I am a long-time devotee of MSNBC. Keith Olberman and Rachel Maddow ruled! But, MSNBC is now in serious ratings trouble. Personally, I look at the line-up--Ed, Rev Al, Chris M, Chris H, Rachel, and Larry, and only Chris M and Rachel seem to have any real chops, though I do like Ed's truck driver populism (if he could get things right ALL the time.). (Note: I use first names throughout as a convenience.)
I wonder How can you find enough new to keep folks up for six hours with people going over much of the same issues? I don't think u can. It will not help to "go lite" and add entertainment news and other BS. You will just keep losing.
I think that what must be done is to make some type of "topical" differentiation. Chris M. And Rachel remain as utility players with heavy coverage of domestic politics. Then, give me a justice hour, focusing on police, courts, and corrections (Larry would be great at this). Give me an international hour. You want to do cultural and entertainment, then do it right and in a concentrated manner. Also, how about an economics hour.
That is six hours of programming. This line-up may suck, but they have got to do something about prime time or FOX-noise will continue to dominate. They don't need to seed their programming with weak-kneed moderates or screaming right wing-nuts.
You don't like this idea --- give up a better one. Luv to hear it.
Also, okay, just consider (theoretically) the possibility of bringing back Keith O. Just a suggestion, you know. You want comic relief, you can have a short occasional segment on dumb-ass legislation proposed recently. Keith could kill with that.