As Ratings Plunge NBC Considers Dumping David Gregory From Meet The Press

[babylonsister]

http://www.politicususa.com/2014/03/13/ratings-plunge-nbc-considers-dumping-david-gregory-meet-press.html

As Ratings Plunge NBC Considers Dumping David Gregory From Meet The Press
By: Jason Easley
Thursday, March, 13th, 2014, 3:04 pm



NBC’s Meet The Press is cratering under David Gregory, which is why the head of NBC News is meeting with him to discuss “format changes” to the show. If Meet The Press continues to struggle, Gregory will be gone.

Politico reported:

NBC News President Deborah Turness is in Washington, D.C., this week and will meet with “Meet the Press” host David Gregory and executive producer Rob Yarin to discuss changes to the format of the show, network sources said Monday.

The meeting, which will take place on Thursday, is part of Turness’s ongoing effort to improve “Meet the Press,” which has suffered in recent years and came in third place behind ABC’s “This Week” and CBS’s “Face the Nation” last quarter.
…

Sources said that improvements to “Meet the Press” will be one of Turness’s chief concerns on her two-day visit. The show’s fourth-quarter ratings marked the lowest total viewers “Meet” has had in a fourth quarter since 1991. Its ratings in the coveted 25-to-54 demo were the lowest in the show’s history.

snip//

The tinkering with the format of a struggling show is always the first step before major changes are made. NBC will try to make some changes to guests and/or style of the show, but if ratings don’t pick up, it will be Gregory’s head on the chopping block. David Gregory was always an odd choice to host Meet The Press. He is a bland personality who appears to be more interested in pushing the Beltway Republican agenda than challenging newsmakers.

Under Gregory, Meet The Press is just another dull Sunday show that is overloaded with Republican guests. In December 2013, it was reported that NBC was considering ditching David Gregory, and replacing him with the Morning Joe crew from MSNBC.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and David Gregory could soon be out as the host of Meet The Press.

[villager]

1. "Meet the Stooge" is in trouble, eh?

Wish I thought there were good odds of him being replaced with something other than... another stooge!

[vankuria]

39. Yea, they'll replace

him with Luke Russert!

[Zorro]

62. "Meet the Press" originally meant exactly that

Four professional journalists would take turns grilling a politician in the hot seat, with the moderator also occasionally throwing in a pointed question.

That's the format they should return to.

[maddiemom]

74. Yes. My mom was a great MTP fan when I was growing up in the fifties and sixties.

By the time I began watching it in later adult life, I didn't realize how much the
format had changed. Sorry, but I always thought Russert was harder on the Democrats, but much smoother at disguising it.

[RKP5637]

80. Yep, I think Spivak was doing it then. n/t

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

104. Well, apparently, Republicans don't like that and won't show

and if they don't show, you don't have a "Meet the Press." So NBC has to play by their rules.

[cui bono]

109. Fuck 'em.

The liberals will show up.

Bernie Sanders will show up. I would bet Warren will show up.

If Republicans don't want to be candid and called on their bs they can stay home. Fine with me. The shouldn't be given any air time at all if they're just going to lie.

[LiberalFighter]

139. Well if Republicans don't show and Democrats do

that means Democrats will get their message out more.

Would love that.

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

150. You'd think! But apparently NBC doesn't

booking Republicans is the life blood of MTP.

If It's Sunday, It's Still Conservative
Special Report: How the Right Continues to Dominate the Sunday Talk Shows

http://mediamatters.org/research/sundayshowreport/


Sunday Morning Talk Shows Featured Twice As Many Republicans As Dems Last Year

http://thinkprogress.org/media/2012/01/24/410742/sunday-morning-talk-shows-featured-twice-as-many-republicans-as-dems-last-year/#

[AnneD]

168. And when the GOP...

noticed the Dem's were getting air time, trust me, they would get off their padded asses and show up. But you would have to deal with grandstanding but it it were nipped in the bud it would work.

New shows are dieing because they no longer contain news, just meme.

[DFW]

122. My dad was one of those journalists on occasion

They rotated the journalists, trying to choose ones that were from newspapers pertinent to the personality in question. As he reported for a paper on the St. Lawrence Seaway, they would have him on (among others) when they had someone like the Governor of New York or the Prime Minister of Canada. It was NEVER just one guy trying to hog the limelight for himself, and NEVER oriented toward one political party.

