02/03/2009 01:38:18 AM EST

The Young Turks Announce Candidacy for MSNBC Slot

posted by Cenk

MSNBC has let it be known that they are looking for a new host for their 10PM timeslot. I would like to announce my candidacy for this position.

Yes, I might have a funny name. Yes, I might be an outsider to the establishment. Yes, I might have been accused of being a Muslim. But I remember another man who had similar problems who didn't let those things stand in his way.

Do we believe we can do this? You know the answer. Yes we can!

I am forming an exploratory committee. I am looking forward to the debates. I plan to rack up endorsements. And I plan to see this campaign all the way through to the end.

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In all seriousness, The Young Turks have been a strong, progressive voice for a long time now. In fact, we were the only progressive show on radio or television nationwide starting in 2002. Air America and other syndicated hosts caught up to us later.

In the meanwhile, we forged ahead and became the first live daily web video show in late 2005. We have now amassed over 63 million views on You Tube. The Young Turks is now one of the Top 100 most viewed channels in the history of You Tube.

Our average audience on this platform alone is over 300,000 views a day. That is larger than many cable shows.

Now imagine what we can do on TV. If we can beat cable television shows while on the internet, imagine what we can do to them once we are on television. Can we beat Fox News Channel at 10PM? Sie se puede!

Great Van Susteren? Are you kidding me? We're going to beat her like a rented mule. I won't take a salary if we don't top her numbers within the year.

But we can't do this without you. We have a people powered campaign.

Here's how you can help:

1.    E-mail MSNBC at: letters@msnbc.com. Tell them you want The Young Turks (TYT) on MSNBC. Please write whatever you genuinely feel (you can even write in against us, as long as you write in). It can be as simple as an e-mail saying: I want my TYT on MSNBC!

2.    Make your own You Tube video explaining why you think we should be on MSNBC. Send in to the e-mail address above.

3.    Write a real letter to them and mail it in. How old school, right? They might be taken a back by actual mail they get in their inbox. Here is their mailing address:

MSNBC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, N.Y. 10112

Thank you for your participation. We love you and look forward to serving as your next 10PM host on MSNBC.

Watch The Young Turks Here

< Putting TYT on MSNBC letters | John Boehner pic... Priceless >
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The Young Turks Announce Candidacy for MSNBC Slot | 31 comments (31 topical, 0 hidden)
I'm currently sending e-mails. (none / 0)

And I'll be sending a grip of physical letters tomorrow.

Hit em from all sides!

by Spencer on 02/03/2009 02:42:25 AM EST

I have two email accounts (none / 0)
and so does my girlfriend.

If you know any friends or coworkers who are simply too lazy to send an email (but they like TYT), offer to send an email on their behalf using your other accounts.

by Tom Hanc on 02/03/2009 11:54:26 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Also: (none / 0)

If you're logged into Facebook, hit up the Official Young Turks Group and join! As of tonight, it's 1,001 members strong - let's make it 10,001 by next week, okay?

And as long as you're on Facebook, feel free to join my new group -  The Young Turks on MSNBC.

 Yes, I've done the hard, geeky work so you don't have to...

by Duncan1800 on 02/03/2009 08:49:17 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Edit... (none / 0)

...upon further reflection, I've decided to cancel the group I created in order to focus on just the main TYT Facebook group.

(If one of the admins - Dave? anyone? - could edit that second, and now invalid, link out, that would be great.)

by Duncan1800 on 02/03/2009 09:41:22 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Now maybe Tom will leave my DU EM alone....kidding (none / 0)
To Whom It May Concern:

  I am writing you to express both my excitement and support for your consideration of Cenk Uygur and The Young Turks show in becoming part of your nightly programming schedule. Over the last 2 years I have become a strong advocate of the progressive message your station has embraced. During that same time period, I discovered several other media outlets which have also garnered my support and viewership. Most notably, The Young Turks. I can think of no better addition to MSNBC than Mr. Uygur. Cenk and his team offer insightful, intelligent and entertaining perspectives on a host of topics, but none more so than current political events and news. Please consider The Young Turks heavily during your selection process; theirs is a show that is gravitational.

