The Young Turks Announce Candidacy for MSNBC Slot

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.

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!

Greta 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: [e-mail]. 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

Comments

[garyr65]

It seems that MSNBC has already filled their slots---sucks to hear but oh well. Maybe next time Cenk! Keep it live on youtube.

[shafff]

Good luck!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!

[cenko43]

Good luck Cenk, from another Cenk.

[J575]

just sent an e-mail XD

[MoeB]

Cenk:

I sending out an email to msnbc.com right now...woul­d LOVE to see you take that 10pm slot!

TYT! (not to be confused with PYT)

[TAHARQA]

I thought Cenk was a Muslim?? It would be great if he is.

[jerrytown]

MSNBC WOULD BE CRAZY NOT TO PICK CENK AND THE YOUNG TURKS, it's a great show, funny, and also very informative, it is about information I actually want to hear about. It's nothing like the bs shows on cnn, fox news, etc...... (which is why I currently do not watch any cable news station) The information they are reporting on actually has a huge effect of daily life. It's like watching magic's biggest secrets revealed, but politics. You see who are the greasy ones, and who are the one's who be congratulated for keeping it real in Washington these days. It's great and I get stuck on youtube watching their video clips for hours.

[ReNee09]

I'm with you all the way Cenk. I love your show, and we need the youngturks in prime time.

[tdpubs]

Si se puede, my Turkish brother. TYT has my support.

[Natamic]

You have my support, love the show and would love to see you guys on MSNBC!
Best of luck.

[sicova]

Cenk, Good luck on your pursue. I saw you on "meet the bloggers" and I could see how you could adapt to primetime TV.

[tuttlemsm]

I wrote to MSNBC in support of The Young Turks as well. I've been listening to them ever since Day One on Sirius Satellite Radio. They were the best thing going on liberal radio as long as they were around.

Stephanie Miller has been campaigning for the slot too, and she'll probably get it. She's the "safer" choice. She has a more established media track record (read: more failed syndicated talk vehicles) and... she's white.

Not that I don't have some appreciation for Steph and the mooks, but Cenk is the real deal. Steph is funny. Cenk is a *wit*.

[Verified]

Cenk is the change we have been looking for.

[Yurdelite]

If a black person cannot get a show on any of the networks and cable why do you think YOU can? The only minority is Fahreed Zakaria and who knows what he had to do to get it. Didn't you know that minorities do not have valid opinions and they are certainly not able to host a news talk show. Shame on you. *Sarcasm*

[Beantownbadboy]

Do you really think those empty suits at MSNBC actually listen or read comments suggested by viewers? If they did , they'd fired half or most of the on air stiffs they have reading the news. This morning Harry Reid is speaking on the Senate floor regarding the stimulus package, and low and behold, Contestant Brewer cuts him off for her comments! HER INPUT ! As far as I'm concerned, 6am to 8pm should be open for discussion. ( one hand grenade) Good luck, whomever you are in getting that position.

[SeanGardner]

I hadn't thought about it before Cenk, but, it could work. Personally, I'm looking for MSNBC to add some color to their all-white line-up. A latino, an African-American, an Asian-American, etc. In the event they don't, I would not be mad if The Young Turks were selected. I like you guys. In fact, I personally think you guys should be in at the 9pm slot, just after Olbermann, and then MSNBC can still look for a host for their 10pm slot.

Much success in your quest!