Microsoft abandons MSNBC.com after 16 years over fears news site was becoming too left-wing

[Edelmann]

Microsoft is pulling out of the joint venture that owned MSNBC.com, freeing the world's largest software maker to build its own online news service.
One of the factors behind the split was apparently Microsoft's fears that the website was being seen as too left-wing, and the software giant's desire to present 'multiple perspectives' in its news coverage.
The breakup announced late on Sunday dissolves the final shreds of a 16-year marriage between Microsoft Corp. and NBC News, which is now owned by Comcast Corp. The relationship began to unwind in 2005 when Microsoft sold its stake in MSNBC's cable TV channel to NBC.
NBC is buying Microsoft's 50 per cent interest in the MSNBC website for an undisclosed amount. The New York Times puts the figure at about $300million
MSNBC.com will be rebranded as NBCNews.com, and readers who logged into MSNBC.com late on Sunday were automatically redirected to NBCNews.com.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...#ixzz20pmDmyZI

[Zorg]

Good move on Microsoft's part.

[Stefan]

One of the factors behind the split was apparently Microsoft's fears that the website was being seen as too left-wing, and the software giant's desire to present 'multiple perspectives' in its news coverage.
The breakup announced late on Sunday dissolves the final shreds of a 16-year marriage between Microsoft Corp. and NBC News, which is now owned by Comcast Corp. The relationship began to unwind in 2005 when Microsoft sold its stake in MSNBC's cable TV channel to NBC.

Shouldn't the news media at least try to remain impartial on political matters? Personally, I don't want political opinions in my news; focus on getting the correct facts without the agenda, please. I think that is also Microsoft's concern.

[German]

Noooooooooooo my l;eftist newsssss

[Edelmann]

Noooooooooooo my l;eftist newsssss

Do not fear. And it comes with 50% more self-righteousness and personality-based news!

[Contra Mundum]

Surprised it took them that long. MSNBC is 24/7 pro-Obama insanity.

"that's an objective assessment"
[YOUTUBE]no9fpKVXxCc[/YOUTUBE]

MSNBC had one contributor who didn't idolize Obama, but he was eventually fired, Pat Buchanan.

Here he is embarrassing Matthews. Even the Obama loons couldn't help but laugh out loud.
[YOUTUBE]K9BJwKA8nkU[/YOUTUBE]

[James McMahon]

Haha that is hilarious

[Albion]

Do not fear. And it comes with 50% more self-righteousness and personality-based news!

I'd heard a few things about that, then it launched here last year with its left wing bias towards the news and joins the ranks of such BS as the Guardian.