Though the network has not commented, it is rumored that the Reverend Al Sharpton could snag the 6 p.m. spot he has filled as a guest host at MSNBC for the past few weeks. Despite the fact that his critics refer to him as “polarizing,” the ratings spike during the Reverend’s turn in the time slot, especially among older viewers affectionately known in advertising as the “money” demographic, making him a potential winner for the progressive news channel. Sharpton has been filling in for Cenk Uygur, who is said to be on vacation.
“There have been no formal discussions, but he is having a lot of fun,” Sharpton’s spokeswoman told The New York Post.
If the rumors are true, and Sharpton becomes a fixture at MSNBC, any resulting rise in viewership and advertising revenue, could be just the nudge the other networks need to bring an African American on board to host a prime time show.
“These prime time slots are among the most influential in daily news,” says Ben Jealous. “Prime time hosts in cable often have the most latitude to express their opinions, and evening news anchors are traditionally seen as the most credible voices in weekday news broadcasts.” –kathleen cross
