MSNBC Shifts Longform Unit, Staffers Cut, Lockup Canceled

By Chris Ariens 

MSNBC is making another shift in its longfrom unit as longtime staffers behind some MSNBC’s most well-known documentary series will be leaving.

A new unit will be overseen by the Dateline NBC team of David Corvo and Liz Cole. Vice President of MSNBC Originals Michael Rubin and Vice President of Development Lauren Frasca will be leaving the company. In all fewer than 10 staffers are being cut.

Corvo and Cole will use existing Dateline staff and a handful of new hires to produce quick turnaround news-centric docs for MSNBC while NBC’s production house Peacock Productions will take the lead on series development.

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The network launched MSNBC Originals last year producing limited series like In Other News with Lester Holt, and Split Second Decision with Jeff Rossen. Those shows will also be going away.

Long running programs like Caught on Camera and Lockup will not be returning. Lockup begins its final season this weekend after 16 years on MSNBC. During slow news periods MSNBC could count on weekend airings of Lockup to boost overall ratings. The series is available to stream on Netflix.

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