MSNBC works on a postwar lineup

The conflict in Iraq is still going full-steam and, according to Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, we’re closer to the start than the end. Even so, all-news cable channel MSNBC is starting to put in place a postwar lineup.

News and sports anchor Keith Olbermann, who briefly anchored two shows on MSNBC after leaving ESPN’s “Sportscenter” in 1997, is returning to the network with a nightly program that will run down the day’s top stories.

“Countdown With Keith Olbermann,” to air at 5 p.m. starting Monday, replaces Phil Donahue’s canceled show. Olbermann will follow “Hardball With Chris Matthews,” which will be slotted for 4 p.m. Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is also joining the evening lineup this spring.