Keith Olbermann Suspended Indefinitely by MSNBC

By PopEater / Wire Services Posted Nov 5th 2010 02:50PM

MSNBC has suspended prime-time host Keith Olbermann indefinitely without pay for contributing to the campaigns of three Democratic candidates this election season. Olbermann acknowledged to NBC that he donated $2,400 apiece to the campaigns of Kentucky Senate candidate Jack Conway and Arizona Reps. Raul Grivalva and Gabrielle Giffords.

NBC News prohibits its employees from working on, or donating to, political campaigns unless a special exception is granted by the news division president - effectively a ban. Olbermann's bosses did not find out about the donations until after they were made. The website Politico first reported the donations.

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

Olbermann was not immediately available for comment.

His "Countdown" show, which airs at 8 p.m. ET, is MSNBC's most popular program. His on-the-air transformation from the host of a straight news program to a liberal commentator led the network itself to go in the same direction, filling its prime-time lineup with left-leaning hosts and doing better in the ratings than anytime since its 1996 launch.

Olbermann was a co-anchor of MSNBC's election coverage this week. The network's performance drew some criticism, particularly with Chris Matthews' contentious interviews with Republican Reps. Michele Bachmann and Marsha Blackburn.

Chris Hayes will fill in for Olbermann on Friday's program, the network said.

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Comments

(115)

Friday 05 November

By rob

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haven't heard of him since sportscenter. He's still around? go figure

By jack

espn fired him nbc fired him now msnbc hes like a cancer infects every one he touches msnbc was a disgrace election night laughting at people they were interviewing even when the people was winners not losers like them i wonder if chris matthews still get goose bumps on his legs when obama speaks . they are so one way its disgusting they are suppose to b news casters what a joke they are

Saturday 06 November

By AF

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RIGHT ON JACK! RIGHT ON !!!

By Tom

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It doesn't seem like a big deal to me. Fox Network, for example, has no rules against anyone making political contributions. Some would argue Olbermann has a right to make personal contributions to anyone he wants. Did NBC submit to pressure from the right-wing members of management to oust Olbermann? Who knows. It just seems they're being a little picky in this instance. What possible difference does it make if he contributes a few thousand dollars to some political party? I'd say someone was able to railroad him.

By kitharris1

rules are rules tom. keith doesn't think he needs to play by them. his boss thinks he does. his boss wins.

By mrpell

Tom, I doubt you know what rules fox news has regarding political contributions by its employess. Secondly, right wing management at NBC? Are you on medication? The issue is that mr. arrogant, self righteous, pompous, know it all keith olberman violated the terms of his employment and that is why he was disciplined.

By Don Sherline

You're kidding, right? There are no right wing members in NBC/MSNBCs management.

By colin

I agree. Should a network have the right to not allow employees to contribute to campaigns?? I often like his show and I hope that he will return soon.

By Josh

If FOX NEWS followed those rules the entire network would be off the air!

By Sandy

I think this is appalling. Keith was the ONLY reason I watch your station. I'm thinking you just kicked your station in the face and your ratings in the toilet, which is where they now deserve to be.

By elainyg

I agree sandy. The right wing has O'Reily, Hannity, Beck, etc., feeding them lies and violence..Keith was the only one who refuted Fox's lies and told the truth. I enjoyed watching him but will probably start watching CNN from now on.

By george

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Good points Sandy, now get your ash in the kitchen and get my BEER! Bit*h.

By thecardinaltony

elainyg, just because you lean the way Mr. Olbermann does doesn't make him a truth teller... Both sides have their valid points and it is up to an INFORMED public to make their decision. Unfortunately, is sounds like you refuse to inform yourself.

By David

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You have to have people watching to have a rating. There are so few people that what his show that his rating is non-existant

By Dave

SOOOO LONG IT'S BEEN ta know ya, It'll be better when it's the door that they show ya.

By Eric

Good for you NBC, I might even start watching you now. I've had it with the, "Let's Protect President Obama and the Liberal Left," network and staff at ABC...

By eric

LMAO...this guy is the biggest douche on TV (or was the biggest douche) Good luck loud mouth. Maybe you can find an audience on some street corner somewhere.

By Steve

How terribly unfortunate. Keith is amazing at counter-balancing the idiocy, falsehoods and outrageous Republican Party talking points that IS FOX NEWS. I give Keith a lot of credit for putting his money where his mouth is. Keith is a true patriot. God bless you keith and we all hope to see you back in the saddle soon!!

By Bill

Yes, Keith's mouth is usually where the sun does not shine.

By AmendingAngel

So, the left has to follow the rules and the right can do whatever they please? We all know MSNBC leans left, why can't he donate to candidates? FOX, the entire network, donated 1 million to the Republicans. So, only the left is held to the highest standards? Apparently, integrity has a liberal bias. No surprise here.

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