Keith Olbermann Suspended from MSNBC

CBS News ^ | 11/5/10 | Brian Montopoli

[FTJM]

Keith Olbermann has been suspended indefinitely without pay from MSNBC for making donations to three Democrats in violation of NBC's ethics policy.

"I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night," Phil Griffin, President of MSNBC, said in a statement. "Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay."

Olbermann, who does not hide his liberal views, has acknowledged donations of $2,400 each to Kentucky Senate candidate Jack Conway and Arizona Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords during this election cycle.

NBC's ethics policy generally bars political activity, including contributions, without the approval of the president of NBC News, Steve Capus, according to a 2007 story on MSNBC.com.

"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest," it says. "Such activities may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions. You should report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain prior approval of, the President of NBC News or his designee."

[angcat]

ETHICS????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[junta]

Kossacks in part are POed because he is the only commie waste case to break FOX’s stranglehold on the top 10.

[shorty_harris]

Never seen the guys show, but I thought he was an entertainer, like Opra Winfrey.

[airedale]

Of course they have standards. They are just different for conservatives, Republicans who bash other Republicans, Democrats in general and flaming liberal Democrats. One will be hung and just before death be taken down and drawn and quartered for the slightest offense even if manufactured to celebrated for their bold speaking truth to power even if it’s a lie.

In this case the crime was embarrassing the leadership of that part of the Democratic Party apparatus. Olbermann was so patently and consistently biased that making a contribution has the same effect as a drop of fresh water would have in the oceans of the world. But his contributing and their not doing anything would remove the torn fig leaf that they like use to claim they are objective from all their privates. My guess is that this was in part driven by a couple of the anchors on NBC who told the exec that it would damage their credibility (like they have any. They are Olbermann lite without the histrionics. Just as biased in their coverage just not as loud.)

[11th Commandment]

I agree with your comments. It is amazing that Keith Olbermann is being suspended because,"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest,"

REALLY? NBC believes that a show called "Count Down" and with a segment titled, "the worst person of the week", in which the host regularly calls people Jack Asses, can possible be anchored by an IMPARTIAL JOURNALSIT?

This suspension tells us more about NBC than is does Keith Olberman

[nj patriot]

Oh yeah, and his ratings are in the tank too. This is called greasing the skids buh bye!

But what about the children???