In what has to be the most stunning move in recent media history, MSNBC has suddenly suspended its only major star, Keith Olbermann for making financial contributions to three Democratic Party campaigns.Phil Griffin, president of the MSNBC, said he “became aware of Keith’s political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay.”
Whoa!!!
What is ironic is that Olbermann isn't financially capable of making a monetary contribution even remotely worth the value of his on-air shilling every night for progressive candidates. An endorsement from Keith was worth a fortune in motivating the Democratic base.
What's even more ironic is that MSNBC had no problem allowing the completely biased, partisan and fact-challenged Olbermann anchor their election night coverage. Keith Olbermann, Chris Matthews, Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O'Donnell and Ed Schultz turned the election night coverage into a joke, a pathetic frat boy party of snickering, mockery and revelry. There was literally not 30 seconds of journalism all Tuesday night from the crew who ran the coverage like it was an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 rather than a news event of historic proportions.
Phil Griffin himself should have been suspended without pay for allowing the once proud Peacock Network to fall to these lows.
It really makes me wonder why they would even bother to have a no financial political contribution policy.
6 comments:
Let me add that I don't believe Keith Olbermann should have been suspended.
He is no journalist. God knows he doesn't act like a journalist. He is a commentator, an op-ed guy. NBC needs different rules for this category of on-air talent.
FOX NEWS makes no such prohibitions against contributions and Sean Hannity, among others, has made several contributions.
MSNBC policies require employees to make the network aware of, and seek prior approval for, any political activity that could pose a conflict of interest. Its rules specifically mention campaign contributions as reportable activity.
Olbermann admitted he had contributed to three different Democratic candidates this election cycle, without said approval.
ANYONE in violation of business policy should suffer the consequences, otherwise why have any?
Well, I was shocked. Lee is more informed on this than I am. I mean as far as contractual terms that is. I just have to say it's ironic and sad that Keith is sacked right after he dropped the worse part of his show: the so-called 'Worse Person in the World' feature. That was insulting and embarrassing to watch, even for this Progressive.
two days... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/07/keith-olbermann-to-return_n_780141.html
Keith's back tonight.
I'm glad he's back. Even though I rarely watch him.
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