Updated on May 31, 2009 to include a story by Politico and reflect the addition of MSNBC's, The Ed Show, at 6 p.m.

The salacious news of the moment is that CNN's latest formula has left it in third place, trailing behind MSNBC, which runs repeats in three big time slots. That's right. MSNBC is not even trying very hard, and it still beat CNN in March.

Now the big question is whether modern cable news must be overtly biased to attract viewers. It doesn't. The underlying problem with CNN is its safe programming. Instead of competing directly against FOX by broadcasting the type of show that's proven most in demand at any given time slot, it always picks the alternative format, ceding the high ground.

As if I have any experience programming a news channel, allow me to confidently propose a new lineup for CNN that will undoubtedly propel it into a strong second place. (To overtake FOX, the newly third-place network would have to find talent to replace Dobbs.)

This proposed lineup would significantly improve flow from one show to the next, improving lead-ins between shows, while also giving CNN a chance at fighting for No. 1 in a couple time slots instead of No. 2.

5 p.m.
Lou Dobbs
Strong personalities are effective at 5 p.m. Although the fiercely independent Dobbs won't be strong enough to beat FOX's Glenn Beck, he will depress Beck's numbers enough to deflate the significant lead-in that Fox uses to drive its entire evening. Plus, he'll beat Matthews, which evidence shows isn't the type of show that attracts big audiences in this time slot.
(On MSNBC: Chris Matthews | On Fox: Glenn Beck)

6 p.m.
Wolf Blitzer
Washington coverage works at 6 p.m. But CNN again hedged its bet by putting the indomitable Blitzer on for two straight hours. By slimming down to one hour, Blitzer will force viewers to pick his more experienced Washington coverage over the competition instead of tuning in whenever they want. If it weren't for Dobbs reliably losing to Beck, then Blitzer would win this time slot. Blitzer is even better positioned to win at 6 p.m. because MSNBC's latest addition, The Ed Show, is a non-factor in the ratings, leaving more viewers up for grabs.
(On MSNBC: Ed Schultz | On Fox: Bret Baier)

7 p.m.
Anderson Cooper
The winning formula for this time slot for years now has been Shepard Smith's straightforward but lively news summary. It's the type of thing Anderson Cooper is known for and would have a serious chance at beating Smith. Matthews will continue as an also-ran in this time slot, since it literally is a repeat.
(On MSNBC: Chris Matthews Repeat | On Fox: Shepard Smith)

8 p.m.
Campbell Brown & Soledad O'Brien
What the competing networks have realized is you need a big personality at 8 p.m. The opening for CNN is that both FOX and MSNBC have picked uber-male personalities. The testosterone infused anchors entrenched on competing channels means pairing Brown and undervalued O'Brien offers the straight news complement the channel has been aiming for (but missing) while also drawing out the strong personalities that made both these women a success. Both Brown and O'Brien are Today show alums and have proven they are effective when bouncing the issues off a counterpart. It brings out the best in both of them.
(On MSNBC: Keith Olbermann | On Fox: Bill O'Reilly)

9 p.m.
Larry King
If the network continues to believe in Larry King's interview format, then it must believe all he needs is a stronger lead-in to beat the competition. When King lands the right guests, his numbers do well. So promoting those guests on earlier CNN primetime shows with better ratings might be enough to beat Maddow.
(On MSNBC: Rachel Maddow | On Fox: Sean Hannity)

10 p.m.
Nancy Grace
She is an undeniable powerhouse who does a powerful version of what VanSusteren does. Moving her to this channel, to this time slot, will scare the bejesus out of VanSusteren, who would probably lose.
(On MSNBC: Keith Olbermann Repeat | On Fox: Greta VanSusteren)