Rosie-MSNBC Talk Quiets Down

Rosie O'Donnell by Mark Von Holden/WireImage.com

It's looking highly unlikely that Rosie O'Donnell will be the next new prime-time host on MSNBC. The cable news network has been courting O'Donnell for its 9 pm slot, which would put her against CNN's Larry King Live and Fox News Channel's Hannity & Colmes. There's little doubt that the opinionated O'Donnell would create some buzz as a cable news provocateur. But O'Donnell's insistence on a one-year deal has become a major obstacle in making that happen, according to sources inside NBC.

MSNBC has already sold much of its ad time for 2008 based on the low ratings that it currently gets in the hour. So it would take another year before the network would see a boost in its ad rates and revenue from any ratings growth that O'Donnell might deliver. And if she were only around for one year, it would be tough to turn a profit on a megabucks star salary. NBC News declined comment on the talks. — Reporting by Stephen Battaglio

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Rosie O'Donnell

Posted by

Matt Webb Mitovich

Nov 7, 2007 12:50 PM

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Best news I've heard all week.
Posted by SharonTateFan4ever Nov 7, 2007 5:54 PM Report Abuse

Who wants to watch and listen to a HasBeen big mouth...Not ME!
Posted by Buckeye4u Nov 7, 2007 6:07 PM Report Abuse

Why does she only want a year deal? Didn't she do that at the View too? I used to really like her, but I am getting tired of it all. Although I still like her WAY more then that idiot trump.
Posted by indy500 Nov 7, 2007 6:19 PM Report Abuse

Sounds good to me. Why does a network have to give airtime to her off-kilter rants? She has a personal blog for that.
Posted by shipperx Nov 7, 2007 6:47 PM Report Abuse

She's smart for wanting only a 1-year deal. That way, if her show proves to be really popular, she'll get a big raise for the 2nd season. On the network side, I don't understand their timid approach. Why not just sign her for 1 year and absorb some financial setback at the possibility that she'll take them out of 3rd place? I hate how the new bosses at NBC are running the network. It's their attitude of defeat and compromise that has taken them from the Friends glory to their current Biggest Loser status.

Posted by luke9

Nov 7, 2007 6:48 PM

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MSNBC must be crazy to of ever of courted the idea to have her on. I use to like her years ago but her mouth is a little bit too much for me. I guess it comes with age. I've got to the point I can't even stand to look at her not alone hear her mouth.
Posted by craziecrafter Nov 7, 2007 10:21 PM Report Abuse

One year on The View, on year for MSNBC, does Rosie have commitment phobia on TV or something? What's wrong with signing a two or three or even four year contract?"> It's not like she has anything else lined up right now.
Posted by robinepowell Nov 8, 2007 4:29 AM Report Abuse

I'm glad to hear this too. I actually enjoy Dan Abrams' show. He and Keith Olbermann are a terrific one-two punch.
Posted by Buffy Freak Nov 8, 2007 8:18 AM Report Abuse

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