Ventura, network talking

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura, a former talk-radio host who has had his own program while in office, is negotiating with MSNBC for a TV show after his term ends Jan. 6.

Ventura has met with MSNBC President Erik Sorenson over the last several months to discuss a general news talk show that includes a segment on media criticism, a source close to the discussions said on condition of anonymity.

MSNBC spokeswoman Paulette Song said, "We're always looking at potential options for programming but we have nothing to announce."

Since taking office in 1999, Minnesota's flamboyant governor has been a regular on cable television news.

MSNBC, a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC, is an all-news cable channel whose top-rated show is "Hardball" with Chris Matthews. Ventura has appeared often on the program, several times as Matthews' only guest.

Last year, Ventura was a football commentator for the failed XFL. He was an analyst on Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio broadcasts in 1989 and '90, and also spent a season doing Minnesota Vikings games on KFAN-AM Radio, in 1991. He hosted a talk show on KFAN from 1997 until he filed his candidacy for governor in 1998, and hosted a talk show on KSTP-AM from 1994 to 1996.

As governor, Ventura has settled scores and promoted his ideas on his "Lunch with the Governor" radio program broadcast each Friday on a statewide network. He plans to do just two more Friday shows, ending on Nov. 22, said his spokesman, John Wodele.

Ventura would not confirm the MSNBC meetings, Wodele said.