Is MSNBC a sinking ship?
For many years, MSNBC has established itself as the voice of the radical left. It has been less devoted to journalism than it has been to political bias propaganda. Still, it had a following. Some folks believed in propaganda because they never heard alternative information or opinions. That is the purpose of propaganda – to only present one view and disinformation — and block, censor or cancel opposing information and views. At one time, MSNBC went so far as to announce its intention to NOT cover Trump speeches. (How much more authoritarian can they get?)
MSNBC essentially stuck with that policy throughout the campaign. That was alluded to when Mika Brzezinski explained that her and Joe Scarborough’s meeting with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago was to begin talking WITH him and not “just about him.”
While I have occasionally referred to CNN as left-leaning and FOX as right-leaning, they both gave voice to people with opposing philosophies and opinions. Not MSNBC. The Peacock network’s panels had so-called “Republican” strategists and contributors, but only false flaggers who were in line with MSNBC’s far left anti-Trump, anti-Republican and anti-conservative programming.
I have also pointed out in the past that left-wing media does not sell well with the center-right American public. We have ample evidence of that. The failure of the leftist Air America Network. The failure of the short-lived cable television show featuring former Democrat governors Mario Cuomo (New York) and Ann Richards (Texas), The failed effort to resurrect the old Phil Donohue Show.
There have been innumerable efforts by the left to gain footing in talk radio, but it remains the domain of conservative hosts. We saw that phenomenon graphically when former Congressman and right-wing talk show host flipped to the other side. His radio show crashed — and he is now one of those “contributors” on MSNBC.
With all that history, it should come as no surprise that MSNBC and CNN combined do not have the viewership of FOX News. No number of attacks on FOX from the more liberal media outlets has put a dent into their lead.
The once dominant CNN has been in slow decline for years. Periodic shake-ups have not worked – largely because they continued to lean too far to the left. They dropped Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon only to replace them with Abby Phillip and Laura Coates. They dropped John Berman and Brianna Keilar from the morning show only to bring Berman back with co-hosts manifesting the same philosophy. They dumped media critic Brian Stetler and then brought him back. All differences without a distinction. CNN seems destined to languish in the doldrums of their third place among the cable news networks.
Then there is MSNBC.
The uber left network has been holding its own in a distant second place behind FOX. How MSNBC may wind up relative to CNN is uncertain. But they are currently in an even more distant second place following Trump’s election to a second term.
MSNBC’s prime hold on the all-important 25 to 54-year-old demographic group did not just decline – the bottom fell out. One television pundit noted that the loss was coming from left-wing views. That should not be surprising since it comprises virtually the entire MSNBC audience. Viewer outrage stems from a realization that they have been betrayed by disinformation and jaded analyses – at least that is the claim of those who have abruptly canceled MSNBC. Others simply are tired of hearing nothing but exaggerated attacks and specious analyses.
MSNBC’s left-wing audience was also outraged by the visit to Mar-a-Lago by “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. Even their cohorts at MSNBC expressed public disdain – some, such as Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin, calling for the show to be boycotted. (Covered in more detail in a previous commentary.)
Depending on which rating service you look at, MSNBC’s prime time ratings suffered a precipitous drop in prime time ratings from 48 to 54 percent – with a 38 percent drop in overall ratings. (FOX experienced a 41 percent increase in that time frame.) That is HUGE!! In fact, MSNBC’s rating from the week following the election was the worst in 25 years.
But … according to Sharon Waxman of “The Wrap” – who interviewed a number of MSNBC executives – the feeling inside the network is that the MSNBC brand is okay. One executive she interviewed said, “It was anticipated that (ratings) would drop after the election because of the cyclical nature of the event. That was not a surprise. And then they come back.”
In reality, the MSNBC decline is the sort of drop that should see a lot of soul searching — a total revamping of the daily lineup. Heads should be rolling – including top management, the behind-the-scenes producers and writers and the on-camera personalities. There are hints that some changes may be made. Scarborough and Brzezinski both joked about being fired. Rachel Maddow is reported to have had her $30 million compensation package cut by more than 10 percent. But so far, no announcements about possible major changes – except one.
The ratings crash understandably raises questions about the future of MSNBC as a viable news outlet. That question appears to have entered the minds of the folks at Comcast, who own NBCUniversal … which, in turn, owns MSNBC. Apparently, Comcast has decided to cut bait rather than fish. It has been reported that MSNBC (and CNBC) will be spun off to a free standing company called SpinCo. (What? Who names the news network SpinCo? You just cannot make this stuff up.) It is estimated that the new company will have $7 billion in revenues. Not great, but it would also shed $2.5 billion in EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization).
But who will actually own the new company? That is where things get interesting. Among those who have expressed interest is … Elon Musk. That may not happen, but the very thought is enough to have the staff at MSNBC in a high state of apoplexy.