Sincerely,

Jon X. Xxxxxxx
Company
Address
Number


Sent both soft and hard copy. Thanks Tom, Later J

by Juan de la Dem on 02/03/2009 04:21:01 PM EST

[ Parent ]
A needed voice for America: Cenk (none / 1)

I discovered Cenk during the primaries by accident on DU and OMG this guy is pretty damn good.  The more i have been listening to this guy the more i see this guy NEEDS to be on Tv. 

 I remember when Rachel was wandering the halls of MSNBC and thought she was a very good choice for a slot and she got her slot...well deserved..she is very knowledgable. 

As for Cenk this guy has some serious kungfu-pow...he makes me think, laugh, and debate....I am a bit baffled as to why he isnt on tv yet because lol he seems to be a combination of Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow...he isn't a rehash of either of them but a fresh new voice and perspective that should be shared.

Wellp, just wanted to give my two cents since i am now on the verge of donating a large sum for the 1st time to ANYTHING (online or offline)...glad to be doing to TYT for someone i actually respect.

I really do hope Cenk gets his show because what a shame for America...although i am Canadian it was Cenk that got me very fascinated by American politics and the world politics in general.

Cenk, if you read user posts, just want to say you are a rare talent of enormous proportions.

From how i see things i feel maybe Cenk should do what Rachel did and essentially introduce himself to MSNBC by making ongoing appearances on panels of MSNBC shows.  This allows the execs to be aware of Cenk and get to know his presence towards a live audience (they get feedback).

by quantass on 02/03/2009 06:21:51 AM EST

Welcome to TYT. (none / 0)

I love that you came from DU.  Sounds like somebody (coughTOMcough) is doing a great job of pimping the show there.

Make sure you let MSNBC know how you feel about TYT as well (letters@msnbc.com).

by Spencer on 02/03/2009 06:35:15 AM EST

[ Parent ]
I mailed it, Cenk (none / 0)

by cosmic on 02/03/2009 01:24:33 PM EST

Done (none / 0)
Hi Cenk,
of course I'm gonna support TYT!
Email sent...
cheers,
Ben

by amoergosum on 02/03/2009 02:27:08 PM EST

Email sent.... (none / 0)
Good luck, Cenk !!!!!!!

by centurion on 02/03/2009 02:35:15 PM EST

I think Cenk would kick ass (none / 0)
on MSNBC, but my fear would be- What happens to my TYT podcast everyday? Would I get less Grandpa Cenk on my internets?

by braveomatic on 02/03/2009 03:33:36 PM EST

Funny that you mention it... (none / 0)

I just sent them an e-mail about the same thing.  I don't even have cable, so I wouldn't be able to watch them on MSNBC, but I want them to succeed no matter what, so I've gone nuts sending e-mails.  But it sure would suck to get left in the dust if they made the jump to TV.

I'm sure they'll take care of us though. The internet is where the future lies, so it would almost be a step backwards if they went to TV and then neglected their online following.

by Spencer on 02/03/2009 03:39:28 PM EST

[ Parent ]
See my reply to Libero below. (none / 0)

by Duncan1800 on 02/03/2009 07:53:04 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I read it. It was great. (none / 0)

But I'm a crotchety old man who doesn't want to move.  I like this site, as janky as it is at times.  I don't want to have to go to MSNBC.com.  Wah!  Get off my lawn!

It's really waaaay to early to talk about this stuff though.  We'll cross that bridge if, and when, we come to it.  And, like I said, I'm sure TYT will take care of the OGs here anyway.

by Spencer on 02/03/2009 08:06:21 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Done! (none / 0)
Sent the email; though I'd be really pissed of if this show stopped. I don't get msnbc in the UK. But good luck anyway.

by libero on 02/03/2009 04:45:52 PM EST

I could be wrong... (none / 0)
...but I believe most of MSNBC's prime-time shows can now be streamed through their website. I know you can get podcasts of Olbermann and Maddow; I don't see why TYT on TV should be any different.

by Duncan1800 on 02/03/2009 07:52:30 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I already sent mine before the show ended... (none / 0)
...last night. Good luck TYT

by Clagnaught on 02/03/2009 04:48:44 PM EST

Cenk on MSNBC (none / 0)
I love TYT but I dont think Cenk has much a chance of landing a gig on MSNBC. If Cenk could not hold onto a timeslot at small time Air America radio; if he cannot convince "starving for air talent" satellite radio to keep his radio program...how is he gonna convince a giant national TV network like MSNBC to give him a show?

by mrogi on 02/03/2009 05:16:10 PM EST

Because... (none / 0)

...you're thinking in terms of old-school media models.

