MSNBC announced yesterday that progressive talker Ed Schultz is moving back to weekdays, albeit, at the earlier time of 4 p.m. CT. Schultz was removed from the coveted 7 p.m. primetime slot earlier this year to make room for Chris Hayes, who has been a rising star in the progressive community.
Politico’s Dylan Byers explains how Hayes’ program “All In” has so far been unable to spark the ratings for primetime cable news. Moving Hayes to primetime was a very gutsy move, and one that might have been inspired by MSNBC President Phil Griffin’s heart rather than his head.
I wonder if moving Schultz to the 4 p.m. slot is the first step in what eventually results in a switch — moving Hayes to 4 p.m. while Schultz moves back to 7 p.m. That might be a clever way for Griffin to save face without completely embarrassing Hayes, someone who Griffin obviously thinks very highly of.
I am in the camp that prefers Schultz’s performance style over that of Hayes or Rachael Maddow. Hayes and Maddow are better at actively discussing important issues in a way that that might have more impact on an opposing mindset. In the short-term however, the added fire and showmanship of Schultz does a better job at keeping my attention.