Liberal columnist Byron Williams of the Oakland Tribune said that MSNBC’s hiring of Al Sharpton for its 6PM slot was “more about ratings than journalism.” Now that the first month of ratings are in, the hire might end up damaging MSNBC in BOTH categories.

The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer at 6 pm topped MSNBC’s Politics Nation with Al Sharpton in the key demo 25-54 (163k vs. 141k) in September. In addition, the Blitzer-led program grew +19% in the demo (163k vs. 137k) and +22% among total viewers (590k vs. 483k) vs. last year. Sharpton was down -24% in the demo (141k vs. 185k) and -15% in total viewers (599k vs. 708k) compared to MSNBC’s programming a year ago.

The story is even more damaging when you look inside the numbers and realize that the 5:00 PM edition of “Hardball”, which airs right before Sharpton’s show, had more viewers than the civil rights activist-turned television journalist.  “Hardball” also beat Blitzer and CNN in that 5:00 PM time slot.

In other words, viewers who aren’t watching Fox News prefer MSNBC to CNN during the 5PM “Hardball” hour and then switch channels and watch CNN or Fox News when Sharpton appears on their screen.

The New York Times saw the trend in the ratings numbers and sounded the alarm earlier today with the headline:  MSNBC Is Close to Falling to Third Place in Cable News Ratings. The Old Gray Lady blames the ratings dive on the absence of Keith Olbermann, and surely that has something to do with it. But the weak lead-in to the prime time line-up supplied by Sharpton can’t help. Add to that the overall perception that MSNBC is no longer serious about journalism as evidenced by the controversial hire and it’s easy to reach the conclusion that so far, the Al Sharpton Experiment is a failure.

On the bright side for MSNBC, they’ve been able to celebrate the fact that so many video clips of Mr. Sharpton have made their way through the viral corners of the Internet.  Plus, the added benefit of watching their own anchor mocked on live television by Mr. Sharpton.  And let’s not forget the embarrassment of the MSNBC’s newest host not knowing when the civil rights act was passed or the proper way to pronounce “Galileo“.

All in all, hell of a job, Phil Griffin.

]]> http://bigjournalism.com/sright/2011/09/28/sharpton-hands-ratings-win-to-cnn-in-key-demo/feed/ 53 http://bigjournalism.com/sright/2011/08/30/sharptons-debut-the-reviews-are-in-and-its-not-pretty/ http://bigjournalism.com/sright/2011/08/30/sharptons-debut-the-reviews-are-in-and-its-not-pretty/#comments Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:39:55 +0000 Larry O'Connor http://bigjournalism.com/?p=216856 Last night saw the debut of Al Sharpton’s new show on NBC News’ cable outlet MSNBC.  “Politics Nation” started with a monologue by the host delivered in his now familiar bumbling, bewildering and bombastic style.  Though a couple sentences were not easy to understand, the over-all message was clear: The GOP candidates for president are like pre-1960’s racist segregationists.

Considering Sharpton’s entire career leading up to this point pretty much consists of him making loud accusations of “racist” through a bull horn, we shouldn’t be too surprised that the man MSNBC President Phil Griffin described as an “elder statesman” is going back to what he does best in this premiere show.  Sharpton himself made it clear to the audience that this is what his show was going to be about.  So we have a good year ahead of us leading up to election day with a nightly assault on conservatives by none other than the most successful race-baiting defamer available, Al Sharpton.

The beauty of the Al Sharpton hire is that it puts pressure on lefty TV critics to set their obvious affinity for his politics aside and actually give an honest critique of his television performance.  I’ve been wondering for weeks if TV critics would run the risk of the inevitible accusation of “racism” in order to give their readers an honest assesment of Sharpton’s obviously inferior talent and abilities as a TV host.

It appears they are, in fact, willing to take that risk.  Here’s the take from Ken Tucker at Entertainment Weekly:

The Rev. Al Sharpton premiered PoliticsNation on MSNBC Monday evening with an hour of booming bombast and near-obliviousness, as he steam-rolled over his guests, interrupting them to ask long, halting questions. At one point he acted as though he was having an argument with his teleprompter and said with exasperation to a guest, “Well, let me just ask you my way: Is the Tea Party going to destroy the Republican Party?”

But, of course, Tucker had to let his poitics get in the way of a full and honest criticism of Sharpton himself and instead blamed his producers for not letting Al be “Al”:

It was an awkward 60 minutes, with a lurching pace that failed to play to Sharpton’s strengths. He raised interesting issues — about new efforts at voter suppression, for example — only to lead aimless discussions of them.

