Is it possible that MSNBC does not realize that Keith Olbermann’s show is itself a political contribution? They don’t actually think it’s a news show, do they?
For the record, schadenfreude notwithstanding, I’m with Andy, Bill Kristol, K-Lo, Jonah, and others on this: Firing Olbermann for putting his money where his mouth is makes no sense and upholds no coherent journalistic standard.
Of course they don't realize that, it requires a grip on reality. Maddow herself says they are not a political operation...only FOX News is.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI work for GE (Parent of NBC and MSNBC) and what amazes me is that all (I assume that the media side has to as well) employees have to sign an integrity policy pledge annually called the Spirit & Intent. I frequently wonder how the news people can sign it with a straight face as I (and many other people I work with) believe that NBC and MSNBC are, in effect, a media arm of the DNC. It's hard to see why Olbermann, who is clearly in the opinion realm, is the first high profile casualty of that policy and not someone in the NBC organization.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseMr. May,
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseYour keen view is spot-on. Also, the whole MSNBC primetime lineup is a 're-gift.' Obama bailed-out the network to the tune of $325 Billion. So, in effect, Obama purchased his own opinion network, with OUR money *ahem.* Kind of like what Obama does with public sector unions--bails them out with OUR money so they can then gotv and contribute it right back to the Dems.