Dumbing Down to Zero

In its ceaseless quest for the elusive zero Nielsen rating, MSNBC let it be known yesterday that it would soon sign Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura (Ind.) as the host of a prime-time chat show. Mr. Ventura, whose gubernatorial reign in Minnesota alienated virtually every resident, will reportedly ink a multi-year, seven-figure contract later this week or next.

The idea, apparently, is to turn MSNBC's prime time schedule into the television equivalent of a circus. What is NBC News management thinking? Do they not understand that these kinds of stunts do damage to the brand? Did they miss Jesse's four years at the helm in Minnesota? Did they not learn from their partnership with the WWF on the disastrous XFL?

You can read the story by clicking here.