Dan Abrams -- Smart move for MSNBC

Dan AbramsMSNBC has made a bold move by appointing Dan Abrams chief honcho at MSNBC.   Based on what I know, it's a smart move.

Dan and I have been friends for a dozen years.  He'll probably be mad at me for saying this, but sometimes I'd give him career advice as we worked out at a gym in New York City (not that I'm wiser than him, just older).

Dan is incredibly smart and he's not tainted by the corporate network culture.  He's not the kind of guy who believes in convention for the sake of it.  MSNBC has some great talent -- Keith Olbermann, Allison Stewart and Chris Mathews for starters.  They need someone with programming/business sense to package it all effectively.

Dan has a penchant for business stuff.  I remember there was a time when he was thinking of opening up a wine shop in NYC.  He really impressed me with an elaborate business and marketing plan -- wine, TV, whatever.  it's all the same.

There's a great book out called Desperate Networks.  The premise is that all these established network heads passed on the biggest hits out there, including 'Idol.'  I think it's a great move to take someone fresh, who's smart and untainted and give him a shot.   

I've got a good feeling about this move.

Related link: Hige Change for MSNBC



Tags: dan abrams, DanAbrams, msnbc

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1. I'm hoping that Dan Abrams has the sense to get rid of Chris Mathews. He's an embarrassment to MSNBC.I watched him during the National Republican Convention.He was abrasive,sarcastic and clearly put words in the mouth of the people he disagreed with that night. Very unprofessional, whereas Dan Abrams is very professional in his dealings with guest interviews. Hopefully Dan can turn this around or get rid of him. Thanks

Posted at 3:21PM on Jun 12th 2006 by Loraine Pertrick

2. I think this is an interesting move, however I will miss The Abrams Report. I'm sure Dan will do a great job behind the scenes, but he's also a great on-air guy. I would think there's some way he could take this new job and remain on the air.

Posted at 3:35PM on Jun 12th 2006 by Justin

3. Congratulations to Dan Abrams. I will also miss The Abrams Report.

Posted at 4:30PM on Jun 12th 2006 by Jeannie

4. I love Olbermann!

Posted at 4:43PM on Jun 12th 2006 by Jeff Davidson

5. "White bread" at MSNBC? Someone's obviously not watching full-time.

I congratulation Dan Abrams....and if he dares MESS with MY "Countdown", I'll be right there.
Don't make me do that.

Posted at 9:05PM on Jun 12th 2006 by Kris Baker

6. I very happy for Dan but at the same time I'm sad. I live on the west coast, and I hurry home everyday just to see Dan Abrams. There is really no reason for me to hurry home now. I'm so sad.

Posted at 10:26PM on Jun 12th 2006 by Dommonie Autry

7. I hope that Dan will get rid of the loud mouth Chris Matthews. I think once he does that he will see an increase in ratings for MSNBC. I enjoy Dan, Keith, Joe and Rita I adore. All the best Dan.

Posted at 10:54PM on Jun 12th 2006 by Gloria Hogan

8. DAN PLEASE CHANGE THE GRAPHICS!!! THE TWO LINE TICKER IS TERRIBLE AND THE LOWER THIRDS, SHOW OPENINGS AND ALL OTHER GRAPHICS NEED TO BE CHANGED!!!

Posted at 11:42PM on Jun 12th 2006 by dan

9. Chris Matthews may be outspoken but he knows more about politics than almost anyone on television and he knows how to question those in political circles in ways that don't let them get away with pat answers or spin. He's not going anywhere, nor should he. There are few more knowledgable political observers than he.

I think the Abram's move is a solid one. It'll be interesting to see where MSNBC is a year from now.

Posted at 2:47AM on Jun 13th 2006 by MikeknaJ

10. Congrats Dan, but Chris Matthews has the charisma, knowledge and Name Recongnition that MSNBC needs. Get rid of IMUS instead....he doesn't even want to be there.

Posted at 2:48PM on Jun 13th 2006 by Allison Bergdorf

11. Wow. This could be a good move for MSNBC. The Abrams Report will be missed however I am sure they will find a suitable replacement..... GO Abrams!

I can't believe what some people here have said about Chris Matthews. He is a brilliant political journalist that has pulled tough answers out of tough guests. With all the pad answers politicians have, he is able to break through them and get to the truth.... he just needs to reconsider his strong catholic beliefs... religion is as tainted as the spin he cuts through. He still remains an amazing person in my eyes though.

Posted at 7:21PM on Jun 13th 2006 by Dan

12. Congrats to Dan. I think MSNBC is making a smart move putting a young talented man in charge. I hope he doesn't change too much. I have read what people have said and Chris but I think he should stay. I only started watch MSNBC about two years ago when I happen to catch Countdown, now my favorite show, but I have started to watch Chris's show as well. I am one of those small d democrats but I appreciate Chris's knowledge and the fact that he asked tough questions.

Posted at 12:23PM on Jun 14th 2006 by Vincent

13. PLEASE...
Rita makes my throat throb and Oberman makes my butt burn.
Dan was the by far, the best of the crop!

Posted at 3:07PM on Jun 14th 2006 by Patricia

14. Keith Oberman, Chris Matthews, & Larry Odonell these three amigo's should all be fired.You better not touch Imus because he is the biggest asset ever to MSNBC . You should find a program for Pat Buchanan . Buchanan, Scarborough,
and Imus are the most forthcoming and honest. Oh and the other one who should go is Alision Stewart who is not THE MOST she is not even the ALLMOST.

Posted at 9:27PM on Jun 14th 2006 by Polly Salisbury

15. It will be fantastic to see Dan run head on with Imus - You know the curmudgeon, who thinks hes God's gift to free advertising to all his friends. Dan needs to take some of that green cleaning stuff and wipe Imus off the schedule

Posted at 1:03AM on Jun 15th 2006 by don dixon

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