MSNBC and msnbc.com unveil new online experience for “Hardball with Chris Matthews”

Newly designed site is home for top-rated political cable show

NEW YORK & REDMOND, Wash. - MSNBC and msnbc.com today unveiled the new website for “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” available at www.hardball.msnbc.com. The new site gives MSNBC’s “Hardball” audience an enhanced extension of the brand online. Each weekday night, from the MSNBC studios in Washington, D.C., veteran journalist Chris Matthews — a former Washington bureau chief, presidential speechwriter, congressional staffer and also a best-selling author — hosts a nightly hour of in-depth political analysis and fiery debate. “Hardball with Chris Matthews” features interviews and debates with prominent politicians, newsmakers, and leaders from Washington, D.C. “Hardball” airs at 5 and 7 p.m. (EST) weeknights on MSNBC.

Viewers can now play “Hardball” on any platform, anytime. The new site delivers a visually compelling TV-like viewing experience, making it easier for consumers to search, find, and share their favorite ”Hardball" videos and headlines. Consumers can easily embed their favorite segments from the show into their own blogs or websites or download a podcast of the show.

In February 2009, “Hardball with Chris Matthews” at 7 p.m. is up 25 percent in A25-54 vs. February 2008 (254,000 vs. 203,000) and up 40 percent in total viewers (866,000 vs. 619,000). At 5 p.m., “Hardball” is up 16 percent in both A25-54 and total viewers.

“‘Hardball’ continues to be a vital part of the American political conversation and the new website will help heighten our profile even further and allow us to reach new and younger viewers,” said John Reiss, executive producer, “Hardball with Chris Matthews.”

Consumers can now get ring tones of Chris Matthews saying his signature lines, “Ha!” and “Let’s play Hardball.” Viewers can also access site favorites, including Hardblogger, the blog of Hardball that delivers opinions and analysis on the latest political news, and the “Hardball” e-mail newsletter, keeping users on top of the hottest political headlines every day.

“The new ’Hardball’ site represents our latest effort to give viewers their politics fix – whenever and wherever they choose,” said Randy Stearns, deputy editor, msnbc.com. “Hardball.msnbc.com makes it easy to find your favorite segments, catch up on the conversation, share and even embed clips of Chris and his guests for your own blog or Web site.”