MSNBC decided to preempt its popular morning show, “Morning Joe,” on Monday to continue breaking news coverage of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The network confirmed that “Morning Joe” will resume on Tuesday, choosing to avoid potential inappropriate comments from the show’s numerous guests amid the sensitive situation.
This move happened as President Donald Trump changed his schedule to attend the convention events earlier than expected.
According to CNN coverage of the details of the change in media line the decision was influenced by the desire to maintain continuous coverage and was made by NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde, MSNBC President Rashida Jones, and hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.
“The decision by MSNBC to leave one of its most recognizable programs on the sidelines amid a seismic politics-driven news cycle, with the Republican National Convention getting underway in the wake of the Saturday shooting at Trump’s campaign rally, is certain to raise eyebrows,” Oliver Darcy reported for CNN, adding:
“A person familiar with the matter told CNN that the decision was made to avoid a scenario in which one of the show’s stable of two dozen-plus guests might make an inappropriate comment on live television that could be used to assail the program and network as a whole. Given the breaking news nature of the story, the person said, it made more sense to continue airing rolling breaking news coverage in the fraught political moment.”
NBCUniversal stated, “Given the gravity and complexity of this unfolding story, NBC News, NBC News NOW, and MSNBC have remained in rolling breaking news coverage since Saturday evening.” This coverage will alternate between NBC News, NBC News NOW, and “MSNBC Reports.”
Trump supporters have criticized the press, particularly liberal media, for their intense reporting on Trump, which they argue contributed to the charged atmosphere leading to the assassination attempt. These supporters have also specifically targeted MSNBC and its parent company, Comcast.
MSNBC has previously made similar programming decisions during politically charged moments. The network’s choice to focus on continuous breaking news underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential impact of live comments during such a volatile time.