Gregory is a boring Republican stooge, and the show has suffered accordingly. A simple case of cause and effect. Republicans want to see exaggerated hate polemics and Democrats want to see engaging exchanges and/or insightful reporting. Anything in between, especially if it's boring, will not attract viewers.

[Heather MC]

129. That is really fascinating about your father

Will you message me his real name. Maybe some of his MTP segments have found their way to youtube.

[nyquil_man]

136. Exactly. nt

[jmowreader]

166. Can't be done.

Where are you going to get four professional journalists?

[erronis]

169. Professional? Is that a necessity?

I'd be in favor of some type of random drawing from the right/left/centrist/progressive blogosphere and other non-MSM outlets. Maybe pick up some gems from the sticks rather than the trained/payed-for lackeys of the establishment(s).

[jmowreader]

188. I know the two left/progressive people I want

Cenk and Ana from The Young Turks.

[krkaufman]

191. worthwhile

That'd be a whole lot more worthwhile viewing than the current MTP, or any other show on Sunday AMs. Not sure where they'd suddenly find the courage to start grilling politicians, though, given they still crave access over objectivity.

[Ghost of Tom Joad]

153. my thoughts exactly

[abakan]

165. He is not his father..

Not even a shadow of his father...

[Scuba]

167. Nope, Ted Nugent. Bigger draw.

[NMDemDist2]

2. couldn't happen to a better fellow

[City Lights]

3. Flush already, NBC. nt

[billhicks76]

94. DUMP HIM!!!

Get rid of this NSA apologist war mongering corporate stooge please.

[Journeyman]

4. Well, I certainly haven't contributed to this plunge in ratings . . .

Haven't watched that slop in over 35 years.

And my life's better for it, too.

[Warpy]

11. Oooh, same here

About the time their formula was changed to 2 frothing wingnuts for every tepid liberal they obviously grudgingly invited on, I completely lost interest. They'd only been vaguely interesting when there was actual content as politicians talked past each other.

They're useless. I happily sleep in.

[elzenmahn]

103. My life has actually been made much better...

...by leaving the tube off, and picking up a good book.

[Journeyman]

117. Grouch Marx: "I find television very educational. Every time somebody turn on the set . . .

". . . I go into the other room and read a book."

[pangaia]

131. +1000

[AnneD]

171. I do...

knitting. I am much happier and I find I am frequently even better informed than my friends that do watch.

[MADem]

145. I love TV. I spent most of my earlier years without it, for the most part, when I lived overseas.

I had friends with it, but it was only on a few hours a day so it wasn't a big part of life. Now that there are a zillion channels I can usually find something that amuses. It's an indulgence, that's how I regard it.

I watch a little of MTP most (not all) weeks. Sometimes I catch it on MSNBC. It is uneven; they need to go back to the old school format, with a cadre of people from print media, radio and TV--and maybe even an "internet" contributor or two--but it needs to be a GOOD one--asking questions of a single person, in turn. The moderator's job would be only to overcome extreme bias and keep the proceedings moving.

[Bluenorthwest]

5. Rachel Maddow should sit in that chair.

Hey Dave. Get out of Rachel's chair. Thanks.

[7962]

41. You're right. She's got the chops for that job. nt

[mckara]

55. Rachel Would Be My Choice!

Oxford and Stanford degrees in Kick Ass and Take Names!

[Rebl]

59. Her show

is the best one on MSNBC. Actually she's the smartest one on all of NBC. I vote for her, but it won't happen. She's to liberal for the suits.

[nxylas]

133. And her ratings aren't that great either, from what I understand

If it's ratings they're after, they will probably give the job to Kim Kardashian.

[kairos12]

58. Given the right wing echo chamber the program is the likely replacement will be

George Will.

[QuestForSense]

91. Oh no! I don't ever watch and even I don't want that idiot on there.

[calimary]

79. I'd watch Press the Meat again if that happened.

david gregory is worthless. I'm glad they're finally realizing it. He's nothing but a wholly-owned subsidiary. Won't miss him if he goes. And I'm sick of seeing the wall-to-wall CONs on there all the time. And john mccain is on there almost weekly. "Weakly" is more like it.

[Tarheel_Dem]

157. It's a bit disconcerting, but this may be the 1st time I've ever agreed with you about ANYTHING.

[uponit7771]

173. AMEN!!!

[KeepItReal]

178. Word.

eom

[LonePirate]

6. I fear Gregory will be replaced by Todd who is even more of a right wing tool.

If the show wants to improve its ratings, it should ditch its unabashed right wing bias and start booking guests who speak for the progressive majority in America.