[...]

If he can ever become comfortable on-camera and expand his horizons, Sharpton may eventually bring to MSNBC the combination of intellect and passion that has made so many of his press conferences over the years little wonders of argument, controversy, hype, entertainment, and enlightenment. Whether he’ll ever reach that point on PoliticsNation remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, at New York Magazine, the headline reads, “How Did Al Sharpton End Up With a Show on MSNBC?”:

Earlier, in a blustery opening segment, he was similarly rattled and unsteady as he tore through a case against Republican promises of restoring states’ rights. It was hard to follow as he shouted and pointed his pen at the camera, speaking passionately, but often in circles.

There has been quite a bit of controversy over the Sharpton hire and the work his community agitation group, National Action Network, has done for Comcast, the new owner of NBC.  And MSNBC President Phil Griffin received the “Keepers of the Dream” award from the group earlier this year for doing so much to fulfil Martin Luther King’s vision for America.  This was awarded while Griffin had a completely Caucasian line-up on his network.

Given teh raised eyebrows over the entanglement between Comcast/NBC and Sharpton’s controversial group, it’s surprising to see the blatant promotion of National Action Network on the well-trafficked pages of MSNBC.  Take a look at the home page for the new Sharpton show.  it has a highly prominent link right in the center that directs readers to the non-profit’s web site:

Sharpton finished his show with a message to the viewer explaining that he would not “be a robot reading from the teleprompter robotic-ally.”  Then, for those who had still stuck around for the final minute of “Politics Nation”, Al Sharpton, NBC News’ newest star, danced.

Resist we much.

“If the Jews want to get it on, tell them to pin their yarmulkes back and come over to my house” – NBC News’ Al Sharpton

After weeks of speculation, Al Sharpton has been named the official host of the 6:00 PM ET slot on NBC News’ cable outlet MSNBC.  The show, titled Politics Nation, will officially debut on August 29th.

From Reuters:

“I am very happy and honored to join the MSNBC team as we collectively try to get America to ’Lean Forward,’” Sharpton said in a statement. “It is a natural extension of my life work and growth. We all learn from our pain and stand up from our stumbling and one must either learn to lean forward or fall backwards. I’m glad they have given me the opportunity to continue my forward lean.”

One has to wonder what the “evaluation trial period” really consisted of over the past few weeks.  Big Journalism and Breitbart.tv have cataloged daily examples of incompetence, buffoonery and outright conflict of interest from the self-proclaimed “Reverend” featuring the viral video of the summer, “Resist We Much.”

Here is an example of the amateurism on display during the Sharpton show pulled from just the past ten days:

MSNBC chief Phil Griffin said:

“I’ve known Rev. Sharpton for over a decade and have tremendous respect for him. He has always been one of our most thoughtful and entertaining guests.   I’m thrilled that he’s now reached a point in his career where he’s able to devote himself to hosting a nightly show. ‘PoliticsNation’ is going to be an incredibly strong kick-off to our evening schedule.”

The irony of this announcement coming just days after the twentieth anniversary of the Crown Heights riots is painful and sick.  Sharpton’s eulogy of young Gavin Cato, which included the deeply introspective references to the “diamond merchants” occupying the Hasidic Brooklyn neighborhood became the spark that lit the fire of three days of racial turmoil resulting in the cold-blooded stabbing death of Yankel Rosenbaum.

Rosenbaum’s murderers were heard screaming “Kill the Jew! Kill the Jew!’ as they assaulted him.  Earlier, they were probably marching with NBC News’ prime time star and chanting “Whose streets? OUR STREETS!” and “No justice, no peace”.  Two days ago, Sharpton admitted that he “made mistakes” during the Crown Heights riots but denied any responsibility for inspiring the violence.

In 1995 Sharpton called a business owner in Harlem a “White interloper” as he organized protests and marches against the Jewish man.  The marches inspired further riots that resulted in the murder of seven innocent store employees when a man entered Freddy’s Fashion Mart and opened fire before setting the place on fire.  Sharpton later said he “regretted” his remarks but denied any responsibility for inspiring the violence.

See the pattern?  Racially charged rhetoric leading to riots and murder and Sharpton later “regretting” his words yet denying responsibility.

One incident he has not accepted responsibility for is his defamation of Steven Pagones, a New York prosecutor Sharpton accused of racism and rape.  Pagones won a six figure defamation suit.  Sharpton has never apologized for the defamation or for any part of the Tawana Brawley hoax.

Sharpton has been found guilty of defamation, false charges of racism (charges he just recently made against Presidential candidate Rick Perry), he has been instrumental in protests and marches that have led to deadly riots, he consistently makes embarrassing errors on television, has trouble reading teleprompters, conducts interviews like he’s a Saturday Night Live actor doing an Al Sharpton impression, and Phil Griffin is “thrilled” to have Sharpton kicking-off his evening schedule.

Brian Williams and David Gregory were not available for comment.

Big Journalism began beating the drum over NBC News’ latest “brand downgrade” last week when we showed our readers the insidious relationship between MSNBC’s parent company, Comcast and Al Sharpton’s political action group National Action Network.  The incestuous relationship between Comcast’s $190,000 “donations” to Sharpton’s community agitator organization and Sharpton’s subsequent endorsement of the “diversity goals” of the new Comcast/NBC entity don’t pass the smell test.  Especially when you consider that Sharpton’s diversity endorsement proved critical to the FCC approval of the merger. It seems too convenient that he would now be rewarded with a prime time hosting gig on NBC’s cable news outlet.

Those objections plus the fact that Sharpton has already vowed not to criticize President Obama were all echoed by Kurtz and Deggans in the CNN segment as reasons to question NBC News’ move. What was came as a bit of a surprise was the news that Sharpton has cancelled his scheduled appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists conference this coming week due to the outspoken backlash coming from members of the group.

As Deggans said, “We have been pushing hard for diversity, particularly in prime time… to have that one slot go to someone who’s more of an activist and not a journalist…” wherein Kurtz interrupted and said “not a journalist by any stretch of the imagination.”

Kurtz raised the specter of the Tawana Brawley fiasco that Sharpton was a key player in which eventually led to a successful defamation suit against the controversial activist.  According to Kurtz, MSNBC President Phil Griffin responded to the Tawana Brawley scandal by saying that Sharpton “is an elder statesman now.”

I’ve heard Al Sharpton called a lot of things. Heck, he even calls himself a “Reverend” even though he never went to college to earn a divinity or theological degree and he doesn’t actually pastor at an actual church. But one thing I never thought I’d hear him referred to as is an “elder statesman”.

If the polarizing and vitriolic race-baiting Sharpton who many believe is anti-Semitic and responsible for the hatred and violence that led to deadly race riots in Crown Heights is considered an “elder statesman” by the head of NBC News’ cable outlet, what does that say about his overall news judgement?

Among the many quotes in the Esquire profile of Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, one stood out: MSNBC president Phil Griffin. Griffin, who has helped oversee MSNBC’s transformation over the last few years, admits to cribbing from the Ailes playbook.

“Roger got cable,” says Phil Griffin, the president of MSNBC. “Everybody else learned it, studying Roger. Well, maybe not CNN. CNN still doesn’t get it. But Roger got it from day one.”

Allegedly Olbermann’s campaign contributions (reported first by Politico) to at least three Democrats running for office in the recent mid-terms caused the problem. Well, the contributions were not the actual problem, Mr. Olbermann’s lack of disclosure to his employer was at issue.  My new hero, Phil Griffin issued the following statement;

“I became aware of Keith’s political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay.”

As stated in a personal email sent to Phil Griffin (phil.griffin@nbcuni.com), I applaud him for showing the American people that rules matter, actions have consequences, and enforcement of the rules must be equal or the rules are meaningless.

A Twitter brush fire was immediately lit on both sides of the Olbermann river.  Those in “Team Keith” were calling the MSNBC switchboard and demanding for reinstatement and his immediate return.  While those on “Team Griffin” enjoyed a second bite of the schadenfreude apple this week.  The elections being bite #1. There really isn’t a Team Griffin, just a large and now satisfied group of MSNBC detractors who are smiling broadly.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, MSNBC still had a show to fill.  So who could host to the now benched Olbermann?  One report said that Chris Hayes of the Nation would step in… that was until Hayes’ 2008 and 2009 campaign contributions were discussed.  MSNBC mentioned these donations when they said Hayes would not be hosting, Hayes took a different route, tweeting the following:

Last night’s edition of “Countdown Without Keith Olberman”n was hosted by MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts who closed with the following:

“Last night, MSNBC management became aware of three political contributions that Keith made to three different candidates last week,” Roberts said. “The contributions are not permitted by NBC News without prior approval. In light of those facts, Keith has been suspended indefinitely. We know all of you are looking forward to Keith’s return, and so are we.”

