Chris Hayes to Be Ed Schultz's Replacement on MSNBC

MSNBC’s “The Ed Show,” hosted by Ed Schultz, will be replaced by a new entry from the network's Chris Hayes, 34, one of the youngest cable TV news hosts.

Hayes has been hosting weekend morning show “Up w/Chris Hayes,” on weekends.  His new slot is the lead-in to The Rachel Maddow Show and will start April 1.   Hayes, a writer for The Nation, has also been filling in for Maddow and for Lawrence O’Donnell whose program airs at 10 pm.

“Chris has done an amazing job creating a franchise on weekend morning,” said MSNBC  President Phil Griffin. “He’s an extraordinary talent and has made a strong connection with our audience. This is an exciting time for MSNBC.”

Schultz will move to weekend evenings next month. That announcement was made by Schultz, himself, on his broadcast last night. “The Ed Show” will air live on MSNBC from 5-7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays beginning in April. More details of Ed’s new weekend program will be announced in the coming weeks.

From Ed Schultz:

“And in the big finish tonight, a big personal and professional announcement. MSNBC will be expanding its weekend programming and this opens a big opportunity for “The Ed Show” and my brand. I will be leaving this time slot at 8 PM ET and moving to Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 7 PM.

I raised my hand for this assignment for a number of personal and professional reasons. My fight on “The Ed Show” has been for the workers and the middle class. This new time slot will give me the opportunity to produce and focus on stories that I care about and are important to American families and American workers.

I’m very proud of the work our team has done here at 8 PM, but sitting behind this desk five nights a week doesn’t cut it for me. I want to get out with the people and tell their stories. This show has been a show that has been a voice for the voiceless. That really was my mission when I came here and it remains.

I’m going to be here at MSNBC for a long time – I’m not going anywhere - and I invite all of you to join me on Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 7 PM. The show will start in April.

I will continue to do my radio show, and I’ll be back here tomorrow night for my final show.”

Statement from Phil Griffin:

“I’m thrilled for Ed and happy to be expanding our weekend programming,” said Phil Griffin. “It’s an exciting time for MSNBC and I’m looking forward to having Ed’s powerful voice on our network for a long time.”