[elfin]

15. I agree

I think Todd was in the original list of contenders, but was passed over due to less seniority. Now he has proved his corporate mentality, but may "seem" smarter than Gregory. He does seem more industrious than Gregory, but Rachel would be a dream come true for me.

I might actually watch a Sunday show for a change.

[Gothmog]

17. Chuck Todd is too weak

Gregory may be an idiot but Gregory looks like a genius next to Chuck Todd

[Cha]

44. lol

[madaboutharry]

20. I had the same thought.

I can see them giving it to Chuck Todd. Watching that would be truly intolerable. Todd is already insufferable, the arrogance would go off the charts if he is hosting MTP.

[blm]

27. Chuck 'It's not the newsmedia's job to correct the GOPs lies' Todd.

Gregory wasn't scoring well enough pushing the propaganda for his master Jack Welch?

[Rebl]

56. That's my

fear as well.

[minivan2]

82. I don't understand

Why do we hate Gregory and Todd?

[OldHippieChick]

102. They aren't journalists. They

are both corporate stooges. We need someone who will put people's feet to the fire and ask thoughtful, follow-up questions - not just accept their lies and/or spin. Gregory reads from a script and rarely challenges anyone. Todd is a toad and generally spews right-wing spin when he does his so-called analysis.

[minivan2]

177. Proof please.

[OldHippieChick]

180. Do you ever watch either one of them?

This is mostly opinion based upon observation. You want proof, watch them.

[minivan2]

183. Just read this article on huffington post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/12/chuck-todd-obama-disapproval-ratings_n_4948064.html?utm_hp_ref=politics&ir=Politics

Yep, he's pulling for the right.

[ProfessorGAC]

128. Chuck Todd Started. . .

. . .as an Atwater acolyte who was a propagandist actually paid by the RNC. That's absent from his admitted history now (neatly scrubbed) but everyone knew the details back in the CSPAN forum days.
He's never been a journalist, he's never been impartial, and he now pretends to be a reported, not even a columnist, but writes, says and implies a specific slant in everything.
He's also dumb as a fence post.

[66 dmhlt]

146. Very interesting. Didn't know there was a Todd-Atwater connection ...

But not surprised, given Todd's GOP sycophancy.
You have any Links so I can read up on it?
Be much appreciated.
(Yeah I've Googled multiple combinations of ["Chuck Todd" "Lee Atwater" RNC work biography] - but they're such prominent characters I can't find anything specific)

[uponit7771]

174. Don't forget the "...it's not our job..." comment.... that still today blows me away

[mdbl]

193. Todd is a moron who thinks he's a journalist

Don't care if they replace Gregory with Todd, I don't watch either of them anymore.

[MADem]

147. Todd's a total tool. He looks like the chubby,bullied baby brother of Mephistopheles!

[edhopper]

7. I got an idea

why doesn't Gregory get John McCain on the show to discuss this.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

22. He's a tough get.

[RoverSuswade]

34. Genius!

[Cha]

45. lol

[Enthusiast]

120. That's a great suggestion! I imagine McCain's already scheduled.

[COLGATE4]

8. The can't get rid of "Dances with

Roves" too soon for my taste.

[BlueCaliDem]

51. Dances with Roves!

rofl: :

Good one!

[tex-wyo-dem]

93. Omg! Definite DUZY!!

[kairos12]

98. Dances with Roves. LMAO.

[Warpy]

9. Yes, please.

but don't expect anyone else but another right wing softball pitcher.

[BeyondGeography]

10. Shit's getting real, Dave

Time to pull out the stops. Maybe dance between segments?

[AlinPA]

12. He is a real slob and should be dumped for that reason alone.

[Rex]

13. Here is an original idea...why not go back to real investigative journalism

and drop the corporate news act? People are HUNGRY and DESPERATE for the truth! A ratings bonanza!

[840high]

57. Amen.

[tex-wyo-dem]

96. Yeah, gee what a concept, eh?

[freebrew]

140. "You can't handle the truth"...

I can't stand Gregory, he lets the RWNJs talk over anyone that says anything sensible.
Whenever anyone with sense starts to say something the nutjobs start yelling and and the 'host' lets them.

But you and I know that NBC isn't going to let ANYONE interrupt that process ere the truth may start to come out.

Death to the M$M!!!

