Would MSNBC be better off on tape?

Three weeks ago, TMZ said “active discussions are underway” to replace daytime programming with taped shows. MSNBC denied the report and said the network would not “abandon live news.”

But the rumor refuses to die. A tipster tells TVNewser that NBC may schedule more taped programming on MSNBC and then reroute the money to CNBC. It could serve as a shot in the arm for CNBC as Fox prepares to launch its own business channel.

Maybe more tape wouldn’t be a bad thing. Taped shows have helped MSNBC challenge FNC and CNN on the weekends in the demo. In January, the channel started airing MSNBC Investigates on Friday nights. It was supposed to be “for five weeks,” but it’s now the end of March and the repeats still air from 9pm to midnight. If taped specials continue to benefit MSNBC in the Nielsen numbers, we’ll continue to see taped specials…