While it’s status quo for the 10pmET hour on MSNBC, Ed Schultz will take over the 6pmET slot currently hosted by MSNBC’s David Shuster.
The announcement was made by Keith Olbermann at the end of his show with Schultz as his guest. Olbermann said “the new news hour” called “The Ed Show” would premiere Monday. “I’m just honored to be a part of the MSNBC lineup,” Schultz told Olbermann.
The news was first reported on Huffington Post earlier tonight. (Update: Salon’s Alex Koppelman appears to have had the news ahead of HuffPo, at 7:45pm).
Current 6pm host Shuster, who took over the hour in December when David Gregory was named moderator of “Meet the Press,” will take over anchoring from 3-5pmET and continue filling in for Olbermann.
Schultz, who has been a presence on cable news for years, is best known for his national progressive radio talk show. His Website intimated at the announcement with the blaring headline, “Ed will be on Countdown with Keith Olbermann tonight at 8pmET!”
Schultz had been on all short-lists for an MSNBC opening, but most had him on a list to host at 10pm. If he becomes a hit at 6pm, that could still happen.
> The video from Countdown and the press release, after the jump…
ED SCHULTZ TO JOIN MSNBC
“The Ed Show” Launches April 6 on MSNBC at 6 p.m. ET
David Shuster To Co-Anchor Key 3-5 p.m. Block
NEW YORK – April 1, 2009 – Veteran talk radio host Ed Schultz joins MSNBC as host of “The Ed Show,” premiering on Monday, April 6. “The Ed Show” will air weekdays, 6-7 p.m. ET. The announcement was made today by Phil Griffin, President, MSNBC.
“I am thrilled to have Ed kicking-off our primetime lineup,” said Griffin. “Ed’s proven that he can connect with Americans and will be a perfect compliment to Chris, Keith, and Rachel. He’s already made his mark on radio and I’m excited to see what he’ll do with the 6 p.m. hour.”
“I’m excited to have this opportunity with MSNBC,” said Schultz. “I look forward to having a day to day discussion with fellow Americans on issues that really matter to all of us.”
David Shuster, currently hosting “1600 Pennsylvania Avenue” at 6 p.m. ET on MSNBC, will join Tamron Hall as host of a new 3-5 p.m. ET program on MSNBC. Shuster will also continue to anchor breaking news coverage during the day and serve as a regular substitute anchor for “Countdown with Keith Olbermann.” Norah O’Donnell’s hour will move to the morning. The exact hour will be announced at a later date.
A veteran of 30 years in broadcasting and the radio industry’s top rated progressive talker, Schultz is also the host of the syndicated radio program “The Ed Schultz Show,” airing live weekdays from noon – 3 p.m. ET with a weekly audience of more than 3 million listeners on 100 stations across the country. Schultz has been the breakthrough talent in an industry dominated by conservative voices. As an avid voice for the middle class Schultz will bring his hard-hitting style to MSNBC.
Schultz has won three Eric Sevareid Awards and has managed and been lead talent for a team that won two Marconis and a prestigious Peabody Award. He has been named one of the top ten radio hosts in the country by “Talkers” magazine in each of the last two years. In 2007, Schultz was nominated for Syndicated News/Talk Personality of the year by “Radio & Records.”
Schultz is the author of “Straight Talk from the Heartland” published in 2004.
Schultz is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead where he led the nation in passing and achieved All-American status as a quarterback at MSUM. Schultz and his wife Wendy have six children. His son Dave Schultz is a professional golfer on the PGA Nationwide tour. He shares his passion for hunting, fishing and flying with his large family.