Perhaps the management of MS-NBC has finally seen the light, and understands that there is a very real market for progressive viewpoints on cable news channels. Keith Olbermann broke new ground with Countdown, and drew progressive political junkies away from the offerings of CNN and Fox. In the past year, Rachel Maddow’s star has been rising at MS-NBC, and her recent fill-ins for Olbermann gave rise to rumors that her stints were a test drive for possibly giving her a show of her own.

Well, it’s a done deal.

Starting in September, Rachel Maddow will have her own show, taking over Dan Abram’s slot after Countdown:

MSNBC is shaking up its prime-time programming lineup, removing the long-time host –- and one-time general manager of the network — Dan Abrams from his 9 p.m. program and replacing him with Rachel Maddow, who has emerged as a favored political commentator for the all-news cable channel.

The moves, which were confirmed by MSNBC executives Tuesday, are expected to be finalized by Wednesday, with Mr. Abrams’s last program on Thursday. After MSNBC’s extensive coverage of the two political conventions during the next two weeks, Ms. Maddow will begin her program on Sept. 8.

As a long time fan of Maddow’s, I think this programming decision by MS-NBC is fabulous, and I predict it’ll pay big ratings dividends for the network. It’ll also be great to have two strong, progressive voices back-to-back in prime time during the election season.

So, will Faux News let Alan Colmes off the leash now, and allow him to be a true liberal foil to right wing nutjob Sean Hannity? Don’t bet on it…