I agree with Thomas. Keith Olbermann should get his job back soon.  In these tough economic times America cannot afford to lose even one job.  Perhaps Keith has also learned something from his suspension.  Maybe the man who railed against the campaign contributions of others (Fox, Koch brothers, etc.)  and then was undone by his own need to feel as if his money could influence an election, has been taught something about seeing a story from both sides.  Oh the sweet irony of it all.

Honestly, I for one would love to see Keith Olbermann back on MSNBC as soon as Monday, introduced by his boss, Phil Griffin, and explaining himself to the Progressive people while consuming a large plate of crow followed by a huge slice of humble pie for dessert… and closing by naming himself the Worst Person In The World.

It’s official: David Shuster is in very bad odor at MSNBC. From Mediaite, quoting an email from Phil Griffin, Shuster’s boss, to a member of the public:

From: Griffin, Phil (NBC Universal)

Sent: Wed 4/07/10 11:16 PM

Sorry, but this is a business and I need team players. He was not moral, ethical or professional and that is not fair to the 500 people who work at msnbc.

Thanks for your note,

Phil

That’s probably it for our friend Dave, at least as far as his MSNBC career is concerned. His crime, reportedly, was taping a pilot for failing rival CNN, which would have brought him full circle on his tour through the cable-news jungles. After starting in the CNN Washington bureau, he moved on to Fox News, where he covered both the Clinton impeachment (Shuster had done some time himself in Little Rock, as a correspondent for KATV there, so he knew the territory) and the attacks of Sept. 11.

But then came the fateful bargain with MSNBC –

– and a guy who had been, if memory serves, a perfectly rational and reasonable reporter turned into a screaming nut case, as in this memorable exchange with Andrew Breitbart, which as things turned out, was the beginning of the end. He took the bait that Breitbart offered, and effectively destroyed his own career:

No good can ever come of working for MSNBC (just ask Dan Abrams, Mediaite’s boss).  The insanity of the place corrodes everyone’s mind and soul, encouraging them to spew forth their bitterness and hatred and rage in the hopes of fleeting celebrity and phantom ratings.  It’s a Faustian bargain and one that ends pretty much the same way as it did for Goethe’s tragic hero.

Alas, poor David.  Now, like Faust, you can say:

I may not pretend, aught rightly to know,

I may not pretend, through teaching, to find

A means to improve or convert mankind.

Then I have neither goods nor treasure,

No worldly honour, rank, or pleasure;

No dog in such fashion would longer live!

Therefore myself to magic I give,

In hope, through spirit-voice and might,

Secrets now veiled to bring to light,

That I no more, with aching brow,

Need speak of what I nothing know…

A lesson for aspiring TV newsers everywhere.

MSNBC analyst Craig “Yuk Yuk Yuk” Crawford has said sayonara to everybody’s favorite low-rated cable network, with a blast in the direction of the head leg-tingler-in-charge himself, Chris Matthews. Apparently the lunatic-asylum gig just wasn’t funny anymore for the jolliest commentator this side of Eugene Robinson. From Mediaite:

MSNBC political analyst Craig Crawford has left the network – in a very public way.

Writing on his blog at CQPolitics.com, Crawford says he has found the network “unrewarding for me,” – and expands on his reason for leaving in a comment to Mediaite.

Three months short of my current contract I sent the following to the boss, Phil Griffin: “Phil, Just wanted to give you the heads up that my situation with MSNBC has become so unrewarding for me that I’ve decided to move on. — Craig”

Here comes the good part:

But he really expanded on the reasoning in the comments:

i simply could not any longer endure being a cartoon player for lefty games, just gotta move on to higher ground even if there’s no oxygen.

i have never and never will forgive Chris for calling me a racist after the West Virginia primary (the last time I will ever go on air with him). Probably should have resigned then and there, but better late than never.

No fun at all when you’re the victim of a typical lefty “racist” smear, is it, Craig?

Your overnight thoughts, comments and observations welcome here.  Bonus question: whose show gets canceled first: Matthews’s, Dylan Ratigan’s (again) or Keith Olbermann’s?  The Countdown begins right here, right now.