[Gothmog]

14. Gregory is too weak to fill Russert's shoes

Tim Russert was amazing and NBC has no one who could fill these shoes. The best among the MSNBC and NBC types could be Rachel Maddow.

[Submariner]

66. Tim Russert was amazing ??????????

Tim Russert was sell out asshole and set the trend for right wing Sunday talk shows leading to shit heads like Gregory.

During the recount, Russert actively campaigned for Bush, going so far as to insist that Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Lieberman endorse the counting of illegally cast military ballots that would benefit George W.

There have been reports from those who were present that journalist Tim Russert was wearing a Bush For President lapel pin when he attended the traditional Al Smith Dinner in New York shortly before the election. This should be interpreted as less of an endorsement than a brownnosing. Russert was accompanied by Welch, who was a strong supporter of Bush and completely intolerant of dissent on the matter.

http://makethemaccountable.com/podvin/media/020109_Russert.htm

[Marr]

78. +1

Russert was a complete hack. Al Franken once said that he asked Russert why he never challenged his guests on blatant lies. Russert responded that his role as host of Meet the Press was not to challenge his guests, but to 'get their position on record', which is another way of saying 'push propaganda'.

[cui bono]

110. Gregory said the same thing.

Guess that's a requirement to host that show.

[kairos12]

90. +1000

[OnyxCollie]

107. The Bush administration considered Russert and MTP as their mouthpiece.

The transcripts with Cheney and Michael Hadyn are wall-to-wall lies.

[hatrack]

130. Tim Russert - so overrated- the "journalistic" equivalent of Krispy Kreme or New Coke

[ctsnowman]

132. lol Love it.

[Frank Cannon]

192. Tim Russert was a pathetic joke of a "journalist".

He was the pioneer and master of pseudotough journalism. This is where you ask your guest an occasional "tough" or controversial question, let them give you a completely ridiculous response, then move right on to the next softball question without even challenging them on the obvious horseshit they've just delivered. Gregory is a master of this, as well. That's what that show is all about.

[Fumesucker]

16. Give it to Luke Russert... Please

Nothing could be more fitting for that unspeakably pathetic septic tank of a show than to have a genuine bona fide member of the lucky sperm club "moderating" it.

[Ilsa]

18. That would kill it so they could replace it with this

Reality show:

Law & Order- Osteen's Lakewood Church. Live! Watch thievery unfold in real time! Check out the hidden camera footage on the church secretary! See what music teens are really making in the gym!

[Rebl]

65. I disagree

I think he likes to hear himself talk and sides with conservatives too much.

[calimary]

185. Welcome to DU, Rebl!

Glad you're here! Ah, the Lucky Sperm Club. I think little Luke needs to pay a few more dues before somebody hands him a plum like that. Is he even shaving yet? I'm uncomfortable with him. I'd just like to see someone who spent a few more years than he has. He just hasn't put enough time or earned enough stripes to be able to carry a job like he even has now, much less "Meet the Press. MY pick for "Meet the Press" would be Rachel Maddow.

And there's another thing, too. I'm still chafing from the job his late dad did - what a suck-up for bush/cheney and all things GOP he was! Somebody who went around at some fancy Georgetown cocktail party during the 2000 campaign hiding a bush/cheney button inside his jacket - which he'd whip open with an impish grin whenever he spotted someone whose favor he curried. You're supposed to be OBJECTIVE, russert! He might as well have been wearing a neon ten-gallon hat covered with spinning pinwheels and honking trumpets and big signs all over it saying "VOTE GOP!!!!" He'd sit there week after week like some Cheshire Cat and let the cheney/contradicta/rummy contingent blather on and on and on and NEVER challenge, NEVER voice objection, NEVER fact-check. Just let 'em barf away for as long and as many repeat visits as they wanted. I used to respect him, long ago. But then jack welch and other republi-CON political high-rollers got ahold of him and he was owned. He died a wholly-owned subsidiary. Rest his soul, but he sure sold out in his last years. Could no longer be trusted.

[MADem]

142. Yeah, he could repeat his "Nanny nanny boo boo, you're OLD" performance vis a vis Leader Pelosi!

That would endear him to the demographic that watches the show...!

[pscot]

19. More John McCain

He wasn't on last week. No wonder the ratings are down.

[SDjack]

89. Needs more Lindsay. nt

[mfcorey1]

21. The only improvement they can make is to get rid of Gregory!!

[kysrsoze]

23. Guess the Right Wing Sycophant format didn't work after all.

Last edited Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:26 AM - Edit history (1)

[B Calm]

24. John McCain and Graham every Sunday is getting OLD!

[Jamaal510]

26. Do either

of them ever have time for church anymore?

