• February 6, 2003

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura has agreed to host a primetime weeknight talk show on MSNBC, the network said Thursday. The announcement, long rumored, could spell the end of the return of Phil Donahue, whose live MSNBC talk show disappointed in the ratings. MSNBC said Thursday that it would soon announce the time period and premiere date as part of a reorganization of the channel’s primetime lineup. The Jesse Ventura Show would be an hourlong issue-oriented show with a live studio audience. “This show is an ideal fit within the context of MSNBC’s overall programming strategy; it is one of several building blocks that will make up the foundation of the channel’s primetime lineup. The electric energy, independent thinking and one-of-a-kind voice that Jesse Ventura brings to the cable news environment reflect MSNBC’s profile and image perfectly,” said MSNBC President Erik Sorenson.