NBC source: "No way" cable personality would be considered for "MTP" moderator

[DeepModem Mom]

Variety: Russert role tough to fill for NBC
Network might be looking for insider to fill chair
By WILLIAM TRIPLETT

....There were reports on Saturday that NBC is looking to an insider to assume the "MTP" moderator's chair -- either former White House correspondent David Gregory; Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's "Hardball"; or ex-congressman and now host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Joe Scarborough. NBC spokeswoman Allison Gollust did not respond to a query about the report, but she did tell Daily Variety on Sunday that "no decision" had been reached even on who will host the show in the interim.

But asked about the different names to surface, another NBC source said "no way" that a cable personality would be considered for the job because the broadcast news division wants to keep itself "pristine," meaning it wants to maintain a clear line between NBC News and what it sees as increasingly outspoken viewpoints that drive much of cable news, including MSNBC.

However, Gregory could be a contender, the source said, since he only recently began hosting a show on MSNBC and made his name and reputation as a "Nightly News" reporter....

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117987514.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

[Buzz Clik]

1. Looking for a journalist and not a shrill, unfiltered spewer of opinions.

Who'd a thunk it.

[Ilsa]

2. Gregory isn't a lawyer or didn't serve in Congress. At least TIm R.

had some professional experience and training. The politicians will chew him up and spit him out.

[itsrobert]

3. My money is on Tom Brokaw n/t

n/t

[smoogatz]

6. That seems likely, at least in the interim.

Brokaw's only part stupid, so he'd be sort of okay, I think.

[nels25]

7. I can live with that choice

in fact if I had to bet some currency on it, I would wager he would be an interim hose of MTP at least through the end of the year and maybe through the inauguration.

Personally I have a hard time coming up with a decent replacement for Mr. Russert in my mind.

I agree that for the most part all of the MSNBC hosts are non-starters due to being tainted by partisan (fairly perceived or not) opinions (if we as progressives advocate boycotting FOX News, can you imagine the howl and lack of desire of conservatives to appear on a MTP program anchored by Keith??).

[leftynyc]

12. That's my guess as well (eom)

[rusty charly]

4. Maybe David Gregory can open his first MTP

disco dancing with Karl Rove.

[Bucky]

9. Maybe you want a virgin on MTP, but they'll only hire someone well versed in DC culture.

Whoever they hire is gonna be someone who knows how to play the Beltway game. That's a given. The best we can hope for is that they'll go with someone who shows the occasional backbone. That would be Gregory.

On the other hand, you never know if that quote "they won't go with a cable host" and "keep the NBC brand separate from MSNBC" isn't just a quote planted by someone in the Gregory camp. It certainly doesn't sound authoritative for someone to be ruling out one of the top contenders for the job in such a public way.

[navarth]

5. Did you say Joe Scarborough?????

what a nightmare...Gregory would be bad enough

[ellacott]

8. That would be an awful choice

I'm not thrilled about Gregory either. I'd rather see David Shuster over either of them.

[navarth]

14. David Shuster is too good. No way it'll be him.

In my dreams: David Shuster doing MTP. Yes yes...

[ellacott]

17. It would be nice if they rotated hosts

I read where some people are suggesting Chuck Todd. I like Chuck also.

[Eurobabe]

10. No way, JoeyScab stays on MSNBC

that guy has zero cred. In fact they need to fire him from his own show!

[ellacott]

15. I was wondering what was going on with him

He's been missing a lot of shows. It's a pleasant show without him.

[DeepModem Mom]

23. His wife is having a problematic pregnancy, and when he's gone I think he's with her. nt

[ellacott]

25. Thanks, I didn't know that

I hope she and the baby will be ok.

[DeepModem Mom]

27. I don't think they've said it on-air, and I can't remember now...

where I got that info. From one of my many news-junkie sources, somewhere!

[Eurobabe]

30. yeah Mika mentioned it

after he was gone for a couple weeks.

[DeepModem Mom]

34. Oh, okay -- thanks, 48! nt

[Eurobabe]

29. he's been back though

and oddly showing very little emotion over Tim. R. I think joe is incapable of emotion, anyhow. :eyes:

[Lance_Boyle]

11. Gak - that leaves Greenspanswife in the running.

And the barnacle, too. NBC seems to be suffering from an acute lack of talent in the "news" arena. But then that's nothing new, either.

[leftynyc]

13. I don't think there is any way

they'll give it to a woman. After seeing what a mess CBS news is with Couric (whether it's her fault or not), they wont take that kind of risk with what is seen as the premiere Sunday news show. I say Brokaw.

[Carnea]

16. I'm thinking someone outside of the NBC family... great job to get a

CBS or ABC reporter to jump ship.

[BeHereNow]

18. I wish they'd give the spot to Phil Donahue.

They owe him (and us) for what they did to him before the invasion.

BHN

[Overseas]

24. That would be great !! I could watch the show again ! /eom

[annabanana]

33. That would be a just & fitting appointment. If they're interested in restoring

their reputation for serious news, that would be the way to go.

[Blackhatjack]

19. Maybe CBS will bite the bullet and offer them Katie Couric Back ...

... imagine .......

[Beacool]

20. Thank goodness!!!

No Tweety, no KO.....

[mmonk]

21. Someone that won't look deeper into any government claims

nor question with any hard to answer questions. A verbal stenographer.

[Fla Dem]

22. Brokaw should do it, at least on a temporary basis. n/t

[NashVegas]

26. "Pristine"? That Was Lost Long Time Ago

Please ...

I say they should give MTP to Olbermann and bring Phil Donohue back for the 8 eastern slot on MSNBC.

[librechik]

28. My bet: Andrea Mitchell

Insider, no cable taint, and, refreshingly, a woman.

[hokies4ever]

32. Too bad her interviewing skills are her weakest asset

Otherwise, I would agree with you.

[Lex]

31. It's funny they see a line between News and Cable TV Personalities.

That line has been gone for YEARS.

They must have a microscope if they still see one.