[ChairmanAgnostic]

151. What do you mean? That IS church for them, and they attend religiously.

[rhett o rick]

25. If they dump him, may I get to determine from how high? nm

[SoCalDem]

28. Put Rachel Maddow in the chair & watch the ratings go UP

[Cali_Democrat]

108. How awesome would that be?

[jamzrockz]

29. Its more about the

guests and topic line up than the host. One can only see enough of John McCain and Lindsey Graham before they decided to change the channels. Also the roundtable guests should be adjusted a bit more. Less mainstream talking head and more grassroot leaders.

Never conduct a science debate with a scientist vs a senator who am sure doesnt have a science related Bachelors. David Gregory is OK in my book.

[rurallib]

30. However may we help?

I believe I have done my part by not watching.
My Sinday morning is Kornacki and Moyers.

[marew]

127. Me too...

We desperately need someone who will go after the facts and who would challenge members of both parties. Of course Maddow would be my dream host. No one would get away with anything. You can tell by what she says she probably does more "homework" than anyone.

[SoCalMusicLover]

31. Dump Gregory & Hire Joe?

From one conservative prick to another. Surely that will help.

[butterfly77]

43. Yes hire Joe...

Many more will be able the bullying and craziness up close..

[Fuddnik]

32. I hope the door hits him in the ass on his way out.

[0rganism]

33. put Maddow in charge of it and it will suddenly become worth watching

the ratio of conservatives to liberals would drop slightly, perhaps even equalize, but that's a risk i'm ready to take.

[yortsed snacilbuper]

35. NBC was considering ditching David Gregory, and replacing him with the Morning Joe,

it won't help replacing a turd with another turd!

[irisblue]

81. wasn't Joe Scarborough described as stunningly superficial?

That mess for Meet The Press?

[Auntie Bush]

86. Good god no! I hate that loud mouth hog all the conversation Joe.

The only good thing would be that they got rid of him on Morning Joe. He has to learn his job isn't giving a monolog on right wing talking points. Can't stand him if you didn't notice.

[YOHABLO]

105. Joe Scarbourough reminds me of a Log Cabin Republican Frat Boy ... and the way he>

makes everyone on that show kiss his ass. He said recently that he may give running for president in 2016 a good thought. Ugh! < or something to that extent .. my gadar says he's in the closet.

[Auntie Bush]

155. I had no idea anyone thought that. He has an X wife and 2 sons.

But I guess that doesn't make any difference. We'll see. Time will tell.
But I think he's hetero.

[Chiyo-chichi]

172. It won't help, but I'm betting this is what will happen.

When I clicked on this thread, I was thinking "they will surely replace Gregory with someone worse, so who will that be?"

There's the answer.

[Bigredhunk]

36. Maybe MC Rove Can Take Over

-

[yortsed snacilbuper]

38. "Maybe MC Rove Can Take Over"

Don't give them any ideas!

[Dustlawyer]

37. No sympathy for dull, David Gregory, but even an interesting, intelligent moderator would fail

in that job with the fading, RW guests repeatedly appearing. A tweak of the lineup will not help David because his views are on the way out. The only logical thing would be for them to change Host, and either go to a somewhat balanced approach or go Progressive. They have already exhausted Republican, Fox owns those people anyway!

[cry baby]

40. It isn't only Gregory, it's who books mostly repub

politicians and press members, too. It's a one note show anymore.

I haven't watched in a long time because of the inequity of guests on the right v. guests on the left.

[Cha]

42. NBC wants ratings to get up out of the basement, do they? Get

rid of Gregory for real.. and have a balance on the show. It's not brain surgery.. if they want more people then they have to appeal to Dems, too. Not just have a bunch of idiot rabid republicons running the asylum.

mahalo babylonsistah~

[Rebl]

60. You

got that right.

[Cha]

68. Kick

[IggleDoer]

46. If Rachel gets the show, will McCain and his friend flee?

I can see the RWNJs cowering in fear of her.

[Stainless]

47. He Will Always Be Karl Rove's Dance Partner

I can't get that sickening image out of my head.

[al_liberal]

48. Never refer to them as NBC, MSNBC, etc.

The proper reference to the former GE broadcast networks is Comcast! The very same cable monstrosity that is going to purchase TimeWarner cable.

