MSNBC drops ‘Tucker’ show

MSNBC is bumping Tucker Carlson’s low-rated eponymous afternoon show and replacing it with a political news program anchored by David Gregory called “Race for the White House,” the network announced Monday.

Gregory, who will continue as chief White House correspondent for NBC News, will report on presidential politics and lead discussions about the 2008 race in his new show, which will air at 3 p.m. PT. The program will replace “Tucker” on March 17. Carlson will remain at MSNBC as a senior campaign correspondent.

MSNBC also plans to re-air “Countdown With Keith Olbermann,” its top-rated program, twice every evening after its original 5 p.m. PT telecast, with repeats at 7 p.m. PT and 11 p.m. PT. The network cast the changes as part of an effort to expand its political coverage, which has emerged as the cable news channel’s central focus in the last year.

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-- Matea Gold