How long did it take Keith Olbermann before MSNBC gave him his own juiced-up web page? Four years? Today, the host of "The Rachel Maddow Show" was given a major upgrade to her online experience, complete with her own spiffy video jukebox (sponsored by Target) ... and it took her less than two months on the air to get one.
"The new site," reads the press release co-authored by NBC and Microsoft (the MS in MSNBC), "gives The Rachel Maddow Show's rapidly growing on-air audience an enhanced extension of the brand online."
I think it would be extremely odd to wake up one morning and discover that I was not just a commentator, a personality, somebody's loved one ... to hear someone saying you are a brand is one of those lifestyle adjustment moments you never quite see coming. After Sarah Palin, it is Maddow who has had the most meteoric rise of anyone connected with Campaign 2008. She may not be a household name yet, but she's something. A brand, then.
Previously on TV Barn: I profiled Rachel Maddow, which led to her getting a TV show, and then I talked to her about my getting her a TV show and then declared her a "star," not the same as a "brand." Also, I discussed MSNBC and its demographic appeal, was fair and balanced toward Fox, and profiled Olbermann once or twice.
NEW YORK & REDMOND, Wash. – October 29, 2008 – MSNBC and msnbc.com today unveiled the new website for "The Rachel Maddow Show," available at www.rachel.msnbc.com. The new site gives "The Rachel Maddow Show's" rapidly growing on-air audience an enhanced extension of the brand online. Rachel Maddow hosts MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show," featuring Maddow's take on the biggest stories of the day, political and otherwise, including lively debate with guests from all sides of the issues, in-depth analysis and stories no other shows in cable news will cover.
With the launch of the site, viewers can now enjoy the "The Rachel Maddow Show" on any platform, anytime. Consumers can also easily embed their favorite segments from the show into their own blogs or websites. And the immersive online video experience will feature a podcast of the full broadcast. Viewers are also encouraged to interact with the web-savvy host and find out what's on Rachel's radar through her conversations on Newsvine, msnbc.com's leading social media news site, and on "The Rachel Maddow Show" page on Twitter.
"Msnbc.com is smart, pretty, popular, creative and fast -- it's all the things anyone ever wanted to be in high school, but no one could ever be them all at once... until msnbc.com!" said Maddow. "We love the new 'Rachel Maddow Show' website. We hope all our viewers do, too."
MSNBC's seven-week old "The Rachel Maddow Show" marked a huge milestone, out-rating CNN's "Larry King Live" in just its second month on the air among Adults 25-54, the first time ever MSNBC has out-rated CNN at 9 p.m. (700,000 vs. 673,000, program data, excludes presidential debates). "The Rachel Maddow Show" is up an astounding 396 percent from Oct. 07 among A25-54 (700,000 vs. 141,000) and up 387 percent in total viewers (1,893,000 vs. 389,000).
"Our TV show is really just the one-hour tip of a 24-hour iceberg. Like our viewers, we're always thinking and talking about the news. Msnbc.com gives us a perfect platform by which we can engage the audience while we get ready for our turn on TV," said Bill Wolff, Executive Producer of "The Rachel Maddow Show" and Vice President, Primetime Programming, MSNBC
Special features on the new "Rachel Maddow Show" site include "Talk Me Down" and "It's Pat." Every night Rachel asks a guest to talk her down about a particularly troubling development in the news. Viewers can contribute their thoughts and "talk Rachel down" each night by logging into Newsvine. "It's Pat" features video and commentary from Pat Buchanan, an MSNBC political analyst and frequent guest on the show who has been a senior adviser to three presidents and was twice a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination. The site will also feature popular video segments, including "Ms. Information," "Rachel Re," and "Just Enough.
"The new 'rachel.msnbc.com' site gives viewers an online experience to match the high-quality and high-energy of the broadcast," said Randy Stearns, Deputy Editor, msnbc.com. "The design delivers a truly interactive experience that allows people to chat with the host, watch full programs or just their favorite segments, or subscribe to the podcast."
