Contrary to Published Reports, MSNBC and Progressive Broadcasting is Not Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel in Putting Alec Baldwin on Talk TV

They Are Scraping Several Feet Below the Bottom of the Barrel – Maybe in Uncharted Territory

Some Say They Could Do Worse – Really, How? - Maybe William Baldwin?

The lack of talent to host and broadcast on progressive programming to counter the likes of Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh was never more evident than with this announcement.

Alec Baldwin will join MSNBC as the host of a current events and culture talk show beginning Fridays in October. Up Late w/ Alec Baldwin will air Fridays from 10-11 p.m. ET.

The award-winning actor has hosted the podcast “Here’s the Thing” on WNYC since 2011. On the show, Baldwin interviewed an array of politicians, policy-makers, and performers, ranging from David Letterman and Dick Cavett to Republican campaign strategist Ed Rollins.

“After two seasons of my WNYC podcast, I’ve developed a fondness for hosting a show that involved talking with smart, talented, and engaging people in every imaginable field,” Baldwin said. “I’m grateful to MSNBC for helping me bring a similar show to television.”

As for qualifications, well there is this.

Baldwin is the winner of two Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, eight SAG Awards, and a Television Critics Association Award for his role as Jack Donaghy on NBC’s 30 Rock. In addition to his dramatic credits, Baldwin has proven to be an adept and perennial host of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, with 16 hosting appearances to his credit.

But to MSNBC’s credit Mr. Baldwin was not their first choice.  They did try to get Chuckles the Clown from the old Mary Tyler Moore Show, unaware that Chuckles had been crushed to death by a rogue elephant while wearing a peanut suit in a circus parade.

Hosting Saturday Night Live qualifies one to host a supposedly serious program on MSNBC?  Really?  On the plus side the expected viewer count of 27 is likely to decline after the novelty of the first few shows.