for both Chris Hayes and Lawrence OD lately ...

And then worked the weekends. I have no doubt she would take it gladly. She is too passionate about her work.

[Eleanors38]

47. Old term referencing radio in the 1980s: Ratings Reduction Radio...

So-called phenomenon where a radio station (usually an NPR affiliate) intentionally took steps to reduce listenership so as to not threaten commercial stations in the same market, and thereby incurring the wrath of right-wing critics and private networks, esp. around license renewal time. Seemed far-fetched, but term resurrected during the Rush/Clear Channel era when RW owners bought popular stations, paid the going rate, then scheduled vast quantities of RW junk. Ratings dropped, but the markets become increasingly dominated by RW agitprop, even as revenues eventually dropped for these networks. Unclear as to the ultimate aims of these propaganda outlets, and it certainly defies the usual clap trap economic determinism heard in any bar, but the goal of homogenizing a media force was accomplished, even as it runs out of gas.

[Maven]

5. Turn. them. off. nt

[Dawson Leery]

6. Greta has her head up the ass the GOP.

[thegoose]

7. It's RW world

The Pukes have won everything this year, so all the freaks can invade what we'd hoped were our surviving liberal bastions. After Comcast bought NBC (and MSNBC) and shoved the execrable "With All Due Respect" up our asses, we felt vindication when it was cancelled. Alas, our joy was short-lived, because they were only making room for this shrill-voiced Fox reject Greta Van Susterwhatever.

Sadder still are the uber-cheery promos Rachel Maddow makes for this hag. Did they threaten to kill her?

[Stellar]

10. That's what I'm talking about!

Sadder still are the uber-cheery promos Rachel Maddow makes for this hag. Did they threaten to kill her?

And I got dumped on when I said it.

[Rhiannon12866]

17. I wondered the same thing, too!

[Eleanors38]

48. TV nets are imploding like radios nets have earlier, so it makes sense...

to assert dominance here as before. Note my #47 above.

[SticksnStones]

9. But God, I love watching Joy on Sat and Sun mornings...

I really look forward to those four weekend hours

[Rhiannon12866]

16. I was bummed when they took her off in the afternoons

But then we've seen her more than ever, back to being a substitute or a panelist on just about every other show - and also weekends in the mornings. She has more than paid her dues. And she always does a stellar job. Tonight I discovered that "Little House on the Prairie" is on another channel at 6.

[TrekLuver]

18. I too like Joy Reid...but at least she does have at least 4 hours of weekly airtime.

I guess Greta is a "bigger" name? They are trying to appeal to a "broader" audience? I can't watch her for very long...it's just too painful.

[Stellar]

23. So how many hours does 'Morning Joke' get every day- three hours a day-15hr per week?

And he out of there. Joy is the only one that works all around the clock...morning, noon and night.

[TrekLuver]

28. I don't watch Morning Joe....but I always (when able) watch Joy Reid so that's 4 more hours

than I watch of that morning Joe crap! I got so excited when I saw her sitting in for Chris Matthews last week LOL. As much as I'd like her on every day I do enjoy those weekends of 2 solid hours. I would also like MSNBC to replay her show right before they switch to Dateline or whatever for the night.

[Eleanors38]

49. "Broader" for MSM is like searching through a ribbon factory's discards.

[wildeyed]

20. Greta Van who?

Truthfully, I gave up on MNBC a while ago. Reid was the only bright spot. Now this Do they think they will out-Fox Fox News?

[Raine]

21. Joy should get Chuck Toady's time. I think he's worse then Greta

Last edited Wed Jan 11, 2017, 11:00 PM - Edit history (1)

I was completely repulsed by him today, sickening.

[bettyellen]

31. And Greta played stupid and bolstered Trumps attack on CNN too- craven

Attempt at stealing viewers?

[Hoyt]

22. GVS's show is awful, even if one didn't know her background. She won't last long.

[napi21]

29. I agree, if she doesn't improve her show, she'll be gone. One thing NBC chiefs don't have is

patience. I do think that Joy could get a better time slot than 6 PM EST.

[Dem2]

24. I think Joy can get a better time slot

The assumption that the slot that Greta got was the best one for Joy is an assumption that I'm not willing to make.

