Wow. The big MSNBC news is out.

[crispini]

See about a million posts at http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/ Here's one:

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.

[RevCheesehead]

1. Well, it's a start.

But I'd be happier if they announced that Rick Kaplan was leaving.

[Patsy Stone]

2. Amen.

Huge losses for Microsoft and big ratings for NBC, sounds like a divorce made in heaven. I didn't read through all the stuff on the link, but are they keeping the "MS"? What's it gonna stand for now?

:hi: Rev! Merry almost Christmas Eve!

Nog?

[RevCheesehead]

3. probably "My Shoddy NBC"

And thanx for the nog!!! :loveya:

[Gogi]

4. How far is Englewood Cliffs from Manhattan?

Can't see KO being too happy with a long commute from Manhattan.:pals:

[crispini]

5. Stupid question: Englewood Cliffs?

I doubt they'd move the studio -- that'd be a lot of work.

[Gogi]

6. That's what the article on tvnewser said...

that maybe CNBC and MSNBC would be combined and broadcast from Englewood Cliffs, NJ.

[Berry Cool]

7. But that's a big maybe, isn't it?

I saw this news in the local paper and breathed a sigh of relief. I thought "At least for the time being, MSNBC is financially safe, even if Big Bad Bill wants nothing to do with the TV end of it anymore."

It seemed things were looking up for MSNBC lately, and it's nice to see NBC Universal acknowledge that by taking this much ownership. It's a bit of a leap of faith on their part; they didn't have to do it, but I'm glad they did.

Eventually they may change the name. Don't know whether they'll choose to do that right away.

Let's look forward to much more Countdown in the future!!! :loveya: