Keith Olbermann: Fired By MSNBC!
Keith Olbermann, one of the best known cable news personalities on either side of the political spectrum, was abruptly fired yesterday by MSNBC.
Olbermann, in the middle of a four-year $30 million deal set to last until 2012, announced on last night's edition of Countdown that it was his last.
The dismissal is said to be at least indirectly related to Comcast's acquiring of NBC and the parent company's distaste for his defiance and attitude.
Here's Olberman signing off for the final time last night ...
Sources said network brass basically paid the pundit to scram by working out an agreement in which he would get lost and continue to be paid.
He will have to stay off the air at least until fall as a result.
MSNBC issued a vague, unemotional statement saying it ended its contract with Olbermann, who hosted the top rated show on the network.
The statement read in part, "MSNBC thanks Keith for his integral role in MSNBC's success and we wish him well in his future endeavors." Nice.
Olbermann was suspended briefly a few months ago in light of some political donations the host made, but no one saw this swift exit coming.
Executives have said tensions between Olbermann and the network, which were palpable to begin with, have been running high since then.
Neither side has offered a formal explanation, but the network said 10 p.m. host Lawrence O'Donnell would move into Keith's slot Monday.
What do you think of the move? Is MSNBC crazy for bidding happy trails to such a high-rated host? Good riddance or good luck to Keith?
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May 11th, 2012 1:10 PM
YES YES YES!!!! This guy is a piece of work. I love how people like him and even Rachel Maddow never have the other side to counter their arguments...NEVER. They bash people like Bill Oreily and Sean Hannity but at least they have guests that they can honestly debate with rather then rip their opposition to shreds. I am an independent but have come to despise the far left for their arrogance and hatred.
August 10th, 2011 6:47 PM
ko is an idiot, he has no idea what the truth is, but the true american will make sure he does know. The only poroblem is he could not care less!!!!!!!
August 2nd, 2011 9:41 AM
I just read a few of the responses regarding Keith. I wasn't surprised that a number of you expressed in expletive filled rants both in support and non support of Mr. O. However, while this is an emotional issue for many of us who love Keith, let's remember that this is what Keith was all about ....passionate debate about life's essential issues of libety, free speech and care for our fellow humans.
While Keith will be missed, his legacy lives on in us and in his many proteges and idealogical teamates such as Rachel, Ed, Chris and now Rev Al. This is evidence that MSNBC is not totally capitulating to the Right's sound machine. But it is evidence that MSNBC has made a calulated decision to mute one of the great progressive voices of our generation. As such, and while still have great affection for the network, MSNBC will reap what it has sewn. The only saving grace is that Fox still populated by a budet of mental idiots who still struggle with the journalistic form.
Keith has mov
April 1st, 2011 4:53 AM
keith o. was the best thing on msnbc. those guys were crazy for firing him. i no longer watch it. his show was the best ever. i truly miss it. can't wait to find out where he's going next. msnbc you suck, and i tell everyone i can so. i had all my friends and relatives watching an every last one of them were disappointed when he signed off, we could'nt beleive it. msnbc, you really f'ed up.
March 31st, 2011 11:07 PM
@Phil:
You would rather see: O'Rielly, Mr. Oxycontin and, Mr. Buzz Cut from Utah, can't think of his name, their so famous. Oh yeah! like that German beer? Beck, that's it.
Bottom line: None of the above, the last two being slackers, can hold the 'O' man's jock-strap, especially in the brains category.
March 18th, 2011 2:28 AM
They all should loose their jobs. Every one of those bastards are full of shit. Self serving, self righteous and totally corrupt : ) enjoy, SUCKAS
March 17th, 2011 11:55 PM
You Guys are fucking ass holes for firing him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 17th, 2011 8:32 PM
Glad such a hateful guy is gone, now I'll watch MSNBC again!
March 17th, 2011 11:45 AM
Couldn't have happened to a better rat ba$tard. Cya don't let the door hit ya on the way out you dirty, lying pathetic scum sucking parasite.
February 12th, 2011 11:19 AM
Keith sucked, no loss there. Wish they could get rid of more of these guys and move on with real reporting. Hope they find new people . No one person is worth $1000000 or more.