MSNBC has been falling in the ratings for quite some time. In fact, they've recently even fallen behind HLN! With their weak prime line-up and lack luster news anchors, it really comes as no surprise. The network has some serious problems that need to be addressed. I find Chris Matthews to be  the worst though, he's constantly making remarks that he later has to apologise for (example: his recent Ft. Hood remark), and interrupts his guests to the point they never get to express their views. Plus, so much spit flies out of Chris' mouth that I'm surprised that the guests who appear on his show don't bring an umbrella. Whether Matthews his just climbing up in his years or starting to become out of touch, it's apparent that he holding back MSNBC. At the very least, MSNBC should seriously consider stopping the re-airing one of his shows, at the moment Hardball with Chris Matthews holds two spots in the late afternoon and early evening. In my opinion, that's way too much Hardball.

 After only seeing Dylan Ratigan's new show Morning Meeting a few times, I felt the show had some potential for the way they covered the news stories of the day. Dylan especially seems to have a way of covering the business stories of the day and even the past with a certain clarification and understanding that's not present with other news anchors. I understand that he left CNBC and then was offered a contract by MSNBC, so he has a extensive background covering financial news. Ratigan also has a style that is skeptical but not abrasive to his viewers, he doesn't have a condescending attitude, unlike other business/news anchors. In all fairness, his show is not without it's own problems, mainly the

appearances of his annoying co-anchor Contessa Brewer. However, new shows and new hosts need time to work out the kinks.

 Well, if MSNBC's plan was to become a failed news network, they seem to be on their way. Like I said, when HLN has surpassed your news channel in the ratings, you may have some serious problems to resolve and Fox News is only getting stronger. The prime time line-up needs a breath of fresh air, instead of the same old political, retreaded commentary. Ratigan may provide that spark. As for Chris Matthews, I would move him to weekend duty or at the very least, take away one of his time slots!