MSNBC Announces Cable News Channel Restructuring.

[crispini]

Should be interesting to see how this affects MSNBC.

NBC U and Microsoft Agree to MSNBC Cable News Channel Restructuring
Published: December 23, 2005

NBC Universal and Microsoft today announced a restructuring of the MSNBC cable news channel. Under the terms of the new agreement, NBC Universal has acquired a controlling interest in MSNBC and an option to acquire 100% of the cable channel within two years. NBC Universal and Microsoft have also reaffirmed their strong commitment to MSNBC.com, which will remain equally owned by both parties. Terms were not disclosed.

more....

http://nbcumv.com/release_detail.nbc/corporate-20051223000000-nbcuandmicrosoft.html

Here's the internal memo courtesy of Cable Newser:

MS/NBC: Memo: "This Is A Huge Corporate Vote Of Confidence" In MSNBC
To: All NBC News and MSNBC Employees

From: Steve Capus and Rick Kaplan

RE: Microsoft Announcement

We're excited to tell you that effective immediately, NBC Universal will assume control of MSNBC cable. This is a huge corporate vote of confidence in the channel, which is an integral part of NBC News. It couldn't come at a better time, as MSNBC has seen improved ratings over the last several months. The ending of the 50/50 partnership with Microsoft will give us more flexibility to continue the progress we've made. MSNBC.com will remain a 50/50 joint venture and will continue to be a vital part of NBC News. Operationally, you won't see any changes---the changes come on the business side, not the editorial and programming side of the operation.

more...
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/

Should be interesting to see what the new year brings... hopefully they'll get rid of Rita Skeeter and give us more Keith Olbermann. :7

[SharonRB]

1. From your mouth to Rick Kaplan's ears, Crispi

[leftchick]

2. and alex twit and contessa newsbunny and

bowtie boy and Scarborough tar pit and all of the annoying piece of shit time wasters. But it won't happen because....... It Is GE.

[tularetom]

3. Sounds to me like

Microsoft is dumping this turkey. Once GE gains 100% ownership we can probably forget KO and look forward to more shit like tweety, scarborough and rita. Then I can block it.

[Garbo 2004]

4. I remember reports a year or so ago that MS wanted out of MSNBC. n/t