Countdown on NBC…
MSNBC’s release on Countdown’s airing this Sunday night on NBC before an NFL Football pre-season game….
MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann will bring his unique take on the day’s events, from politics to pop culture, to a primetime network audience this Sunday night. A special edition of “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” will air on Sunday, August 26th at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT on NBC, leading into the network’s “Sunday Night Football” pre-season NFL matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers, live at 8 p.m. ET. Olbermann is joining the network’s “Football Night in America” studio team this season. The special edition of “Countdown” will be broadcast live from MSNBC’s studios.
“Countdown’s” network debut comes on the heels of the program’s stellar performance this year. According to Nielsen Media Research, the program attracted 721,000 viewers in July, up an incredible 88% over July 2006. “Countdown” continues to be the number two cable news program at 8 p.m. ET, beating CNN by a 20% margin for the year.
“I’m delighted we’re getting a chance to show off in a bigger storefront window,” said Olbermann. “It’s much better than trying to take it door-to-door. I do advise new viewers to sit well back from their screens.”
Izzy Povich is Executive Producer, “Countdown with Keith Olbermann.” Dan Abrams is General Manager, MSNBC. Phil Griffin is Senior Vice President of NBC News and Executive in charge of MSNBC.
This didn’t really put a smile on my face; but it is a smart move by NBC/MSNBC. Leftward ho.
I’ve said for years that it would benefit both FNC and Fox broadcast to put a version of the Fox Report on local Fox affiliates. The only show FNC has on there is Fox News Sunday. The more cross-pollination, the better for all. And now NBC has the jump on them.
Comment by erljr — August 20, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
i like this move, for many reasons. I watch Olbermann every night and I love his show. I think that this will draw more people to Olbermann, and I think thats a good thing.
I also agree with erljr in that I think Fox should do the same, but they tried it with the pulse or whatever that show was called that didnt work on regular Fox..
Comment by Chris (My Two Sense) — August 20, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
Pretty funny to read MSNBC bragging about Olbermann getting 700,000 viewers when O’Reilly is pulling in 2 million.
Comment by Tiffany — August 20, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
^ I think the Pulse was on at 8 or 9pm ET though. With that said, I do think a Fox national newscast (at 6pm or 6:30pm ET) could work. Yet, I’m not sure what kind of numbers they could pull.
Comment by Terance — August 20, 2007 @ 2:52 pm
FOX should put an O’Reilly special on the affils at the same time… just to [borrowing a phrase from Chris Matthews] be a dick.
Comment by ImNotBlue — August 20, 2007 @ 3:06 pm
This just validates everything BOR has been saying about NBC. No one can deny it anymore. The folks at NBC have given a big hug and slop wet kiss to the most extreme far-left, Republican bashing hatemonger in TV.
Ko’s liberal propaganda and vile insults may bring in the DailyKos crowd. But it’s not going to appeal to the general public.
I can’t wait until the Fall, and we stop hearing out KO’s amazing ratings increases. His ratings peaked in Fall 2006, and have been stagnant since then. I’m looking forward to the comparisons of October 2006 vs October 2007. Let’s see what happens to his “stellar performance” in a few months.
Comment by TBDave — August 20, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
This will have to be a watered down KO..I can’t see NBC letting him do his one sided,Daily Kos inspired/Bush/O’Reilly bashing “news” type show on the main network.
Comment by mlong — August 20, 2007 @ 4:27 pm
Agreed #7, that seems to be the word on the left leaning blogs, that NBC will “water down” his act. Hillary must be thrilled, another supporter delivering her talking points on the major networks….depressing.
Comment by Obama in 08! — August 20, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
The special edition of “Countdown” will be broadcast live from MSNBC’s studios? that doesnt make any sence i thought he was part of the “Sunday Night Football team?” is keith not going to be at the stadiums with the other commentators?
Comment by don — August 20, 2007 @ 6:44 pm
Don, I think KO is doing updates, scores, etc. from the studio. He will have to tone down his left-wing rhetoric or risk alienating some football viewers.
Comment by Goldfish — August 20, 2007 @ 6:51 pm
All I can say is NBC has no shame. People can’t sit down for a football game without being hit with everything is Bush’s/Americas fault.