 Having a strong web presence is HUGE in today's media world. Being within the top 100 channels on YouTube is an amazing feat, especially considering just how many MILLIONS of channels there are on the site.

 Besides, other people have made the point that they would readily pay - and will continue to pay, come hell or high water - to hear Cenk talk. Advertisers like to hear that sort of thing, because it means people will be more predisposed to support advertisers who appear on a show they've already invested in.

As for XM's decisions: Cenk has made the point that XM has no real way of measuring their ratings - which begs the question, how can they ever quantifiably know what may or may not be popular? How will they know that Bill Press is, to put it mildly, a HORRIBLE replacement for TYT? ("Obama Generation" my ass.)

I would argue that, through good times and bad, Cenk's brand of political/social discourse has clearly proven to be popular with a wide cross-section of the public - look at the variety of opinions on this board for proof. Being a progressive moderate, Cenk has the ability to pull back some of MSNBC's current "all-liberal" stigma and allow voices from all sides to be heard.

 I think adding Cenk Uygur to the MSNBC lineup would make for a powerful block of political personalities. 1600 with David, Hardball with Chris, Countdown with Keith, Rachel's show, and Turks with Cenk to round out the evening's festivities.

I'd watch the vast majority of that block, and I know others would too. (I don't know when I'd find time to eat, but I'd watch.)

 Cenk, you have my vote. In fact, you had me at "Oh no, not again!!"

 TYT in '09!

by Duncan1800 on 02/03/2009 07:50:08 PM EST

[ Parent ]
MSNBC's Decision (none / 0)

Did MSNBC specifically say that they were looking for a Progressive/Liberal host for their 10PM slot?  Yes, I know that MSNBC has about 8 consecutive shows a day of either overtly liberal or Left-leaning pundits, so it makes contextual sense.  But there is only so much news from a Liberal point of view that needs to be covered in the course of a day, no?  If MSNBC bills itself as "the place for politics," and then presents exclusively partisan-Left hosts, are they not as guilty as FOX absurdly calling themselves "fair and balanced" while replacing Colmes with...nobody?

Don't get me wrong.  I thought that double-sandwiching Olbermann's show with a new show from Rachel Maddow as the entire cast of their primetime lineup was a giant step too far toward screamingly flagrant bias (more so than even Dan Abrams' terrible show had been).  As it turns out, Maddow's show is excellent and (other than ideologically) quite different from Olbermann's.  (So I was wrong.)  But doubling down and happening to strike gold is still different from..._tripling down_ (as it were) and adding another Liberal voice.  I think that Cenk's show is different from almost everything on television, where (he is correct when he says this) the media is trained to be even-handed rather than honest (CNN essentially does nothing other than this).  So I don't think Cenk's voice, if he is allowed to keep it without restraint (which is a big "if"--Imus was fired for mimicking hiphop lingo in what was obviously a throwaway attempt at irreverent humor, something Cenk does all the time at TYT) would be redundant to the voices of Olbermann or Maddow (or Matthews or others).  But if I am a programming head at MSNBC, I might think:  "You know, I probably have most of the Liberal news analysis viewer market, and I can probably get a larger new audience with an entertaining Conservative host [yes, I'm sure I can find one] than with another progressive.  Especially when I am going up against Van Sustern, who is hardly a magnet for Conservatives looking for red meat (she might be the most liberal host on the entire FOX schedule).

Best of luck, TYT.  But those handicapping your odds should not IMO be restricted to just comparing you to the Stephanie Millers of the world.   There are 150 Conservative talk show hosts who would love to bash Liberals right in the heart of the "lion's den".

by Milltycoon on 02/05/2009 03:52:41 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Exactly, there ARE 150 conservative hosts (none / 0)
Having three non-conservatives on MSNBC doesn't make it a left-wing propaganda network. Especially considering the fact that Cenk is a former Republican with some pretty moderate stances on domestic issues.

