Posted on 11/07/2010 11:29:49 AM PST by My Favorite Headache
Politico’s Mike Allen added another layer of speculation to Keith Olbermann’s sudden and indefinite suspension on Friday: Olbermann was suspended for refusing to apologize on air. From Playbook:
Network sources tell Playbook that Keith Olbermann was suspended because he refused to deliver an on-camera mea culpa, which would have allowed him to continue anchoring “Countdown.” Olbermann told his bosses he didn’t know he was barred from making campaign contributions, although he is resisting saying that publicly. Olbermann may not hold as many cards as he thinks. He makes $7 million a year and MSNBC’s prime time is not as dependent on him as it was before the addition of Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell, who make considerably less.
MSNBC’s ratings certainly back up the last line about Olbermann not holding as many cards as he thinks, something Steve Krakauer pointed out on Friday: “Rachel Maddow is getting better ratings than Olbermann in the key A25-54 demographic, and Lawrence O’Donnell isn’t far behind. Olbermann is no longer the center of the strategy either – as the network has unveiled a vibrant, massive new campaign “Lean Forward” which focuses on half a dozen members of the MSNBC talent pool.”
As for whether a public apology would solved all of Olbermann’s problems at the network? History suggests otherwise. Back in 2008 David Shuster apologized on air for his “pimped out” remarks and still faced a two week suspension. So perhaps the likelier scenario is that Olbermann was offered a reduced suspension for an on air apology and turned it down. That said, Olbermann is no David Shuster and his absence on the network, despite any inner strife at MSNBC is huge.
Can somebody explain the difference to me between indefinite suspension without pay and getting fired?
The worst person of the year...
Only likeminded haters watch that sick and sorry cable channel.
Shocking that it pays those anti-Americans that much money to spew lies and hatred.
He was suspended for blocking me on Twitter last month.
The Biggest Shite-head of the Decade ...
An agent.
Looks like an opening for Grayson.
I haven't seen Shuster in a couple years. Wonder what happened to him. Olbermann is like their O'Reilly, but given the poor ratings, they should just move Red Ed to 8PM and have Lawrence O'Donnell's show at 6PM and then re-run it at 10 (Hardball is on at 5, but also gets re-run at 7). Problem solved.
And that powerhouse team gets a whopping 1% of the American viewing public every night.
Olbermann is no longer the center of the strategy either – as the network has unveiled a vibrant, massive new campaign “Lean Forward” which focuses on half a dozen members of the MSNBC talent pool.”
Oh yeah, that campaign sure is reeling in the viewers. I hear people talking about it all the time. Constantly. In fact, it's getting annoying with people talking about nothing else anymore but that "Lean Forward" campaign...(?)
If someone apologies on MSNBC, does anybody see it?
The whole channel is a 24-7 Democrat campaign ad.
Donating a few grand to candidates isn’t really a big deal in comparison
I only called him the usually objectionable Yiddish word for the male reproductive organ.
It probably has something to do with using his status to tie him up for a while so that he can't get another job and capitalize on his sudden notoriety and buzz.
They can have some Lib Drama and demand his return. Just trying to atract attention to his failed miserable show.
That's one RICH capitalist RAT.
I vaguely remember something about a boiled carrot.
I guess he didn't read the bill contract.
Why are they not complaining also about the wages these people are receiving? Keith Oggerman is not worth that kind of money< nobody employed at NBC is worth that money.
I suppose the union is involved, OK maybe pay him 125 grand, I say he is not worth 40 grand.
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