Built on the worldwide resources of NBC News, MSNBC defines news for the next generation with world-class reporting and a full schedule of live news coverage, political analysis and award-winning documentary programming -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MSNBC's home on the Internet is msnbc.com. Msnbc.com delivers a fuller spectrum of news. Drawing on its award-winning original journalism, NBC News heritage, trusted sources and Microsoft's advanced technologies, the site presents compelling, diverse and visually-engaging stories on the consumer's platform of choice. Nielsen Online reports more than 43 million unique visitors for September 2008, making msnbc.com the number one news site, ahead of Yahoo! News, CNN, ABC, CBS, and Fox News.
Rachel-
Congrads on your new show. I am sure your show will be a success for a long time.
I generally agree will your statements. I like that you have street and book smarts. You seem to be genuine and nice. I am sure that is why your show has been such a sucess. People are tired of being lied to.
I did not agree with your statement about signing statements. Though I am disappointed Barack Obama plans to continue the practice I do not believe John McCain will not use signing statements to alter a bill. He really has not been telling a lot to truth lately.
Investing in gold is OK but water will be the most important resource in the next 5 years. As you know it is now in third world nations. But the planet is shifting and I believe hastening the melting of the glaciers and poles.
Rose
Posted by: Rose Leeper | October 29, 2008 at 05:18 PM
I love the Rachel Maddow Show. I also like Keith Olbermann. I was a faithful CNN person until this election cycle. Now I am hooked. You are so right about the "T.V Turn" comment. We are a one T.V., two computer family. So, we all choose a show. It is great to be able to go to the computer and not compete with the kids.
Posted by: dsing | October 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I am honored being taught the news and the world by you as much as i will be to have Barak Obama as my President. I respect intelligence.
Posted by: Kristie Marcotte | October 30, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Rachel, yesterday McCain introduced "Joe" using many superlatives among which was "a true american hero...". By doing so he has diminished his own and every other HERO's claim. I am disgusted and need you to "talk me down" Sandy in NJ
Posted by: SANDY | October 31, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Rachel,
Keep up the good work! You are truly a breath of fresh air!!!! Your smile is truly contagious.
Many blessings
Posted by: Tracy | October 31, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Not sure what it is, but every time I write ABOUT Rachel, people write to me as if I WERE Rachel (yes, I'm getting e-mails, too). I blame the google.
Posted by: Aaron Barnhart | October 31, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Yay! I love Rachel. She's a relief from the stiff and boring news. I don't think I've ever watched the news and laughed as often as I do watching Rachel with her commentary. She adds humor to a situation and atmosphere that has been full of anger, fear, and general disgust. Thank goodness!
As I type this, I'm listening to the videos on the Rachel Maddow Show MSNBC website. This is something I'll be checking out regularly even after the elections are over and done with.
Real news reported by a REAL person. Who new?!
Yay Rachel...way to go!
Posted by: Serena | October 31, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Rachel--
Left Coast here--was hoping for a miracle and Florida to turn blue, (Ohio and texas also) but after your review last night in Florida, I'm getting the jitters. Great work on your interviews, I never miss one of your programs, you are so refreshing and funny. You bring such a different approach to the news, and very often before I hear it anyplace else.
Some sleep for you after next Tuesday, perhaps?
Best regards,,Jan-In-Oregon
Posted by: fastjan | October 31, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Hi Rachel,
Please don't use the phrase "a whole nother" anymore. You have a doctorate and are extremely
articulate so your use of such poor speech is
completely out of place regardless of it being a popular colloquialism.
Otherwise keep up the good work.
Posted by: Syd | October 31, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Hi Rachel. Well, I am so hooked on your presence that I frequently watch your show twice in an evening.
I am wondering why the media in general never talks about the destruction of Iraq's infrastructure and continuing loss of civilian lives. I have never heard of an occupying army that continues to bomb a conquered country. Couple that with bombing other 'soverign' countries I have to ask; are we deliberately trying to start WWIII?
sigh! oh well. I love your program. Long may you reign!!
Posted by: fred | October 31, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Rachel,
Thanks for such a great show. You give hope to those of us that aren't conservative. I no longer stand on the window ledge contemplating the free fall just to escape the likes of McSame and what's her name...please continue to save my life. Thanks!
