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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16. I will definately miss the Abrams Report, it's one of the better and more insightful shows on the network, but I am excited to see if Dan can bring any fresh and innovating ideas to MSNBC. I do have 2 suggestions:

1. We need more Melissa Stark, give her more air time as an anchor, her own show, whatever...

2. Can Countdown. Olberman's bit is getting old and he should have just stuck with Sportscenter. His anti-O'Reilly rants are annoying. Hey Keith just because Bill is smarter than you, has a superior show and is slaughtering you in the ratings doesn't mean you need to spout your venom at him ad-nauseum.

Posted at 1:31AM on Jun 15th 2006 by jchris

17. I am very happy that MSNBC named Dan Abrams it's Chief. Dan - just one thing I would suggest and I can guarantee you will see the ratings rise when you do it - FIRE CHRIS MATTHEWS - he's not watchable. He's made comments that are indefensable and has questionable ethics - get ride of him soon!

Posted at 5:16PM on Jun 15th 2006 by James Speir

18. I will miss Dan terribly, but you know I think Star Jones could take over that show and really fly with it. She is apparently unhappy at The View, is a lawyer and a good one, and brings a little controversy , not to mention a built-in ethnic audience. I remember during the OJ and Kennedy Smith trials she was the one I wanted to see. Even now, when she does quick analysis of current legal stories on The View, she is spot on, just like Dan was. Harvey, if Dan is your friend, give him a call, but don't take all the credit for the suggestion, OK?

Posted at 6:24PM on Jun 15th 2006 by Debbie

19. People, go Google: dan abrams ......and click on Google News and you'll see in all these news stories about Abrams being promoted and the status of distant third-place MSNBC (WHEN will it become NBC News Channel? Dan, are you listening?!) you'll see their bread and butter (((IS))) loudmouth (, yes!) Chris Matthews and his personality. They got Olbermann, too. Other than that, they got NOTHING. I enjoy Abrams, Matthews and Olbermann and I'll sorely miss The Abrams Report! lol God, what a DISASTER Coast-To-Coast with Monica Crowley and Ron Reagan, Jr. was! Still...... would someone PLEASE check Rita Cosby for a penis?!

Posted at 7:26PM on Jun 15th 2006 by Chris McCaw

20. I am happy for Dan but I will miss the Abrams Report. I have to agree with Patricia about Rita, I can't watch her show because her voice to me is as irritating as fingernails being dragged across a chalk board. Also, Congrats to Allison Stewart for The Most.

Posted at 8:29PM on Jun 15th 2006 by Tina

21. Dan,

You will be missed dearly. The one show I look forward everyday. Great job and keep that logical sarcasm on going!
Dan C

Posted at 4:00PM on Jun 16th 2006 by Dan Castro

22. Dan Abrams is my favorite on MSNBC and I am so happy for him. It would be a real loss if he removed himself from any on air time. I certainly hope that he can do both. He is too talented to NOT contribute to the MSNBC family with live broadcasts.

Cheers to Dan!

Sherry in Bakersfield, CA

Posted at 1:04AM on Jun 20th 2006 by Sherry Y Townsend

23. Good move on Dan Abrams taking the reins at MSNBC. His first order of businesss ought to be clearing the decks of the entire roster of anchorpeople. They are hapless and will only cinch the channel's last place standing for the next 10 years. Get legitimate newspeople in those anchor seats with real credentials and credibility.

Posted at 11:33AM on Jun 26th 2006 by Stuart Norwood

24. THE BIG STORY: Lieberman /Lamont race in Connecticut. Abrams first major decsion. NO RESULTS, NO RETURNS, NO SPEECHES, NO NEWS. Instead, as this story is breaking national news, Abrams is running canned programming--- one of MSNBC's Foolish documentaries. GREAT JOB!!! Abrams is an amateur and MSNBC is a tinker toy network. Tiresome, past it IMUS--- Hyperbolic Boy ChrisMatthews who knows far less than he thinks and thinks he knows all--- nut case loon Olbermann--- and the greatest collection of air head anchors ever assembled, inparticular Contessa and Jansing--- and that human Piroggi Rita Cosby. MSNBC, WE'RE MEDIOCRE AND WE'REROUD OF IT!!!

Posted at 11:55PM on Aug 8th 2006 by Davis J. Tomasin

25. We LOVE Keith ...and we miss Dan. But, we are glad for Dan, and hope he can get the ratings up. MSNBC is our news station, and has been for a long time. Fox is unbelievable....why does anyone watch it?

Posted at 10:59AM on Aug 23rd 2006 by Elizabeth Dodd

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