MSNBC’s problem

SO MSNBC is mired in third place among all-news cable networks [“A New Look for Its News at MSNBC,” by Scott Collins, June 12]. Gee, it couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the fact that four of their five evening programs are hosted by conservatives (Tucker Carlson, Joe Scarborough, Chris Matthews, Rita Cosby). Competing with Fox News for right-wing viewers is a fool’s errand. Since many people believe the media are liberal anyway, why doesn’t MSNBC simply go ahead and try a mostly liberal lineup? Given that 70% of the American public is fed up with the Bush administration, I imagine their ratings would increase dramatically.

MICHAEL SCHLESINGER

Sherman Oaks

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EVEN when Chris Matthews doesn’t interrupt, he doesn’t listen. And his analysis usually circulates around really profound issues, like, “Who would you rather go to a barbecue with: George W. Bush or John Kerry?” Which kind of sums up the problem at MSNBC: It tries to appeal to the lowest common denominator, to people who just can’t wait to hear “breaking news” on the rearrangement of the sand dunes in Aruba, or irrelevant and condescending gossip about the “politico du jour.” How many more people would tune in if the intelligence and humor of a Keith Olbermann would more readily be available?

DR. ALITTA KULLMAN

Laguna Hills