Shake-up at MSNBC

Criticism alleging bias at the news network has led to changes in the MSNBC lineup.

WASHINGTON, DC (Inside Politics) - MSNBC is removing Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews as the anchors of live political events, bowing to growing criticism that they are too opinionated to be seen as neutral in the heat of the presidential campaign.

David Gregory, the NBC newsman and White House correspondent who also hosts a program on MSNBC, will take over during such events as this fall's presidential and vice presidential debates and election night.

The move, confirmed by spokesmen for both networks, follows increasingly loud complaints about Olbermann's anchor role at the Democratic and Republican conventions. Olbermann, who regularly assails President Bush and GOP nominee John McCain on his "Countdown" program, was effusive in praising the acceptance speech of Democratic nominee Barack Obama. . . .

Matthews, who has criticized politicians in both parties, drew less criticism for his convention role but became a divisive figure during the primaries when he described how he was inspired by Obama's speeches and made disparaging remarks about Hillary Clinton, for which he later apologized.

The Post article goes on to describe a couple of their on-air "spats." You know it's getting bad when comedy news shows are making fun of the in-house bickering on your network:

"Asked about the internal fighting at MSNBC, NBC anchor Brian Williams tried to smooth ruffled feathers during an appearance on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" last week.

"Is there no control?" asked host Jon Stewart. "Is it 'Lord of the Flies'?"Williams replied that every family has a dynamic of its own."But does MSNBC have to be the Lohans?" Stewart said."

As political analysts, Olbermann and Matthews are paid for their opinion, but news anchors are a different breed. MSNBC is better off not having the two serve double-duty.

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