A couple weeks ago, I started an online effort via Facebook on behalf of Sam Seder when it was announced that MSNBC was seeking a new host for its 10:00pm EST time slot. I’ve known Sam for a while and I really respect his many talents.
Late last week, the Los Angeles Times ran a story where they profiled the organizing that is taking place on Facebook, aimed at persuading NBC executives to install a solid progressive host into the 10:00pm EST time spot. Check out the article below.
In the process, MSNBC has been criticized for melding opinion with news, even as it excited the political left.
“For years, while everyone has always talked about this liberal media bias, we haven’t seen it on cable television,” said Peter Slutsky, a Democratic consultant who started the Facebook campaign for Seder with his brother, Matthew. “I believe strongly that MSNBC has been so successful because it has decided to drive a firm position to the left.”
I really do believe that MSNBC has earned its progressive audience by engaging them with top-notch talent and firebrand hosts like Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow. I also believe that MSNBC will respond to grassroots organizing and from hearing their audiences opinions.
“This is the next step in the future of Internet activism,” said Seder, who has worked with Maddow at Air America. “I think there’s a real hunger out there for new voices who will speak more truth to power and who are less ensconced in the establishment machine. Someone like Maddow really represents that. She did not come up through the classic channels, and that’s encouraged and emboldened people.”
That’s what drove Slutsky to start up the Facebook campaign on behalf of Seder.
“This whole idea of going to journalism school and working your way through satellite stations — it’s a good way to do it, but stars are born all kinds of ways,” Slutsky said. “Having the power of the Internet behind you is just as powerful as having a Hollywood agent on your side.”
I also have a great deal of respect for Cenk Uygur from The Young Turks – he’s been a good friend of DoubleSpeak over the years and I would be absolutely stoked if he were to get the spot. Either way, no matter who ultimately gets the post,be it Sam, Cenk or another host,I am excited to see Facebook-driven organizing and stories about the progressive activist base in newspapers like the Los Angeles Times. This is a big step for all of us.
You can read the rest of the story here.
If you’re so inclined, you can join the Facebook group: Hey MSNBC – Bring Sam Seder To 10:00PM ET.
If you want to weigh in and tell MSNBC what you think, email them here.