[MrPurple]

25. Agree totally with the OP, they're killing their brand

I remember around 2003 when MSNBC used to have schizophrenic programming and they'd go from Olbermann one hour to Tucker Carlson the next (van Sustern was on CNN back then). They've since established themselves as a unique brand with an intelligent progressive perspective.

I feel like I'm their target audience and I can't sit through much of Greta. It's a business decision and I guess it must make some sense to them. It's an early time slot and maybe it's about grabbing senior viewers.

[Rhiannon12866]

38. I agree, as well.

We generally have MSNBC on most evenings, like all the shows for different reasons, till now. And of course I remember when KO was on. We had a very active forum here that watched it together every night! And I often caught Tucker Carlson, too - if you remember his sidekick: Rachel Maddow!

A belated welcome to DU, MrPurple! And congratulations on 100 posts! It's great to have you with us!

[George II]

26. As Phyllis Diller used to joke, "one more face lift and she'll be sporting a goatee"!

Sorry, but that woman is one of the phoniest of the bunch.

[spiderpig]

32. Years of shilling for Faux is bad enough

but knowing she's a Scientologist seals the deal.

Switching to Food Network during her time slot.

[Blue Idaho]

33. Move Joy, Rachel, and Lawrence to CNN

And fuck MSNBC.

[Alice11111]

39. Great idea! CNN needs some punch, and dump the Republican airhead panelists. ..Waste of time

I like all 3 of them, though upset with RM for carrying water for Repubs. Love Joy...she is focused and keeps her guest on point. Unlike, CM, she doesn't shout in my face or constantly interrupt people who are more knowledgeable than her.

MSNBC Execs not too sharp.
Do they really think the same people who watch RM will watch
Greta Van SEWAGEWATER???!@!??

[MrPurple]

41. The panelists at CNN have got to go

Having panelists who are outright shills for the candidates is idiotic. It's like watching professional wrestling, but even more predictable.

[Alice11111]

42. Exactly, good analogy.

It doesn't matter whether they are male or female, the Republican panelists are really just bimbo, hostile, predictable professional wrestlers. It's like they are in a fact free zone, and they don't listen to the other panelists, but they just start punching for DT as hard and loudly as possible. It perpetuated this "False Equivalency," that the Repubs deserved equal time... for bimboshit.

[Blue Idaho]

46. Today's Media Celebrities

Do a terrible job of riding herd on the propagandists that appear on-air. Even worse - we see the return of the republican "rude guest" trying to filibuster panels and hosts by talking over the top of anyone trying to offer an alternate opinion.

Having said all that - CNNs programming at almost any time of day (and sometimes into the night) is far superior to MSNBCs lineup. Morning Joe, Andrea Mitchell, Chuck Todd, Greta Von Gish Gallop and their partners in crime are all unwatchable.

[TeamPooka]

34. Fuck MSNBC

[Tanuki]

37. Great point. I have great admiration for Joy and will make a point of switching stations when

Greta's show comes on. I have been switching channels or turning off the TV whenever Kellyanne Gorgon is being interviewed for some time now.

[left-of-center2012]

40. Boycott Greta n/t

[world wide wally]

43. And the country picked a second rate hack over the real deal

Just the way America is, I guess

[tblue37]

44. Phil Donahue was ditched by MSNBC even though his ratings were the network's highest.

He questioned the drumbeat for the invasion of Iraq, so he was cancelled.

I am surprised they haven't thrown Ms. Reid away yet. I keep my fingers crossed for her continued ability to speak truth to power.

[Generator]

51. Yep I remember thatand Olbermann

who I know was a reported diva to work with. Still. They don't give a fuck about liberals-only money. It's time to harden up and stop watching propaganda. I have. I refuse to turn any of them on again unless Trump is in chains or there is a natural emergency.

(also Ashley Banfield-anybody smart is ditched-they cut her from CNN too this year-she was very sharp and to the point on Trump enablers when she had the chance)

[Thrill]

45. Don't watch her show at all

They'll regret Hiring her

[LittleBlue]

52. Joy Reid and Greta. No wonder people are turning off network TV

Two dull as dishwater talking heads with nothing interesting to say. Shrug