MSNBC Moves Al Sharpton’s ‘PoliticsNation’ to Sunday Mornings

Is it a demotion or an “opportunity” for Rev. Al?   The bottom line is that viewers of MSNBC’s “PoliticsNation” will have a new day and time to catch up on the latest happenings in the political world.  The show, hosted by the Rev. Al Sharpton, will only air once a week as it moves from its current time of 6 p.m. weeknights to 8 a.m. Sundays. While the move could be seen as a demotion of sorts to some, Sharpton has taken a positive stance regarding the situation.  “I’m very happy,” he said. “First, I can reach a wider audience of people who don’t get home by 6 at night. Second, I can now get the A-list guests and newsmakers I want. And third, a Sunday morning host is what I always wanted to be.  “I never wanted to be a weeknight pundit,” Sharpton continued. “I wanted to be a Sunday morning newsmaker. I wanted to be Dr. Martin Luther King, not Larry King.” Sharpton’s last “PoliticsNation” weeknight show will air Sept. 4. The show’s first Sunday episode will be Oct. 4. Although Sharpton will pre-tape some of the “PoliticsNation” shows, he admits that others will be live as he continues to preach in church on Sunday mornings. With an 8 a.m. timeslot, the activist, who will now be freed up to travel, mentioned that it gives his show a leg up on competitors like NBC’s “Meet the Press.”  Despite a lower audience on Sunday morning, Sharpton notes that the day is a good one in that shows are able to attract the folks who make the decisions and power moves in the political arena.  “Everybody that deals with policy watches the Sunday morning shows,” he stated. “I believe I can help set the policy tone.”