O'Donnell in talks for MSNBC show

NEW YORK, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Controversial comedian, talk-show host and author Rosie O'Donnell is in discussions to star in a new prime-time show on MSNBC, The New York Times said Monday.

O'Donnell left TV's "The View" before her contract was up last spring after a heated debate with conservative co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

It is possible O'Donnell might return to TV in MSNBC's 9 p.m. week-night slot, so she could compete against "Larry King Live" on CNN and "Hannity & Colmes" on Fox News, the Times said.

The time slot has been the recent home to two low-rated programs: "Live with Dan Abrams" and "Scarborough Country."

NBC executives, who wanted to remain anonymous, said O'Donnell's return to television is far from a done deal.

Still to be worked out are when her show might begin, what O'Donnell would be paid and whether she would also be seen on the NBC broadcast network, said the newspaper.

O'Donnell reportedly hinted at a possible new TV job at a book-signing on Sunday night in Miami.

A podcast on the Web site, lyingonthebeach.com, quoted O'Donnell as saying she would soon be competing against "the guy with the suspenders and the long, long face."