Melissa Harris-Perry is stepping down as host of her MSNBC series Nerdland after a notice absence on the network. The series, which began in 2012, was a platform for her to discuss a variety of political and social issues with a diverse panel. Rumors circulated of a cancelation after her presence lessened over time and the show’s editorial content drastically changed. With the help of a colleague, she addressed said rumors in an open letter and announced she would no longer be appearing on the series.
"As you know by now, my name appears on the weekend schedule for MSNBC programming from South Carolina this Saturday and Sunday. However, as of this morning, I do not have any intention of hosting this weekend," she wrote. She went on to say that the network’s decision to put her on air is an effort to save face.
Here is the reality: our show was taken — without comment or discussion or notice — in the midst of an election season. After four years of building an audience, developing a brand, and developing trust with our viewers, we were effectively and utterly silenced. Now, MSNBC would like me to appear for four inconsequential hours to read news that they deem relevant without returning to our team any of the editorial control and authority that makes MHP Show distinctive.
She added, "I will not sell short myself or this show. I am not hungry for empty airtime. I care only about substantive, meaningful, and autonomous work." However, she says she will return once the network will allow her to get back to that meaningful work. Basically, the exact opposite of Stacey Dash.
