By Robert Laurie ——Bio and Archives--February 29, 2016
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In an unusually public flare-up, one of MSNBC’s television personalities clashed with the network on Friday in a dispute about airtime and editorial freedom and said she was refusing to host the show that bears her name this weekend. The host, Melissa Harris-Perry, wrote in an email to co-workers this week that her show had effectively been taken away from her and that she felt “worthless” in the eyes of NBC News executives, who are restructuring MSNBC.This was a fascinating development because - if the execs at MSNBC really viewed Harris-Perry as "worthless" - it would mark the first time they've ever been right about anything.
Here is the reality: our show was taken — without comment or discussion or notice — in the midst of an election season. After four years of building an audience, developing a brand, and developing trust with our viewers, we were effectively and utterly silenced. Now, MSNBC would like me to appear for four inconsequential hours to read news that they deem relevant without returning to our team any of the editorial control and authority that makes MHP Show distinctive. The purpose of this decision seems to be to provide cover for MSNBC, not to provide voice for MHP Show. I will not be used as a tool for their purposes. I am not a token, mammy, or little brown bobble head. I am not owned by Lack, Griffin, or MSNBC. I love our show. I want it back. I have wept more tears than I can count and I find this deeply painful, but I don’t want back on air at any cost. I am only willing to return when that return happens under certain terms.We now know those "terms" will not be met. MSNBC has confirmed that they're all done with the Harris-Perry crazytrain. The host, no doubt, is doing what she can to keep her chin up.
While MSNBC may believe that I am worthless, I know better. I know who I am. I know why MHP Show is unique and valuable. I will not sell short myself or this show.A few examples of her "worth" appear below, and I'll be wearing a black armband to mourn the passing of my favorite network's wackiest show. ...Unless black armbands are racist because they're black. Is there a "Melissa Harris-Perry awareness ribbon?
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