MSNBC Anchor Fights

Multiple on-air verbal fights occurred between high-profile MSNBC news anchors on August 26, 2008. The fights seemed to coincide with the start of 2008 Democratic Convention. In the morning, Joe Scarborough got into a verbal scuffle with correspondent David Shuster on Scarborough's show Morning Joe. Shuster had made a comment about Scarborough's Republican ties and background, and Scarborough took offense.

MSNBC Shakeup

That same evening, Hardball host Chris Matthews and Countdown host Keith Olbermann sparred about whose turn it was to speak. Subsequently, Matthews and Olbermann were dropped from the anchor desk for election night and the presidential and vice presidential debates and will instead serve as analysts.¹ MSNBC President Phil Griffin defended the dual roles played by Matthews and Olbermann when they serve as anchors and commentators.²

Fast Facts

MSNBC's ratings reportedly increased 25% for viewers aged 25-54 during convention coverage³

Scarborough: A former Florida Republican representative

Shuster: An Independent

MSNBC has embraced opinion-oriented coverage²

MSNBC and NBC had been facing accusations of political bias¹

David Gregory, NBC correspondent, will replace Matthews and Olbermann and anchor election night coverage and the presidential and vice presidential debates¹

Tensions at the network between MSNBC and NBC are associated with MSNBC's perceived liberal leaning views¹