Posted by: Tom Sweeney, Phoenix, Arizona | October 31, 2008 at 05:56 PM
wow, what a left wing radical. this show is horrible, and doesnt represent mainstream america.
Posted by: katie | October 31, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Rachel,
My wife and I are both in our mid 70's and enjoy your show to the end.I love your biting comments and satirical remarks, sprinkled with your unique brand of humor about the far right. Your interview with Barak Obama was superb and well done.Keep up the good work and we shall be watching.
Wishing you much success!!
J&J
Posted by: NC Jimbo34 | November 01, 2008 at 03:50 PM
I was truly impressed with Rachael Maddows style, credentials, and professional approach to the news. Her journalistic fairness during the early campaign gave the media credibility in reporting, however, since she got her own show, I feel she has trashed her reputation with manipulative comments and slanted form questioning during interviews. I am disappointed and hurt that someone I admired has gone this route rather than take a road of true journalism. Miss Maddow has the credentials and personality to carry a major anchor position rather than a tabloid show. I understand that the network is a business and that this political season has brought many new viewers like myself, but it has become obvious that NBC and its affiliates, along with Miss Maddow have been bought by campaign money. Miss Maddow has sold her sole to the customer with the most $$$$$. The media accuses the Republican Party of dirty campaigning but it needs to listen to its own newscasts and commentators to know what dirty, disgusting campaigning really is. I am a registered Democrat, but it embarrasses me to hear these types of broadcasting. Miss Maddow also tries to cover negative stories against Obama by deflecting to dirty politics claiming Republican leaks without any proof, again trying to manipulating the public thinking...very shallow and sad..very condescending. The first time we have two viable candidates in a very historic race..NBC has sacrificed its credibility, honor and trust for tabloid journalism
Posted by: MAGINNIS | November 02, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Rachel, Love your show! One things bothering me
about something John McCain said at one of his
rallys, "My fellow prisoners" is he suffering from PTS, having "flashbacks" or is it early
Alzheimers? It scares me should he win!
Especially with Sarah Barracuda waiting in the
wings!
Posted by: Dee Feci | November 03, 2008 at 12:37 PM
O'Bama should score easy wins at first. Go for the low hanging fruit. Best first move to tear down GITMO and abolish torture. This will win him praise internationally and domestically. Worry about health care and pulling out of Iraq down the road.
I really like Rachel Maddow and Keith Olberman, both great!! My only recommendation is that Rachel wear a slightly higher cut blouse, distracting from her great message.
Posted by: Dr. Gerald Kuecher | November 06, 2008 at 02:22 PM
The Rachel Maddow Show is a sure hit in my family. She is a very very welcoming person.
She is extremely bright and witty at the same
time. Some of her expressions and ideas sure
make you sit up and take notice. We are so happy for her because her information is so
to be believed. We have watched every show since she has been on and will continue to
watch because she makes the show so interesing,
serious, comical and reakky enjoyable. God
love you Rachel and your family.
Posted by: Vernie B. | November 13, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Rachel, I sent you an e-mail, but it was returned back to me. I used MSNBC.com e-amil
I want to comment on what I think about Hillary as Secretary of State. Please, can you reply so I can send to you the e-mal. Will Hillary share Obama's diplomcy vision for foreign policy, or will she take the path of war and not talking to our enemies? In the campaign, she said she will obliterate Iran. Please, I want to send the e-mail to you. Thanks, Rachel. reply
Posted by: Uche Ikpa | November 14, 2008 at 07:25 PM
When you told your democratic guest that they would save their souls by getting rid of Liberman ,you were quoting a scripture, where the great Jehovah told the believers not to seek help and friendship from unbelieving evil people ,but to seek help and friendship from Jehovah and the believing people. Keep showing them the right thing to do with Liberman untill they succumb. You are better than Sara Palin because you have a pure soul with morals and you are sexy also.
Posted by: Mohammed Hosein | November 15, 2008 at 02:51 AM
For a change we are seeing and hearing intelectual honesty on display. Rachel is making it happen
Posted by: tyrone williams | December 03, 2008 at 01:47 PM