[davidpdx]

119. Comcrapstic!

[ReRe]

49. Meet the Press...

... is a joke. If their ratings are going down, then Republicans aren't watching it anymore. Go figure that out. But Joe Scarface? That might work for Republicans, but since they don't seem to be watching anymore, it probably won't. I don't watch it anymore, nor any of the Sunday lineup on the different channels. The only way I would watch is if Rachel Maddow was placed there. But I don't think she would consider it if asked, because the 9PM M-F on MSNBC is more suited to her... she can cover more news there. Here's a thought: put Phil Donahue on it! Yeah, I think Phil Donahue would bring me back, and he would give the Republicans hell, if NBC continues with the Republican lineup.

[Rebl]

67. That will

never happen. They got rid of him once years ago.

[ReRe]

70. Well, they could atone for their blatant support of the GWB junta...

... but, Phil Donahue would probably spit in their face if they asked him.

[Mnpaul]

50. I don't have access to NBC

It's is the only channel with poor signal in my area and I don't miss any of it. They should fire a few more people while they are at it. They could dump the Today show, it has become a joke.

[politicman]

52. need a host that can ask tough questions WITH follow up questions.

Get rid of Gregory, make the guest line up more balanced and MOST importantly have the new host ask tough questions of guests from both sides WITH follow up questions.

Make the guests answer the questions, I have no interest in seeing any guest from any side come on and basically get free air time to campaign.

To repeat, ask tough questions with follow up questions.

[fascisthunter]

53. Man was a Shill for the GOP

To NBC: nice try suckers!

[DonViejo]

54. Be really great to see Rachel replacing Gregory BUT...

She's got to get a commitment from NBC, do away with the McCain and Graham Sunday Comedy Hour.

[OmahaBlueDog]

61. Dear NBC: Two words ...Ann Curry

..oh, and when you fire Gregory, could you please cut Matt Lauer loose as well.

[Brother Buzz]

63. NBC's brain trust is just now figuring this out?

Nimrods, all of them.

[wheniwasincongress]

64. Joe and Mika

doesn't their show get low ratings?

[karynnj]

69. So they might replace a bland Republican with .... Morning Joe

I don't know if that helps.

[delrem]

71. They'll find another puppet and the show will go on. nt

[malaise]

72. He'll be free to dance with Rove

Good riddance

[pragmatic_dem]

73. Meet the press isn't about ratings... none of talking head shows are...

they are about making rich, old white men comfortable with their entitlements. David Gregory and his peers are just corporate supplicants, kissing the asses of the Washington elite. That's what they need to do to keep billion dollar ad revenues coming in. So NBC goes to church every Sunday and bows down at the altar.

Might as well be Pravda or China Central TV.

They could run Hanna Montana reruns and they'd get better ratings.

[indepat]

75. NBC's loss would be the viewing public's gain

[MADem]

76. I think we should go back to the original format--a panel of "the press."

A moderator.

A guest.

The guest "meets" the press, and the press takes turns asking questions.


Rather like a civilized, seated press conference.

[davidpdx]

118. Someone up thread mentioned that as well

That would probably draw a lot of people back to the show. It would also depend upon who they booked too. If it was the John and Lindsey show every week then people wouldn't watch.

[MADem]

141. They used to book the "newsmaker of the week."

Whoever was the Big Cheese in the news, whoever was making waves and creating headlines, that's who would get the nod. It often was NOT a politician--it was someone crabbing about/at politicians!

Those were the days, my friend...! Some good stuff came out the other end of a cathode ray tube!

[ZX86]

77. The format is dead.

Who wants to hear the same talking points they hear all week from the usual suspects of the political class and then commented on from the usual suspects of the beltway pundit class that they've heard all week. The only interesting thing that's happened on that show since Gregory took over is when he tried to shame Glen Greenwald and watch Greenwald tear him a new asshole for suggesting journalists should be prosecuted for reporting news.

[grahamhgreen]

83. Pushing the neo-con agenda is a dead end for any media.

[underpants]

84. The Sunday morning talk shows are mostly internal DC now

Everyone left them after they were exposed by the Iraq War propaganda debacle

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

85. Probably won't get Scarborough or Rachel

Scarborough might run for president (LOL)

and the republicans won't (or can't) be seen with Rachel.

[Berlum]

87. Please

Make it so

[MsPithy]

88. Does Gregory acquire the guests?

My point is, what do we expect Gregory to ask McCain, Lindsey Graham, McConnell, Schumer, Coburn, Rand Paul, etc. There is no way the network would allow probing questions, aggressive questioning of the high and mighty, they might loose access!

