What We Lose If We Lose Melissa Harris-Perry.

[Stellar]

We may have seen the final episode of Melissa Harris-Perry's unique weekend morning MSNBC show, one of cable news' most diverse and important editorial programs.

On February 26, The New York Times reported that Harris-Perry had refused to go on her show this weekend "following several weeks of pre-emptions and what she described as a loss of editorial control." The report described how Harris-Perry had become frustrated with MSNBC's pressure to spend more time covering the 2016 election.

In a letter to her staff published on Medium by a former staffer, Harris-Perry described her reasons for deciding not to host the show (emphasis added):

Here is the reality: our show was taken - without comment or discussion or notice - in the midst of an election season. After four years of building an audience, developing a brand, and developing trust with our viewers, we were effectively and utterly silenced. Now, MSNBC would like me to appear for four inconsequential hours to read news that they deem relevant without returning to our team any of the editorial control and authority that makes MHP Show distinctive.

[...]

While MSNBC may believe that I am worthless, I know better. I know who I am. I know why MHP Show is unique and valuable. I will not sell short myself or this show. I am not hungry for empty airtime. I care only about substantive, meaningful, and autonomous work. When we can do that, I will return - not a moment earlier. I am deeply sorry for the ways that this decision makes life harder for all of you. You mean more to me than you can imagine.

*snip*

MHP's panels consistently featured the most diverse lineup of guests of any of the Sunday morning news show. Her show was unique not only because it featured far more women and people of color than the typical program, but because it gave a platform to people who weren't traditional powerbrokers, people who weren't interested in repeating sound bite talking points about current events.

MediaMatters

Also: Boston Globe
Melissa Harris-Perry too singular a TV voice to lose

Melissa Harris-Perry gave the keynote speech at Wellesley College’s 2012 commencement, just months after her MSNBC show debuted. I had forgotten much of what she said during her speech until I went back to revisit the text this past weekend. What I remembered, however, was Dr. Harris-Perry’s presence, and the connection she shared with the Wellesley community. She talked about her insecurities and triumphs and delivered her remarks with humor and humility. Students waved tiny banners that read “Nerdland,” as she spoke, and the imaginary place invoked by Harris-Perry’s television show was real. Choosing commencement speakers is risky business, but this time, we nailed it. Harris-Perry was the perfect fit.

That’s what is so upsetting about Harris-Perry’s very public parting of ways with MSNBC: As both host and MSNBC contributor, she is the perfect fit for our current political moment, just as she was at Wellesley in May of 2012. We have lost Harris-Perry’s voice, and the space her show provided, at the time we need it most.

More at the Boston Globe Link above.