The pursuit of SpinCo is a billionaires’ game – and several are reported to be looking at the deal. Brian Stelter says Comcast has been contacted by “more than one benevolent billionaire with liberal bona fides.” It is not clear whether Stelter is speaking from knowledge or from Musk anxiety. If Musk enters the bidding, as the richest man in the world, has the most access to money.
It appears that there will not be an MSNBC in the future – and what will emerge is yet to be determined. No matter how you look at it, however, MSNBC is in trouble.
So, there ‘tis.
I am center or left on issues, right on the money.
I stopped watching msnbc or th few news about 60 days before the election as she got to flag raising and chest pumping and he got repetitively nasty. Figure to pick it up again once he’s on the throne.
I subscribe to the Times and New Yorker. Yeah, Larry. Multiple sources so could msnbc have a chance?
Frank Danger … Your multiple sources are all from the same camp. You need to venture out of your silo on occasion.
I said subscribe; not read. I read more than I subscribe too.
But you should know given all those links that showed you wrong.
Like when I showed you the facts you boldly and snarkingly denied re State capitol breaches by Republicans in 2020 leading to the 2021 Republication rally that Trump turned into a riot that led to the Republican seditious conspiracy to stop the vote count. You still won’t admit your error, and all those links beyond the Times. F.Yi: I have never linked The New Yorker here. Too elite for you, ho hi ho. No, you don’t have a subscription.
I am out of my silo, never was there, even read right wing crap, ‘‘tis your misread, not mind.
Larry, to each their own when picking losers and winners in the news media game.
Why FOX Entertainment continues its top run is an indication that its viewers are more into being entertained than interested becoming informed by what is true and given the facts to prove it. Propaganda is more likely to originate on the right and FOX is its primary outlet because the right loves its gossip and FOX has been financially rewarded time after time. It has no reason to change and report the truth.
You report MSNBC is losing its place due to its spreading leftist propaganda. As always you do not credit your sources where anyone can check your facts for authenticity and context
Then, why should you authenticate anything you post, after all it’s part of the grift going by the opinion dodge.
AC … Are you that unaware of the world around you? I should need to cite sources about the crash in MSNBC ratings? The reports are everywhere. And as usual you show your membership in the arrogant left. You accuse FOX viewers of not being interested in truth and facts. Insulting the American people is no way to win friends … or elections. You may need some remedial education in politics and current events, but I am not the one to take on that task. LOL
Larry, now that I am not posting (for the most part) THEY are going after you. You must know that no matter what you say, THEY always have to have the last word, no matter if true or not.
Americafirst … Thanks for the thought. I have been in public life for more than 50 years. I have seen their types in the past. They attack me and the commentaries as some sort of self importance. They create an imaginary Larry Horist as their straw man. They are consumed by their self importance — and they say as much. While they respond in length to every thing I write — and to others too — I respond occasionally and much more briefly. I probably should not respond at all because I know that they thrive on any attention they get. They literally beg me to respond. Their goal is to demean and insult. For me it is water of the duck’s back. It goes with the turf.
As I have seen yours. I first volunteered for poll work at age seven. Mom was LWV Chapter President. Dad ran, lost, for office. You claim people read your mind falsely when it is really your incoherent writing weaves dredging up age old perceived problems, attributing them to the same ole enemy and looking for your win and their loss.
Straw man? You are not even a gentleman. You don’t even have the honor to admit you denied the truth about Republicans taking over State Capitols in three states at least in 2020 as a precursor to the Republican Rebellion at the Capitol. You said it did not happen. I provided ample proof and evidence that it did. I asked for recognition, maybe for an apology for your foul language, but all we hear is crickets. Some man.
Attention? Don’t respond, I would like that better. Have you seen non-response as shutting me down from Dempsey, Alice, or the rest? Of course not; I do not write for attention — who the fuck reads your stuff anyway except in numbers you make up. I certainly don’t write for you. I can show you plain as the nose on your face and you will deny, lie, and deflect. Where’s the profit in getting a response from you? Nada.
Get over yourself, Mr. Horist. Please do respond. Never respond. That would be a vast improvement in response.
From a “friend” in 1996: “He’s like the kid on your block who was always getting into fights but always swore he never threw the first punch.” Some things never change. Stick a finger in their eye and blame them for it. Nice. Sweet. Gentleman.
But you listen to the lady who is waiting for “the signal,” gets her truth from the Marines at Gitmo, and the least of her hallucinations. Way to enable chief.
Frank Danger … Mr. Nasty has his undies in a bunch today … eh?. I know you do not write FOR me. You obsessively write ABOUT me. You write “Please do respond. Never respond.” Which is it? It does not matter, I will respond or not as I see fit — but very limited. Your previous begging for responses and now calming you do not want them — claiming you eschew nasty insults and spew them out more than anyone on PBP — just reflects your schizo behavior It seems like you lash out for the sake of lashing out. Occasionally, you make a good point, but even then you wrap in your nasty sarcasm and insults.
