The Maynard Institute’s Richard Prince takes a critical look at MSNBC’s apparently imminent hiring of Al Sharpton to host the 6 PM hour.
Prince notes that the move could be seen as a way to feature an African American in prominent hour on cable news. The move does have critics, especially among the ranks of African American journalists:
When rumors surfaced this week that Sharpton was under consideration for the MSNBC job, one NABJ member told colleagues without challenge, “This would still be just another non-journalist media ‘celebrity’ receiving a TV show based upon their name recognition, not their years of experience, training, ability and talent.”
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Another listed five African Americans who have had their own cable news shows, and noted that all but one have been nonjournalists: Alan Keyes, prime time, MSNBC; Carlos Watson, weekend, MSNBC; the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, weekend, CNN; Arthel Neville, Talkback Live/daytime, CNN; D.L. Hughley, weekend, CNN. Only Neville has a journalism background.
In other words, Sharpton’s hiring may increase the diversity ranks at MSNBC, but not the ranks of diverse journalists.