UPDATE 9:11pm 11/07/2010: Olbermann returning to Countdown.
I assume FOX employees are scratching their heads.
In light of the financial cannon fodder now deemed permissible under Citizens United, this seems patently wrong-headed. Perhaps MSNBC has some sort of end game in mind for this; Maybe they are trying to throw a light on donations from the pundit class in general to force disclosure from the FOX gang. More likely, however, MSNBC is just covering their ass following a relatively small contractual violation.
From Bloomberg:
"I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night," Phil Griffin, President of MSNBC said today in an e-mail. "Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely and without pay."
He failed to disclose to MSNBC personal donations. Okay, he violated one of his contractual obligations. The violation itself is a key Constitutionally protected activity. This isn't some embarrassment to his corporate masters with hookers and coke or racist/sexist pejoratives.
"Olbermann contributed the maximum $2,400 to three Democrats. Arizona Representatives Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords received payments on Oct. 28, the day Grijalva appeared on “Countdown with Keith Olbermann,” the network’s most- watched show. Olbermann also donated to U.S. Senate candidate Jack Conway of Kentucky, who lost to Republican Rand Paul."
This must be stopped. Olbermann, was the one true journalist left. I wonder how much has Joe Scarborough donated to his republician buddies. We need to fight this every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteI know Keith is probably an egotistical pain in the ass, but, he is highly intelligent and basically a decent person. His scathing commentaries and willingness to expose the evil greed and corruption of the GOP and their corporate overlords are one of the few outlets progressives and people who genuinely care about our... country have. We NEED HIS voice in these times more than ever. No substitute will do.
ReplyDeleteAs of today I am boycotting Countdown and will not watch until he is reinstated. I would urge all of Keith's loyal viewers to make the same commitment and make their voices heard. Money and ratings are the only thing the honchos at MSNBC care about so lets hit them where it hurts the most.
Bring Keith Back!
ReplyDeleteWhile you are at it - no one should be fired for supporting a candidate privately. It is everyone's constitutional right to do so.
I will watch Rachel- but only pre-recorded so her ratings don't slip. But other than that - I am Boycotting MSNBC.
Please fix the date under the heading "Olbermann Suspended From MSNBC" - It says Oct. 6, we're into November now.
ReplyDeletei will not watch msnbc until keith returns
ReplyDeleteThis is highly disgusting,i just do not knwow what to say, evil people get away with evil things while the good guys suffer.I am boycotting countdown without keith.
ReplyDeleteThe date under the header was incorrect. Perhaps I was pining for the days before the recent election.
ReplyDeleteI will watch Rachel and Lawrence and wait for the return of Keith. If that is not the case, I will have to find alternative viewing, that never will include Faux and Friends.
ReplyDeleteWhile it is everyone's constitutional right to give money supporting political candidates, it is not a right to keep any particular job.
ReplyDeleteIt is totally appropriate for news organizations to have a classic view of impartial journalism, as much as it is out of vogue right now.
That said, it is unclear to me why msnbc should feel the need to present Olbermann as any kind of impartial journalist when his show is clearly an opinion show. Maybe they are old school like that.
As for drawing a comparison with what Fox employees might or might not do, I think it is a bad idea to hold Olbermann and msnbc to such low standards.