Comment by Alix — August 20, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
NBC has finally jumped the shark. Any semblance of credibility and objectivity is now gone. The Hillary 2008 propaganda ministry is now open for business!
Comment by spiffo — August 20, 2007 @ 7:21 pm
“keith not going to be at the stadiums with the other commentators”
What?..and take the chance he might confront someone who disagrees with him..no way he’ll stay safe in his little Countdown cocoon he’s made for himself.
Comment by mlong — August 20, 2007 @ 8:54 pm
This is MSNBC’s last shot. NBC is doing everything they can do to convince GE that the network shouldn’t fold. If all this cross promotion doesn’t work… or worse, backfires… I don’t think MSNBC will be able to keep its head about water for too much longer.
Comment by ImNotBlue — August 20, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
As long as its profitable, (It is) MSNBC will continue to hobble along.
Comment by jmkaib — August 20, 2007 @ 9:59 pm
ImNotBlue, yea they should put a Bill O’Reilly Special on all the fox networks then viewers can watch billo play triva with other fox news personality… that would be soo fun i would even record it, maby O’Reilly can make a body Movement program for all the affiliates other then watching the simpsons or family guy… you really got a good idea here is a cookie
Comment by don — August 21, 2007 @ 1:28 am
HAHAHA… Don… you’re hilarious! You should write for, like, Letterman or something.
Whatsamatter Don? You worried that if they actually put up an O’Reilly special, you’re buddy KO would get… KO’d. I’d think you’d be used to that by now. But perhaps you’re right… instead of playing the “Culture Quiz” they could play “Oddball”… or perhaps crown the “Worst Person in the World” for half an hour… that would be much more sophisticated.
PS
It’s “Body Language” not “Body Movement.” But that’s okay, I didn’t think you actually watched the show… just talked out your butt like the rest of the haters.
Comment by ImNotBlue — August 21, 2007 @ 2:29 am
naw i dont really care for keith’s politics
i mean wow keith olbermann will be on nbc big deal
who really cares? change the channel go outside, most everyone on this site hate bo or ko but why only because some moron’s cant reach for the remote..
Comment by Don — August 21, 2007 @ 2:50 am
For some reason I don’t see them watering down the show. “Countdown” is what it is, and I don’t think they will showcase a filtered version and then, technically, pull a bait and switch on those who check out the MSNBC 8pm version and get the full-on liberal perspective.
If they want to bring in some new viewers over to his show, then the only way to do it is to show them what they’ll see every night….not a “censored” Keith Olberman.
Personally I think that his show should stay off the NBC side that has Brian Williams and Tim Russert and stay on the cable side, but I suppose, as the saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Comment by FishOil — August 21, 2007 @ 6:23 am
There is no way NBC will allow “full metal” Countdown before a national football game. I remember when Joe was on after Keith, and after a special comment Keith tossed it to Joe. Joe was like a dear in the headlights, he could barely reply. Although I find those “tv” moments very enjoyable, I doubt the powers that be want to do that to a general audience. I would imagine Countdown will be light on “news” and heavy on Hillary, oddball, celebs, maybe even sports related story, but one thing is for sure, you will be seeing Countdown-lite.
Comment by Obama in 08! — August 21, 2007 @ 12:39 pm
I agree with Obama. There won’t be any special comments calling on Bush to resign.
As it’s on a Sunday, there shouldn’t be much breaking political news. He’ll probably do a roundup of the Sunday morning news shows, possibly a hurricane follow-up, a Vick story, maybe an NFL or fantasy football-themed preview, then Keeping Tabs, WPITW and celebrity stuff.
It’s a pretty good idea for NBC in a slot where no one would be watching anyway. Despite all of the attention KO gets on certain blogs, a lot of fans from his ESPN days probably aren’t even aware of “Countdown.”
I assume that the network exposure will probably result in higher-wattage guests than the usual Countdown contributors.
At his peak, I’m surprised that Fox never tried to take advantage of O’Reilly’s loyal audience by giving him a prime-time special. I suppose the demographics were too much to overcome given Fox’s reputation as the young network.
I thought that “Hannity’s America” had that kind of crossover potential, but it hasn’t gotten the ratings traction that I expected.
