Melissa Harris-Perry.
Photo by: Heidi Gutman/MSNBC
Has MSNBC cancelled the Melissa Harris-Perry TV show, or is the host pulling the plug on her weekend talk show? Right now, it looks like a little bit of both. The network keeps preempting the program for live election coverage. Now, Perry has refused to read news for MSNBC during these preemptions and is speaking out to her staff on Medium, via friend and former show producer, Jamil Smith, an MTV News Senior National Correspondent.
Usually, the possible cancellation of a news or talk show would not rate at TV Series Finale, because what we are after here is closure — some sort of resolution for the viewing audience. That is not typically an issue where news or talk shows are concerned. It is one, though, in this case. One of the reasons Harris-Perry is speaking out, is because she understands her crew and fans of the show, who style themselves “#nerdland” on social media, deserve to know the fate of the Melissa Harris-Perry show (MHP) on MSNBC.
Some news reports are framing this as if Harris-Perry has “walked off” her own show. The situation is a bit more nuanced. MHP is regularly scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am to 12:00pm ET. The show has not run in a couple of weeks. Apparently MHP was added back on the schedule for this weekend, but according to Harris-Perry, in her letter published by Smith on Medium, she was not going to be doing her show, but rather reading news.
Viewers know that is not how the MHP show works. MHP is often a deep dive into the issues of the day. While it focuses on politics, it does so through the lenses of diversity, feminism, and more broadly racial, social, and economic justice, with a dash of humor, a pinch of spirituality, and a sprinkling of Beyoncé. A Wake Forest University professor with a PhD in political science, Harris-Perry hosts unique panels. Her show is not overrun with the rotating usual suspects typically seen on cable news gab fests. MHP regularly features academics and other oft unheard voices.
Harris-Perry does not hold back in her missive. Read the whole letter at Medium. Here are some key excerpts:
Some unknown decision-maker, presumably Andy Lack or Phil Griffin, has added my name to this spreadsheet, but nothing has changed in the posture of the MSNBC leadership team toward me or toward our show. Putting me on air seems to be a decision being made solely to save face because there is a growing chorus of questions from our viewers about my notable absence from MSNBC coverage. Social media has noted the dramatic change in editorial tone and racial composition of MSNBC’s on-air coverage. In addition, Dylan Byers of CNN has made repeated inquiries with MSNBC’s leadership and with me about the show and what appears to be its cancellation. I have not responded to reporters or social media inquiries. However, I am not willing to appear on air in order to quell concerns about the disappearance of our show and our voice.
[…]I have stayed in the same hotels where MSNBC has been broadcasting in Iowa, in New Hampshire, and in South Carolina, yet I have been shut out from coverage. I have a PhD in political science and have taught American voting and elections at some of the nation’s top universities for nearly two decades, yet I have been deemed less worthy to weigh in than relative novices and certified liars. I have hosted a weekly program on this network for four years and contributed to election coverage on this network for nearly eight years, but no one on the third floor has even returned an email, called me, or initiated or responded to any communication of any kind from me for nearly a month. It is profoundly hurtful to realize that I work for people who find my considerable expertise and editorial judgment valueless to the coverage they are creating.
While MSNBC may believe that I am worthless, I know better. I know who I am. I know why MHP Show is unique and valuable. I will not sell short myself or this show. I am not hungry for empty airtime.
Although there is no press release visible on parent-company NBC-Universal’s press site, The New York Times published the following:
An NBC News spokesman said in a statement, “In this exciting and unpredictable presidential primary season, many of our daytime programs have been temporarily upended by breaking political coverage, including M.H.P. This reaction is really surprising, confusing and disappointing.”
Should MSNBC cancel or renew the Melissa Harris-Perry show? Are you a fan? Has Harris-Perry set the bridge afire, or did the network light the match? What do you think? Let us know, below.
seems in the usa, intelligent people do not add up to good ratings. you got a KKK meets love and hip-hip/survivor- apprentice presidential campaign and the viewers are ALL IN! fox know how to do it: a nice mixture of HATE and FEAR sells
The MHP Show was very informative. I really enjoyed all the show put out. She had a wide range of people contributing. I am not shocked that it was cancelled. MSNBC is taking the same route as the other African American host/contributors. Rev Al is reduced to one hour on Sunday Morning when MOST PEOPLE are in church or on the way! Joy hang in there as long as you can!
