dear msnbc--you whores...

I recently noticed a particularly “sensational” overtone in MSNBC’s news coverage (“MSNBC” in this case referring to the television news station). Now, I would have to assume that I am the poster child for your target demographic (37 year old, affluent, college-educated stay at home mom). Even if this is not so, I can’t help but wonder WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING??!! During coverage of the Jon Benet Ramsey “confession,” it was like watching Fox “News” Network—which is fabulous fodder for a variation of MST3K; "Mystery News Theater 06." And now you, too, seem to have joined the ranks of the mock-worthy!!!! I was informed by a friend that there was recently a change in the “management,” and that Mr. Dan Abrams had become the new News Director, which, if true, would make sense of the copious amounts of “face time” he enjoyed during the Ramsey fiasco. Whether or not it is true, whether or not it is narcissistic abuse of absolute power, whatever, I was finally pushed over the edge this morning when CNN, CNN Headline News, CNBC and even (eek) Fox “News” Network, were all carrying, live from the Oval Office, the President’s meeting with the leader of South Korea. HOWEVER, my beloved MSNBC was carrying gratuitous reruns of the interview with “Sex Ed” teacher Debra LaFave. Wow. Now I know that the idea is to play the sex story, and gain the audience that is a) sick to death of President Bush and/or b) just more interested in some T & A. That’s not news, that’s selling out. That is debasing the good name of MSNBC. This was the news station whose thoroughness, integrity and appropriate tenor won my loyalty during the new “day that lives in infamy”, 9/11. It was trustworthy and forthright, less slanted than some, more edgy than others. It was fun, but now seems done… And who the hell hired Rita Cosby??!! Were they DEAF???? I don’t know one person who wouldn’t rather hear well-manicured acrylics dragged across a blackboard… Thanks, Suzanne