I think the former Republican/left of center moderate angle IS unique from both Olbermann and Maddow. Conservatives already love Fox News, Morning Joe and a zillion radio shows. That market is over-saturated, and that demographic is pretty much tapped out.

Cenk would bring in a *younger* demographic that is largely untapped, and that includes many of the enthusiastic youngins' and minorities that just got involved in politics for the first time in 08'. Not to mention that TYT is a bridge between old media and New Media.

by Tom Hanc on 02/05/2009 11:16:47 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Have Ben, Wes, and Michael On Video Campaign (none / 0)
Cenk has some very unique skillsets but the tactics of this campaign to be on MSNBC (a la this Cenk video) appears somewhat desperate.

Sorry.... I tuned out TYT after 6 months of following the show when  Cenk became the exclusive host.  What made TYT originally entertaining was when the show regularly had on other co-hosts and guests (i.e. Ben Mankiewicz, Wes Clark Jr, Michael Shure) on the program which made the show balanced, analytical, dynamic, and entertaining.  Having a moderate Democrat like Michael Shure especially helped to counter Cenk and Ben's oftentimes too left-leaning liberal perspectives.  Cenk by himself exclusively tends to go off on over-the-top rants, and veering off into& nbsp;inappropriate and non value-added sexual topics, etc.
Therefore, I cannot in good conscience give support to the campaign for TYT on MSNBC unless the format reverts to old co-hosting format including less sexually filled innuendo subject matter.
Jonathan from Cali

by jon from cali on 02/05/2009 10:02:05 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I also enjoy the co-hosts (none / 0)
But I think the majority of TYT fans agree when I say that Cenk is the main talent. He's the meat and potatoes of the show.

Sure, it's fun to have a side dish here and there, but a side dish does not a meal make (or something like that, man I need to eat dinner).

Also, I happen to enjoy the (in)appropriate and (non)value added sexual topics, etc. But of course appropriateness and value addedness (?) is in the eye of the beholder. With that said, I really enjoyed when Sam Seder co-hosted because he brought a different perspective on domestic issues.

You know, like when he argued with Cenk on Bill Clinton and Free Trade. I wouldn't mind more of that type of thing.

by Tom Hanc on 02/05/2009 11:11:47 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Bring Back Ben, Wes, Michael & a Female Host (none / 0)
I respectfully disagree.  I would argue that the highest ratings periods of TYT program coincided with shows that had presence of Cenk's cohorts/co-hosts. Cenk is not yet a big enough talent to carry a major radio show (TYT even not among top rated progressive radio talk shows) let alone a major television program. 

Again, I am of the opinion that what made the TYT a good/successful show to date (relatively speaking) is not because of a single personality (Cenk Uygur) but rather the dynamic personalities (plural) which made up The Young Turks (plural).

by jon from cali on 02/06/2009 12:58:01 AM EST

[ Parent ]
I disagree 1,000% (none / 0)
When I first got turned onto TYT, I immediately found Cenk to be the one who entertained me, and the others just played off of him.

Again, I *like* most of the others (I started listening shortly after Jill had left and based on what I've heard I'm not a huge fan), but almost none of THEM could carry a show on their own. Cenk is by far the funniest, most animated and most interesting and *unique* host of the bunch.

He's intelligent, but there are plenty of intelligent people. But try finding intelligent and *funny* people who are witty with viral catch phrases (like "of coooourse" and "waseekda") and it takes it to a different level. Throw in his legendary and entertaining rants, and of course his ability to distill complicated issues into something that even non-policy wonks and non-experts can understand and you have a recipe for success.

PS---Wait a minute, how do we know you aren't Jill Pike?!    ;)

by Tom Hanc on 02/06/2009 11:53:52 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Jill, Jill, Jill........... (none / 0)
Yes, Jill Pike, the gone but not forgotten Trust Fund Babe.  It's too bad b/c Jill could have worked out well as a female counterpart to Cenk, but she  just wasn't the sharpest or sufficiently well-read diva (disclaimer: Jill may be one now after her stint in DC).  But eye candy Jill definitely was!!!

