Rev. Al Sharpton’s primetime weekday MSNBC show is moving exclusively to Sunday mornings, the Washington Examiner media desk has learned.
In a memo to MSNBC staff, the channel’s president Phil Griffin announced that Sharpton’s show, “Politics Nation,” would be moving from its Monday-Friday 6 p.m. slot to Sundays at 8 a.m., a dramatic demotion in terms of audience reach.
“I want to congratulate Al and his team,” Griffin said in the memo. “For four years they have done a terrific job bringing his voice and a big spotlight to issues of justice, civil rights and equality. And as many of you know, The Rev never missed a show. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do with a Sunday morning newsmaker program.”
It was reported earlier this year that Sharpton would eventually be losing his show as part of a remake of MSNBC by NBC News’ new chairman Andrew Lack.
Sharpton’s show was not a ratings draw. It often came in last in the coveted 25-54 demographic, behind CNN and Fox News.
In recent years, Sharpton has been bedeviled by the IRS for millions of dollars he owes in federal taxes.
Griffin’s memo said Sharpton’s last weekday program will air the Friday after Labor Day. The slot will be devoted to breaking news until MSNBC announces a new show, the memo said.
