Capus on Matthews: “If He Were Running for Office, He Wouldn’t Be on TV”

B&C’s Marisa Guthrie talked with NBC News president Steve Capus about the gains — and one giant loss — in 2008 and what’s ahead in 2009.

On the growth at MSNBC:

I’d like to think it’s because we have a strategy. I don’t want to take anything away from what CNN did, like, say, on Election Night. They had a big night. But we have a strategy that is not just built around big nights. We have an ongoing strategy for success. The growth at MSNBC has been steady for the last two years. As somebody who has a lot of blood, sweat and tears over at MSNBC, I can’t tell you how proud I am of what the folks at MSNBC are accomplishing right now.

And what does Capus think about one of the MSNBC stars who may leave TV for politics?

Guthrie: [Shoe-throwing journalist Muntadar] Zaidi could take over for Chris when Chris goes off to run for office.

Capus: [Chris Matthews] is not running for office.

Guthrie: He’s not?

Capus: I don’t think so. Well, look, if he were running for office, he wouldn’t be on TV.

Launch a social media campaign that will build your brand and deliver results in our online Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting June 7. Speakers include Abigail Cusick (Bravo Digital), Gregory Galant (Sawhorse Media), Alex Leo (Thomson Reuters Digital), Jim Tobin (Ignite Social Media), and many more. Read the reviews.