In an effort to climb out of the ratings basement, MSNBC chief Phil Griffin announced the cancellation of three afternoon news and commentary shows: The Cycle, Now with Alex Wagner and The Ed Show. Griffin said that Wagner is expected to stay with the network to cover politics leading up to the 2016 election. The Cycle host Ari Melber will also continue as the network’s chief legal correspondent.
Leaving the network are Ed Schulz, Krystal Ball, Abby Huntsman and Toure. MSNBC already canned two hours of programming in February to make room for a hard news show hosted by Thomas Roberts. Roberts is expected to continue with a longer hard news block from 1 PM to 5 PM. Chuck Todd will return to the network to host a new show in the 5 PM slot. He will also continue as host of Meet the Press.
Griffin’s memo to the network’s employees emphasized the network’s plans to create a flow for the daytime programming aiming for more live, breaking news coverage, and in September there will be a new 9 AM to 5 PM schedule in place driven by coverage of the news that is shaping the day.
Former NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams will return to MSNBC where he was groomed to take on that nightly anchor position. He is expected to serve as an anchor for breaking news reports.
Ed Schulz’s departure marks the end of an era as he was one of the longest running hosts at the network with a show on the air since 2009. There are rumors that Comcast (which owns NBC) brass had a hand in killing Schulz’s show for his outspoken opposition to the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) which Comcast supports.
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