Olbermann and MSNBC…
Here’s MSNBC’s release on the Olbermann re-signing.
Olbermann Named Managing Editor of “Countdown” And Will Contribute To NBC Network News Programming
“Countdown” Up an Amazing 89% Over 2006
SECAUCUS, NJ – February 15, 2007 – MSNBC today announced that Keith Olbermann will be counting down the top stories of the day for four more years, continuing as host of his enormously popular nightly news program, “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” (8-9 p.m. ET). In addition, he will contribute to NBC Nightly News with occasional essays and will host two “Countdown” primetime specials each year on NBC. Since its launch in April, 2003, “Countdown” has grown its audience by 91%, making it one of the most watched programs on cable news.
“Keith Olbermann is a tremendous talent and a superb broadcaster,” said NBC News President Steve Capus. “He is an asset to NBC News and the timing of this announcement couldn’t be better given the momentum Keith’s program is enjoying right now.”
A compelling hour of nightly news, delivered with Olbermann’s particular wit and style, “Countdown” takes a fast paced look at the top five news stories of the day – from politics to pop culture and from the mainstream to the oddball. The program has enjoyed particular success in the past year, finishing the month of January with an average of 283,000 viewers in the adult demographic (25-54) and 715,000 total viewers, up +89% and +85% respectively, over a year ago.“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support for this newscast, both inside NBC, and among our remarkable viewers,” said Olbermann. “I’m delighted we can continue ‘Countdown,’ and continue to try to hold politicians and other newsmakers accountable for what they are doing, or not doing.”
Olbermann is the recipient of numerous distinguished awards in radio and television broadcasting, including the 1995 Cable Ace Award for Best Sportscaster, 11 Golden Mike Awards for excellence in television and radio, and four Sports Emmy Awards. Olbermann also received two Edward R. Murrow Awards, one for his coverage of the events of 9/11 and another for the anniversary coverage of 9/11.
In addition to his extensive broadcasting experience, Olbermann has written for dozens of publications, including The New York Times, USA Today, Newsweek, Time, Sports Illustrated and Playboy. His first book, “The Major League Coaches,” was published when he was 14. His latest book, “The Worst Person in the World,” is based on the popular segment within “Countdown with Keith Olbermann,” and another, based on his electrifying Countdown “Special Comments,” will be published next winter.
Phil Griffin is Senior Vice President, NBC News, and Executive-in-Charge of MSNBC. Dan Abrams is General Manager, MSNBC. Izzy Povich is Executive Producer of “Countdown with Keith Olbermann
“Since its launch in April, 2003, “Countdown” has grown its audience by 91%, making it one of the most watched programs on cable news.”
???????????
I suppose this is true, if all of the programming from FNC, CNN and HN are disregarded.
Comment by Missy — February 15, 2007 @ 10:40 am
Looks like NBC is getting serious about Keith.
Comment by berberry — February 15, 2007 @ 10:41 am
Missy… it’s all perspective. To be “most watched” you just have expand your horizons to accept all the shows. Out of 100 shows… as long as he’s in the 99 above last place… he’s not in last place… and for MSNBC that’s a good thing! For the rest of us, it’s crap… but for them, hooray!
As for moving KO to the nets… this is a bad idea. Currently the only competition/scrutiny is from FNC and the right-wing websites. On the nets… things are going to change. He won’t be able to be so over the top… or else he’s going to get called on it. Once he’s given an audience that hears his nonsense, there’s going to be trouble. Especially if he starts up with his Anti-O’Reilly babble. IMO, this is a bad business decision for everyone but KO.
Comment by ImNotBlue — February 15, 2007 @ 11:08 am
Well, good for KO, and here’s hoping he gets out of his slump. The ratings may have increased but the quality of the show has decreased, IMO. From its inception CD was “appt TV” but in the past year it’s “at my convenience TV” because he seems to have less interest in the show, focusing on gimmicks and pandering to a political niche. I think a lot of those new viewers will soon tire of the same routine and look elsewhere, too. Maybe the new contract will give him new blood. And would it kill him to bring back the news quiz?
Comment by Char — February 15, 2007 @ 11:19 am
He’s going to contribute essays to NBC Nightly News? Maybe Bill-O was right about them drifting left.
Comment by William — February 15, 2007 @ 11:34 am
Boo. Keith “Blabbermouth” sucks!
Comment by Dustin Jolley — February 15, 2007 @ 1:01 pm
Ha, ha, ha! I can’t stop laughing at this press release. “Enormously popular”? “One of the most watched programs on cable news” Compared to what? If one of the most watched means in the top 25, then I guess they’re accurate.
What a joke. Now they’re going to put his special-ed comments on NBC Nightly News. Brilliant.
Their journey to the dark side is now complete.
Comment by bigred — February 15, 2007 @ 1:13 pm
What will Mr. Olbermann do if a Democrat gets elected President and Bill O‘Reilly retires to the Caribbean? He is a one trick pony and that trick is tiresome and boring to most intelligent people.
Comment by Disgusted — February 15, 2007 @ 2:15 pm
I agree with bigred! When I read this absurd press release I almost choked on my lunch and then started laughing like crazy!! 283,000 viewers on an average! WOW!! Big time that is! I just don’t have enough time or patience to go into how slanted this release is but that figures as it’s talking about the infamous “journalist” KO and his Hour of Spin. Since he makes up 90% of the things he talks about why not make the whole “newscast” up.
Oh, and Disgusted is 100% correct. KO had better hope that the Dems don’t win and that Billo retires because his dwindling ratings (usually in 3rd or 4th each day) will be in the minus category!
Comment by Paul — February 15, 2007 @ 2:40 pm
This nitwit’s arrogance is going to go through the roof.
I can’t wait to see how real journalists react when they have to sit next to him and share real news stories!
It is pathetic. The hype for this Moonbat Hall of Famer is unbelievable.
And worst of all, Bill O. gave him the leg up.
Comment by cella — February 15, 2007 @ 3:30 pm
I firmly believe quality != quantity, but even by the ryder that people watch what least offends them its hard to imagine so many tuning in to O’Reilly and so few to Olbermann. Allegedly the country is firmly anti-Bush and by association anti-conservative.
Then why the audience drought for Olbermann?
There can be only one answer - he offends all and sundry
- QED.
Comment by Macjoubert — February 15, 2007 @ 4:08 pm
This nitwit’s arrogance is going to go through the roof.
I can’t wait to see how real journalists react when they have to sit next to him and share real news stories!
Comment by cella — February 15, 2007 @ 3:30 pm
“Real Journalists” huh Cella? Like thos right-wing shills on Faux News huh? lol…
Comment by Shaun — February 15, 2007 @ 4:36 pm
Mac, it’s because KO’s show is tedious. It’s the exact same crap every single night. If you’ve watched one show, you’ve seen them all.
O’Reilly doesn’t spend every night on the exact same subjects. Some shows he doesn’t do politics at all. And he brings on opposing viewpoints. Something KO refuses to do.
Plus, O’Reilly’s show can appeal to more than just conservatives because a lot of what he discusses are beyond politics. I think most people support his strong stance against sex predators.
It’s not an hour long hate-fest, like Olbermann’s show is.
Comment by bigred — February 15, 2007 @ 4:39 pm