Horist, now you’ve gone and done it. Your words cut deep and really wounded my long suffering forgiving heart. My thinking of you as a fair democracy loving human-being who possesses a conscience and has an awareness that truth is not only the provenance of the conservative ideology party. But, as you so frequently have regaled me with scorn that my thinking is wrong, I wholly admit my error. You truly are not the model good citizen and honest fair human-being I took you for. The real truth is you’re a mean and spiteful old Republican masquerading as a member of the intelligent elite. The ancient ivory tower you live in will never supply that which you hunger after. Political success and adulation from the masses passed you by, while someone as morally warped and as ethically unhinged as D.J. Trump has proven himself to be comes embraced by the masses. That’s must really give you a case of heartburn. Trump is an opportunistic personality and the new Republican Party became for Trump an opportunity that could not be passed up. When he won in 2016 he himself was surprised while the other party was shocked.
This the 2024 election Republicans wished that their party’s lightening would strike twice. The genie in the Republican Party’s political bottle granted that wish.
Now, you must be watchful when your wish is granted. Wishes are a byproduct of pipe dreams and everyone understands that pipe dreams lack sound planning beforehand and are lousy investments. That’s why ’tis said one must be wary of those things wished for should it come true. I know this Republicans’ wish coming true will not usher in economic advantages that will flow from the wealthy and down to the working and middle classes. 90% of the people who put their trust in Trump believe he will deliver change for the better in their lives.
If you actually understand how economics operates and the way wealthy people and institutions think, then you must understand that the majority will not see any positive change from Republicans being granted their wish. The mega contributors who bought Trump and the presidency are the arrogant few who purchased that wish by conning the genie, too.
This election was stolen, unlike its 2020 predecessor which Trump claimed was stolen and published conspiracy theories as proof. The fact is, this year’s election was a battle of the bucks and billionaires stole it fairness from we, the people in total.
All is fair in war and politics (forget love) apparently. Only the fool believes Trump would fight fair and clean
If his word is his bond, then he can not be trusted with presidential powers. His oath of office is nonsense to his thinking. Biggie question for the nation is, what were our Republican neighbors thinking.
BYW Larry, if you reply, I can predict how flawed you judgment’s criticism will be. Really, Larry, seriously?
Humor at another’s supposed expense does not qualify as good natured humor. It’s mean bullying done just because you can and think you’re getting away free .
Who think you are demeaning people who disagree with you by labeling the person liberal or a progressive as if those labels are some dirty slur. As it happens My politics as painted by you is, as Trump coined the term, fake news.I don’t identify in those terms completely. In truth my politics are part Republican before the GOP and part Democrat. Back in the day around 1800, the Whip Party would more nearly have my vote. I am a white male and a landowner aged over 21 years. You know I would register legally and vote my conscience.
At the time in 1800 Jefferson won for the Republican-Democratic Party. John Adam’s lost for the Whig Party.
The EC vote went 9 for Jefferson and 7 for Adam’s.
Even back then the EC seemed relevant and maybe it was right for that era. And, not so much is it’s relevance for todays elections.
Even so, these days we have more information available than ever before yet a majority of us are not curious enough about all sides of an issue and don’t look into another’s varied perspective Thst further information studying requires independent critical analysis on the curios student of the issues, politics, economics and history. And, forcing on another that they assume you the writer have offered truth with your facts as presented and those facts fit the true context.
Liberal and progressive ideologies are anathema in your mind. Therefore, your writing appears heavily weighted against persons you judge are liberal or progressive. Therefore, by definition you can not conjure up a credible independent critical analysis of the perspective you find detestable on its face.
That’s what makes FOX Entertainment an entertainment organization and not a credible news source. It talks like a right wing propagandist network, it walks the right wing propagandist network line, so it is as it looks, talks, and walks, a right wing propagandist organization. So what if they have more hits on their network’s offerings. It has an edge on fooling more folks all the time. Three cheers going for it. If dumbing down its audience is what it intends, by gosh it’s gone and done it. Bless their ever liven twisted heart. There owners and celebrities they over pay are laughing all the way to their banks.
Larry, FoX is the most profitable con going, after Trump himself. Your writing talent would be better utilized with an expose focused on FOX’s true facts ratings on its stories and opinion commentaries
But, wait, it’s just entertainment. It doesn’t have to produce truthful content. No fowl, no harm done.
Fooled again and made money hand over fist again.
You find labels for others
AC… Your thumb hit the Z by mistake. LOL Just for the record, I have more than an ample supply of anything I may hunger after. As my family and friends would tell you, I am one very secure and happy fellow. That is why your baseless attacks and insults have no impact on me. I just wonder what is lacking in your life that makes you place so much importance on … me. And such long repetitious rants. I think you may be projecting from you own feelings of unimportance. I was interested in hearing you support of the Whig Party. I had no Idea you were that old….lol
Yes, AmericaFirst. And their last word for you is: waaaaaah.
If you have the facts to back your story, it’s pretty hard to talk over you or have the last word.
Thank you so very much for your kind words, Frank.
Frank, thank you so much for your kind words. Also, I was posting to Larry. I didn’t know you changed your name to Larry!