Phil Griffin Interview
The Daily Beast’s Lloyd Grove interviews Phil Griffin…
On Thursday Griffin was at pains to deny widespread speculation that MSNBC management, concerned that Schultz’s audience was aging beyond the ideal, most lucrative demographic for advertisers, was eager to relieve him of his primetime berth as his contract came up for renewal.
“This began with Ed coming to me,” Griffin insisted. “And I will tell you that Ed has an incredible following in the network … Ed and I were talking about his contract, and Ed is a very sharp guy. He said he wanted to be here long term … He wanted to spend more time in Minnesota. I said, ‘Well, Ed, I am extending the weekend. I need someone for 5 to 7. It’s critical. It’s going to be as important as 8 to 10 [on weeknights].’ And he came back to me and said, ‘I want to do that long term.’ ”
Griffin declined to comment on whether the health concerns of Schultz’s wife, Wendy—who is being treated, apparently successfully, for ovarian cancer—played a role in Schultz’s thinking.
March 15, 2013 at 8:51 am
“And we really need you to run the weather shack in Alaska. Just in case Palin comes back”.
March 15, 2013 at 9:01 am
I’m pretty sure that Ed was being honest saying he wanted to spend more time in Minnesota (especially with his wife being ill) and that a two hour show based on his strengths will be a better fit for both he and MSNBC. That makes a lot of sense.
Griffin sounds like an idiot though when he says that “I need someone for 5 to 7. It’s critical. It’s going to be as important as 8 to 10 [on weeknights].” There is no cable news net anywhere where 5-7 PM weekends is a better slot than 8-10 PM weekdays. Give me a break.
It’s interesting the Grove mentions Joy Reid as well as Ezra Klein as a possible replacement for Chris Hayes on ‘UP’. I think either would be a great replacement.
March 15, 2013 at 9:07 am
Leave it to Phil Griffin to make a mockery of of Ed’s graceful explanation of the decision. The reality is his wife has been ill, and he knew his days in Primetime were numbered. Ed hashed out a new deal with Phil which allowed him to keep his radio show; stay on television; and spend more time at home. Shut up, Phil.
March 15, 2013 at 7:27 pm
I wonder if Ed will still be invited to co-host election night specials now that he’s been moved to weekends? Chris Hayes was included on election night coverage but I don’t think Ed will be given the same deference now that he’s not a PT host.
March 15, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Ed wil be gone by election time. Back in Minnisota. Selling Die Hard batteries for Sears.
March 16, 2013 at 9:18 am
MEDIAITE twists the knife in Ed’s back:
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/an-ed-show-with-nowhere-to-go-for-schultz-msnbc-is-his-only-option/
March 16, 2013 at 11:51 am
My prayers go out to Ed and his wife. I hope she can beat this cancer.
March 16, 2013 at 2:26 pm
I wonder if Ed will still be invited to co-host election night specials
I doubt he’s in the studio, but I can see him “reporting” from a campaign headquarters on Election Night.