Don't get me wrong, I think David Gregory is a fool, (the only thing missing from his dance with Karl Rove was Gregory wearing brightly colored tights and a jester hat with bells on the points) but if he gets canned, it will be because he is the fall guy.

[EC]

92. Format changes?

Put in Lawrence O'Donnell or Rachael that's all they need to do.


The Morning Joe Crew? Isn't that the same as leaving Gregory in there?

[spanone]

159. scarborough is a former republican congressman....he's worse than leaving gregory there

he's also a partisan hack.

[Jake2413]

95. I can only hope.....

[Jefferson23]

97. Dumb tool replaced with more dumb tools..that makes sense to the producers..figures.

[Tx4obama]

99. Lawrence O'Donnell or Steve Kornacki would be good.

I rather have Maddow stay were she is so we can watch her five nights a week

[Liberal_in_LA]

100. he's too biased. send him to the unemployment line

[lonestarnot]

101. Tee hee and take that other guy on MSNBC Chuckie Toad, and may as well throw in that morning lady,

can't think of her name.

[silvershadow]

106. Hows about someone this time not part of the Military/Industrial/Beltway/Political Media Complex? nt

[oldandhappy]

111. Maybe they need a complete remake.

A whole new idea would be good. I do not watch sunday morning because of McCain McCain McCain --- You get the idea.

Off the top of my head, 1) News of the week in review -- recap of what we actually know rather than recycled speculation,
2) Bills actually before the House and Senate and quick review of each one so we can email our reps and senators, 3) Once a month a recap of actual votes, 4) Once a month round table of reporters from respected newspapers (not cable) to discuss a focused topic, 5) now and then something along the lines of a TED talk showing historical context of a current issue.

Add your ideas for a totally new show. This could be fun. Won't happen -- but we can prove to ourselves that there are good ideas out there.

[DallasNE]

112. What Are The 25-54 Ratings For Morning Joe?

That move looks like NBC is only interested in moving the deck chairs on the Titanic. Gregory's primary problem is not blandness, it is his guest list and the lack of quality questions. Gregory is nothing but a boot licker for the GOP and that is why the ratings are the lowest on record with the 25-54 age group. Bringing in Joe Scarboro would make about as much difference as Gregory dying his hair black -- or putting lipstick on a pig.

[yortsed snacilbuper]

115. "lack of quality questions."

The questions and answers are written out and distributed the week before the show so the teapublican guests can rehearse for the show!

[Firebrand Gary]

113. Savannah Guthrie should be the one to sit in that chair...

I once saw her sit in as the host of Meet the Press and she was amazing! Sharp, super fast on her feet and made the pols squirm. She was asking pointed, followed questions and held people accountable.

Here's the deal, I will not watch any show that manipulated viewers. David Gregory does that, MTP feels like a show where we get to watch democrats eat shit. In fact, every Sunday show is clearly biased towards republicans. This false equivalence of 50/50 coverage for liberal/conservatives is crap, Neil deGrasse Tyson is right. Until media begins to hold people accountable, which means calling out those who deliberately mislead, people will stay away. At least I know I will.

[TheKentuckian]

114. Gregory does suck ass but few would raise the quality of "Meet the Republicans" enough to make it

worth watching.

At this point, I'm thinking a really lit up Zaphod Beeblebrox with Zombie Hunter S Thompson as his sidekick. I watched regularly for decades but now it is unpleasant and annoying like COPS or Springer.

[mrmpa]

116. My 83 year old mother and I.......

think that David Gregory looks like Howdy Doody, and his intelligence is just as wooden as Howdy's was. Well Maybe Howdy was a bit more intelligent.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

121. "replacing him with the Morning Joe crew from MSNBC."

Oh yeah,...THAT will make it "less dull".

[AngryOldDem]

123. The format died with Lawrence Spivak.

Unless they go back to what it once was -- a panel of journalists with a moderator interviewing that week's newsmaker -- MTP will continue to be a huge waste of time.

[NuttyFluffers]

124. cut to the chase and replace him with a batting tee.

why softball it when you can just leave it prone.

might even be therapeutic for mccain's blood pressure.

[Enrique]

125. PoliticusUsa is there to make us look dumb

Politico sucks, but it's about a billion times better than the godawful PoliticusUsa.