Back to Cenk and TYT, if as you say Cenk is such a unique talent, as is the show so great, how can it be that TYT aren't doing too well?  Hmmm...from your adoring endorsement, Ihavenobias, Cenk should be one of the most sought-after personalities right now.  Last I checked, Cenk got let go by Air America, then also by satellite radio, so something's not adding up.  Sorry Cenk, just want to offer a voice of reason here among the choir here.

For MSNBC to give Cenk/TYT a shot, they'd have to take on a huge leap of faith.  Cenk if you're reading this, call me. I'd manage you and together we'll charter a more successful path for TYT.  Yes you are intelligent, funny, talented, and with sufficient gravitas....but this just ain't been enough buddy.  Right strageties and business plan matter !

P.S. How do we know this aint Cenk, aka: IhavenoBias?

by jon from cali on 02/06/2009 05:33:02 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Nope (none / 0)
How is it that the youtube channel has EXPLODED (that's not rhetorical, it's a direct question)?

Here's another question since you fancy yourself as being media savvy:

Which format has the brightest future going forward:

A)-TV
B)-Radio
C)-The Internet
D)-Print

If you answered "C" you're correct! New Media IS the future, and the other formats are either slowing down or outright dying. So if you put two and two together, the most important fact is that the youtube channel (which represents New Media) is thriving.

You know who agrees with me? The main Editor of Talker's Magazine. He was on Ed Schultz a few weeks ago, and he said that the future of talk radio is (drumroll) The Internet. Live video, pictures, blogs, chats, etc.

I knew that *before* that particular segment, but it's nice to know that a leading voice in the industry backs me up.

PS---How many poor decisions has Air America made? How are Malloy and Randi Rhodes doing these days after getting booted from Air America? How is Lionel (who's still with Air America doing)? Oh, and Thom Hartmann is is going to be gone soon as well.

And tell me, how is the financial situation over at XM/Sirius? Last time I heard they weren't doing so well. That either means the format is dying, that they made bad decisions or BOTH.

Finally, if you truly are media savvy, you know how much of the business boils down to hype, connections and perceptions. The most talented cream does NOT necessarily rise to the top (Glenn Beck anyone?), but if you can change one of the 3 items I mentioned it can happen overnight.

by Tom Hanc on 02/06/2009 05:47:49 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Cenk faces murderous competition (none / 0)
There are several proven progressive radio talents who are much more likely to get the nod at MSNBC over Cenk. Nationally syndicated talk hosts like Stephanie Miller, Ed Schultz, Randi Rhodes, and Phil Hendrie are attracting very impressive ratings numbers. I hope Cenk gets the job but he is a longshot, at best.

by mrogi on 02/03/2009 08:30:32 PM EST

Someone should let MSNBC know (none / 0)

that all of those hosts suck.  They must not have heard.

If anything is more obnoxious than Stephanie Miller on the radio, it would be Stephanie Miller on TV.  I don't think sound effect humor really translates well to video.

by Spencer on 02/03/2009 08:38:33 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Here's how they'd fare: (none / 0)

Miller: Perfect as a morning drive-time jock, which is something that (unless you're Howard Stern, apparently) translates horribly into television. They already tried her out once in the morning, before deciding to step sideways and go with "Morning Joe".

Schultz: Of this group, he'd have the best shot. I like Ed, though he occasionally is a little too "blue-dog" for my taste. But has he been angling for a TV gig? As the most successful progressive radio host out there, why would he want to shake the tree?

Rhodes: I love Randi, and I wouldn't want to see her change a thing. Which is perfect, because she's said numerous times that she wants absolutely no part of the television world. Besides, her previous history and supposed "mistakes" in judgment might make her a second-tier candidate at best.

 Hendrie: Who? I honestly don't know who that is. Pardon my ignorance.

To be honest, I would agree that Cenk only has an outside chance at a prime-time slot on MSNBC. Remember, however, that there are TONS of cable networks looking for a youth demographic - it doesn't even have to be a news channel, really.

More than anything, I think it's time TYT got the attention and respect it deserves.

TYT in '09!

by Duncan1800 on 02/03/2009 10:29:30 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Rec Cenk's DailyKos Diary (none / 0)
Click Here.

by Tom Hanc on 02/03/2009 11:18:24 PM EST

The Young Turks Announce Candidacy for MSNBC Slot | 31 comments (31 topical, 0 hidden)
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