MSNBC seems to be hiring more GOP analysts. They snatched up Cruz’s spokesperson the day or so after Cruz fired him. MHP offered a unique and intelligent look at politics and the news. MSNBC is not the liberal version of Fox. Their morning show is basically a Hannity and Colmbs rehash with a more complacent democrat. Let us hope a viable progressive network will arise and MHP can find a home there.
The lack of direct communication with Ms. Harris-Perry seemed very unprofessional of network leadership. Why lose a valuable contributor to your organization?
Sad that a an amazing woman who was also articulate and not afraid to give her thoughts coupled with facts is gone. Go girl! You are NO ones token. Why is it that Morning Joe gets to keep his pathetic show and you cant have yours? You have a PhD and have taught on subjects relevant to this whole election. I was SOOO disappointed when week after week the MHP show would not be on. I am SOO sick of hearing the same thing over and over and over and over etc. etc. etc. etc. each and every show one… Read more »
I do miss Ed and Keith, they were the best! We still have Rachel! Have to disagree with MHP, it was the same old, every weekend.
I loved MHP’s show for awhile….. But after a long while, it seemed redundant…. The show stopped moving FORWARD. The whole dynamic of MSNBC….Maddow has it, Joy Reid…. Etc….somehow MHP lost the way….sorry miss her
Candidly, I am not surprised because of what has transpired with Rev. Al Sharpton. They reduced him from a 5-day program to Sundays. I think the rationale is to resume business as usual since President Obama will be leaving office soon. MSNBC no longer sees the need for diversity. Since that is the case, I will no longer be watching MSNBC. I find their strategy (becoming competitive with Fox News) to be tasteless and not a good plan.
Two words from this report jump out at the reader. Professor. Hurtful. Colleges today are saturated with professors who have (or teach) hurt feelings,
I am shocked to hear that Melissa Harris -Perry`s show has been cancelled. She is a brilliant, and a wonderful moderator. Her communication skills with guests have a balance that is not often seen. I certainly hope another network will pick up the MHP show. Our patience has grown thin with the actions of MSNBC in firing the best people. I considered boycotting this network after the wonderful Ed show was discontinued. This is the the “straw that broke the camel`s back.” All that share my opinion should contact every commercial sponsor, which is what I will do.. Maybe MSNBC… Read more »
I believe that MHP had much to contribute to the presidential race for the highest office in the United States. I am confused and very disappointed in this decision. The “so-called” “breaking new” idea to remove MHP is lame and an excuse when all the other regulars (white) are allowed to report this breaking coverage and she was not allowed to do it on her show. I say that lightly because apparently others have the power and exercised it to ensure that MHP was cancelled. Interesting that MHP is called a racist when her opinions do not match the majority… Read more »
In light of the recent firings of Ed Schultz, Al Sharpton, and other more progressive leaning hosts on MSNBC, it’s pretty obvious who is to blame here. As of late, and with very few exceptions, MSNBC has become the Trump and Pony show. I will dearly miss the brilliant Melissa Harris Perry, and I’m glad she’s calling out the sell outs named Phil Griffin and Andy Lack. I think I have to say, with no small amount of sadness that I’m done with MSNBC, and that includes Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell, whose jobs I imagine will be the next… Read more »
She is a race arsonist and injected this into her email to fellow “nerds”. Everybody has a boss and bosses make decisions to please their boss. This is how the workplace works. She chose to question the decisions of her bosses publicly, injected race while doing so and is paying the price. Hopefully this is a lesson to “nerd land”, some of whom are probably starting on their own careers.
A race arsonist-if it wasn’t so sad it would be funny. First of all, she didn’t question them publically until many were wondering where she was AND after weeks of not allowing her to host the readings from her show prior to 4 weeks afterwards and questions from the public. Next, she unequivocally stated she DID NOT feel race was a part of it! READ and then answer.
That chip you’ve been carrying around your whole life on your shoulder,set it down. Life becomes easier.
Melissa Harris-Perry had (or had) a wonderful program. I always know that I’ll meet knowledgeable people from all sectors of our society, and that she will do an excellent job of moderating. I do NOT think she’s racist. I’m more disappointed in MSNBC all the time.
I must agree with you. MSNBC continues to become and more disappointing. IMs. Perry brought the same kind of honesty that is seen on Morning Joe. I find it interesting that her show and Rev. Al’s show are pre-empted. There was a time that these individuals were allowed to cover “breaking news”. Now they appear to be all white. Morning Joe has slanted conservative, whose racist under tones have always been out front and visible. Sorry, the former RNC head does not count he he is a Republican. Apparently the “higher UPS” had a problem with truth being told by… Read more »