The Politico article mentions something relevant which PU leaves out

By DYLAN BYERS | 2/21/13 4:05 PM EST
David Gregory has renewed his contract as host of NBC's "Meet the Press," The Associated Press reports. NBC News described the deal as "a long-term commitment" but declined to provide further details.

[Berlum]

126. Gregory (R) has been a feckless brown-nosing RepubliSymp

[The Wizard]

134. MTP needs a real journalist

not a certified douche bag and tool for the radical right.

[nyquil_man]

135. Why not bring back a panel,

which was the point of Meet the Press in the first place?

[watoos]

137. NBC is run by COMCAST

why do y'all think anything is going to change? Martin Brashear needs a job, too bad COMCAST runs the show. Republicans won't show up if someone like Rachel Maddow got the job, the rest of the corporate controlled M$M would crucify NBC. There are no major networks run by liberals. The biggest lie out there is that the media is liberal.

Any moderator, worth his salt, would have a field day exposing all of the Republican talking points (lies). We can't start changing the narrative, can we? Even msnbc follows the right wing narrative, they just put a liberal slant to it. Rachel and Chris Hayes better be careful, they have been straying from the narrative, just ask Olbermann, Uygur, Ratigan, Brashear, even back to Donahue.

[freshwest]

138. Please let this happen! Dump him! n/t

[Renew Deal]

143. They should give it to Rachel Maddow

She's the only one currently working for NBC with the intelectual integrity and curiosity to do that show right.

[Doctor_J]

144. No doubt to be replaced by someone even more republican

these things sound good on the surface, but usually end up making things worse.

[Atman]

152. ^^^THIS!

No kidding. The people thinking Rachel Maddow or Lawrence O'Donnell would be good replacements are totally delusional about why this show exists anymore. It is a platform for Comcast's corporate sponsors, nothing more. Gregory sucks, but they'll make a lot of advertising hype by replacing him, ratings will go up (temporarily), ad rates will go up, and nothing will actually change. In a couple of years we'll be right back to the same place.

[randr]

148. As more and more people discover Al Jazeera

I hope all the networks that have followed faux down the rabbit hole of irrelevancy will find themselves obsolete.

[L0oniX]

149. Fuck it ...put Jon Stewart reruns on in its place.

[SummerSnow]

154. Wow, prayers do work!!

[guyfromla]

156. Christie

If Morning Joe crew comes in, you will see Christie every f..g day. They are as idiotic as it gets. Get John Stewart.

[Tarheel_Dem]

158. Happy to say, I haven't watched a single episode since Gregory became the host. n/t

[Dollface]

161. I vote for Bill Mahr!

We can dream can't we?

[dem in texas]

162. If he is fired, he has a Job waiting

Over at Fox News! Glad when he is gone, I get tired of watching him try to play got-ya all the time. When they fire him, hope they fire C. Todd too, because he is so damn boring.

[Dollface]

163. Thomas Roberts might be good. After all, Reince Pubis hates him.

[abakan]

164. There is nothing wrong with the format....

David Gregory and his right leaning guest are the problem. Just firing Gregory would go a long way to improve the show. If he is replaced I hope it is by someone who is not beholden to the repubs or koch bros. I think someone like Rachel would be perfect, we need someone with a strong sense of history, real curiosity about innumerable subjects and a total lack of mailing it in, which Gregory is the best at.

[jeff47]

170. They should just drop the charade and make McCain the host. (nt)

[BumRushDaShow]

175. Since Tweety's own Sunday show was pulled, I bet

he'll be gunning for it. No guest would ever get a word in edgewise.

[Doctor_J]

176. Tweety is a wind sock - gets all puffed up with whatever prevailing wind is blowing

he'd be a perfect schmoozer for the Sunday AM Repuke fest.

[Glaisne]

179. Bring back Keith!

[Dollface]

184. How awesome would that be?!

[Doctor Loveless]

181. The Bum

Dump the bum and dump him now. Send him to Fox where he belongs.

[librechik]

182. I got one word for NBC: Rachel n/t

[Joe Bacon]

186. My fear...

NBC turns over Meet The Press to...

Luke Russert

[AAO]

187. Roves dancing partner. The guy is an embarrassment to real journalism.

[AnnieBW]

189. ZOMBIE TIM RUSSERT!!!

They need to summon Tim Russert from the Great Beyond. Not that he was all that good, but even a reanimated corpse would be better than David Gregory.

[DesertDiamond]

190. I used to love Meet the Press and Face the Nation when I was a kid. Haven't watched them in years.