Is MSNBC Feud More Serious Than Management Admits?

August 28th, 2008 3:47 PM

As more and more media outlets begin to notice the feud going on between some of MSNBC's highest profile on air personalities, a question begins rising to the surface: just how serious is it?

Although the network's President Phil Griffin told the Wall Street Journal he wasn't concerned, others at MSNBC say this situation is much worse than management is letting on.

As reported by Jossip Wednesday (emphasis added, h/t Johnny Dollar, photo courtesy Jossip):

[I]n the past few hours we've spoke [sic] to a number of 30 Rock staffers in Denver, New York, and Washington — some of whom thought it more productive to speak to us than attend to the on-going live DNC coverage — and the common wisdom is: 1) Nobody can believe how much Keith Olbermann is getting away with, even if he does draw ratings; 2) As an Olbermann protege, Rachel Maddow is attracting negative feelings from staffers, since she stays mum on many of these catfights, but "there's still time" to represent; 3) MSNBC head Phil Griffin is alienating staffers by publicly defending Olbermann while privately bashing him, and it's left many wondering when that will leak (oops); 4) MSNBC publicist Jeremy Gaines appears increasing [sic] stressed out and can be seen "shaking" with a phone attached to his ear dealing with reporters; 5) You don't want to run into Chris Matthews anytime soon, especially en route to the bathroom, because he has zero pleasant things to say right now; 6) Joe Scarborough is definitely stressed, but he's managed to calm down a bit today and can be seen laughing and gabbing; 7) None of this is helping ratings, with MSNBC scoring the lowest numbers against Fox News and CNN in convention coverage.

Fascinating.