(Image source: The Daily Beast)

BY BRICE SANDER

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MSNBC is getting Rev’d up. The network announced Reverend Al Sharpton will headline its new 6:00 newscast. As The Huffington Post points out, the move has sparked controversy.

“MSNBC was criticized for not hiring a black journalist as a host, and there were charges that Sharpton's close ties to Comcast and the Obama White House helped him get the role.”

MSNBC was quick to shoot down those rumors, saying Sharpton has been filling in for the cable channel and his performance warranted the gig. OK, but then what about this clip from 60 Minutes?

LESLEY STAHL: “Sharpton told us that having a black president is a challenge: if he finds fault with Mr. Obama, he'd be aiding those who want to destroy him. So he has decided not to criticize the president about anything -- even about black unemployment, which is twice the national rate.”

If Reverend Al won’t criticize the president, can his reporting ever be fair? CNN’s Howard Kurtz posed that question to TV critic Eric Deggans, who argues personal politics are nothing new in the cable news arena.

ERIC DEGGANS: “When you see someone like Elliot Spitzer, even, get a show, and then he has to cover the peccadillo's now, a politician whose caught in a sexual scandal, all of sudden there’s a resonance there that you wouldn’t necessarily have if you had someone with a straight journalism background in that job.”  

But the response to Reverend Al isn’t all bad. The Washington Post suggests this is a big gig, so MSNBC must at least trust the guy.

“The 6 p.m. hour serves as an important lead-in to MSNBC’s weeknight slate that includes Chris Matthews, Laurence O’Donnell, Rachel Maddow and Ed Schultz. The network has done a swift reconfiguration in prime time since the abrupt departure of its marquee host, Keith Olbermann, in January.”

And a Huffington Post blogger argues-- people should give Sharpton a chance.

“When trying to predict how this relationship works out in the end, it's all a matter of simply sitting back and seeing how it goes.  Sharpton brings a tremendous amount of talent, skill, passion and creativity to his ever-evolving public role, and he is willing to take risks that one wouldn't expect from a pastor and civil rights figure.”

Sharpton’s PoliticsNation premieres August 29. And while you’re waiting-- Keep up to date with Newsy by making sure you’re using the latest version of our mobile apps. Check the app store for updates now!

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