The MSNBC’ing of Dylan Ratigan: ‘An almost fail-safe position’
From CNBC stock-picker to a man with a definite point-of-view.
There is not one, but two headlines in the New York Times today about former CNBC stock-picker, Dylan Ratigan, and how he has transformed into an opinion host on MSNBC.
Today, Ratigan begins “Fix-It Week,” proposing solutions to problems like the federal budget deficit and dependence on foreign oil.
- NYTimes, Brian Stelter: From CNBC Business Journalist to Critic of Bankers on MSNBC
- NYTimes’Dealbook: From CNBC Stock-Picker to Bank Critic on MSNBC
- Business Insider, The Wire: Dylan Ratigan’s Ratings Show A Loss For MSNBC, But He’s Still Beating ‘Closing Bell’
- New York magazine, Daily Intel: Dylan Ratigan Got His Job Just Like Every Other Person in Media
Stelter speaks with Andrew Leckey, president of the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism.
“Mr. Ratigan underwent a “Lou Dobbs-like transformation,” from sober-minded journalist to all-out advocate, said Andrew Leckey, the president of the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism at Arizona State University.”
Stelter also quotes MSNBC chief Phil Griffin, bringing up the case of Lou Dobbs, who was pushed out at CNN because he expressed his personal opinions.
“Dylan wants to change the world. He’s a crusader,” said Phil Griffin, the president of MSNBC. Griffin likened Mr. Ratigan to a “wild mustang,” and said, “I don’t want to change him. I want to tame him a little bit,” so that the audience can keep up.”
Perhaps the timing is what will keep Ratigan’s audience listeing. As Leckey’s concludes:
‘Of course, in the bailout era, going after greed is arguably an easy way to “get a lot of people behind you,” Mr. Leckey said, calling it “an almost fail-safe position to be in.”
Beats the hell out of Faux News!
I have viewed Dylan’s progam on several occasions, and have elected to avoid his time slot because I do not want to be talked down to by an anchor who’s ego is larger than well……whatever.
His temper tantrum on the air because his guest didn’t answer the way “his lordship” wanted a while back convinced me that he was super ego that is also extremely biased.
I don’t find Dylan egotistical at all. He makes things understandable and I for one love the show!
I watch Dylan’s show when I have the time. He understands the problems that have been created due to the unchecked influence of big business. The only time I have seen him challenge a guest is when they are not being honest in their responses. All I can say is that it’s about time!!
First show ever to go “Truth to Power” this far! Amazing that a Corporate entity would allow this type of “People power”, especially coming out of CNBC! I think this will only help America and its people, and amazingly, its business’s become stronger and with the old fashioned positive values people once had in the good ol USA!
I hope Dylan eventually gets to share his views a little later in the day when people are home from work, although his viewership is pretty high considering the 4 p.m. time slot. Dylan courageously challenges government/politicians/big business on the issues that matter the most, and he takes the time to explain things in a way that most of us can understand. It would appear he really cares for everyday Americans and the struggles they endure – so I thank Dylan Ratigan for that.