Comment by chalmers — August 21, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
what does this at all have to do with Bill O’Reilly?
this whole story has been people crying in their pillows
just Balling why Bill O’Reilly aint getting a primetime slot on fox…lol GIVE IT UP ALREADY
what would Bill O’Reilly offer us on a sunday maby he can host a show with a dunce cap on his head while doing the “Culture Quiz” his show is never live, what a joke that is.
people rather watch Billo other then new episodes of family guy and the simpsons and other good shows, we all want to hear how much billo hates libs wow.
Comment by don — August 21, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
don, it’s a little early to be drinking, no?
I have no idea what you were trying to say there… but instead of defending why you think such a strong partisan like Olbermann gets some prime-time network exposure (under the guise of a “news broadcast”) you go and attack O’Reilly.
Which isn’t really surprising, knowing that you’re a KO fan… he does the same thing… every night.
So let me ask you three simple questions, about the nonsense you posted:
1- What will Olbermann offer on Sunday, that his regular show doesn’t? If you think O’Reilly couldn’t offer anything different on a Sunday, why will KO be different?
2- Why is it important to you that O’Reilly show be live? What is the difference between a live show, and a “live to tape” show?
3- What the heck did your last sentence mean? What were you trying (but failing) to say?
PS
Nobody here is “Balling”… although I assume you mean “bawling,” and aren’t talking about basketball. Most of us aren’t surprised that O’Reilly doesn’t have a network spot… the networks aren’t really the place for ‘new analyasis/commentary’… We’re just wondering what and why NBC decided to take this chance with KO.
Comment by ImNotBlue — August 21, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
NBC decided to take this chance with KO because… THEY CAN :)
if your mad that Bill O’Reilly aint gonna be on tv for the night that keith is on, then go put on a taped O’Reilly Factor episode on the dvr or vcr and have a religious vigual to get your fix of Bill O’Reilly
ps. just because i comment on this subject it doesnt make me a Kieth Olbermann Fan. i watch keiths show and somtimes catch bills show when im just really tired, i could care less for these dorks polictics
Comment by don — August 21, 2007 @ 4:11 pm
Ah, so you’re just a troll… starting fights even when don’t actually believe in what you’re fighting about. Nice.
But again, who’s mad that Bill isn’t going to be on? Wonder where you got that idea… made it up?
Comment by ImNotBlue — August 21, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
instead of going to name calling and childish bs
I’m just saying if you dont want to watch keith on NBC
change the channel it aint a big deal
Comment by don — August 21, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
Ugh… don… here:
Troll: someone who intentionally posts messages about sensitive topics constructed to cause controversy in an online community such as an online discussion forum or USENET groups in order to bait users into responding.[1] They may also plant images and data on networks that others may find disturbing in order to cause confrontation.
Out of all your posts, the point you were trying to make was: “change the channel it aint a big deal.” Great… however, all that other stuff, was “trolling.”
Comment by ImNotBlue — August 21, 2007 @ 7:00 pm
don is a troll who isn’t very good at the English language.
Comment by erljr — August 21, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
#21, 22 - I wasn’t implying that Olbermann is going to do a “special comment”….that is, they won’t let him go that far. That being said, I don’t think we (those who will tune in) will see a muzzled Olbermann either. Again, it would be a bait and switch move to do fluff pieces, let’s say, and then have any new viewers tune in on Monday to his usual ideological rants. I’m sure it will be somewhat tempered, but I don’t think they are going to be ideologically neutral…Olbermann will stick to the liberal take on whatever he covers.
Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if he uses the show to promote a “special comment” on Monday, considering the leaks of the speech the President is going to give on Wednesday to the VFW. I’m sure he will have plenty to go off on if the President does indeed cite “the lessons learned” from our withdrawal from Vietnam as to why pulling out of Iraq is a bad idea. This would be prime meat for an Olbermann “special comment.”
Either way, it should be interesting to see how much latitude NBC gives the show to be what it is.
Comment by FishOil — August 22, 2007 @ 6:46 am
“…I wouldn’t be surprised if he uses the show to promote a “special comment” on Monday…” Comment by FishOil — August 22, 2007
Agreed FishOil, I think that IS the reason why Countdown will be on NBC, to promote it. As for another Bush “special comment” lets not forget Olbermann does have a “special comment” book due out this December.
Comment by Obama in 08! — August 22, 2007 @ 11:15 am