Olbermann on FBN: Update 2…
I had thought this story had played itself out. Alas, Marketwatch’s Jon Friedman sees things differently…
Keith Olbermann, the reigning star of MSNBC (GE), loves to try to get under Bill O’Reilly’s skin. On his “Countdown” show, Olbermann took a potshot at Fox’s new business-news operation. According to a transcript provided by MSNBC, Olbermann said Liz Claman, Neil Cavuto and Alexis Glick of Fox had all been ” dropped” by NBC and CNBC, a sister network to Olbermann’s MSNBC. Considering the ratings success of Cavuto on Fox News and of Claman while at CNBC, Olbermann is drawing on a weak hand. Glick, for her part, has emerged as one of the main anchors of the Fox Business Network.
OK, so Olbermann likes to pull on Fox’s cape. We get it. But as someone who fondly remembers his witty, inspired work on ESPN’s (DIS) “SportsCenter” shows, I wish Olbermann had loftier ambitions for his program.
Anyone expecting K.O. to have “loftier ambitions for his program” is deluding themselves…Olbermann still stews over Bill O’Reilly’s total dominance over him, even when half of “Countdown” are “Factor” clips….pathetic.
Comment by Nick D. — December 5, 2007 @ 10:18 am
Gee. MarketWatch is about to be owned by News Corp. — as FBN is currently. At least with Olbermann, he wears his bias on his sleeve.
Comment by Don — December 5, 2007 @ 11:22 am
What? Olbermann…Who? Nobody watches his stupid show…!
This Olbermann moron gets fired anywhere he goes…ha…ha…!
Comment by NewChallenger — December 5, 2007 @ 11:23 am
The NBC ship is sinking!
Comment by Shane — December 5, 2007 @ 11:47 am
I agree with #2…I’ve pointed this out before, but I don’t think Friedman should be writing any FBN vs. CNBC/GE articles.
Comment by Anonymous — December 5, 2007 @ 11:54 am
Gotta give another slapdown to Don. If he took the time to click on the link, right after he talked about Olby, this is what appeared.
” News Corp. (NWS), Fox’s parent, has agreed to acquire Dow Jones (DJ), which owns MarketWatch, the publisher of this column. “
Comment by Lurker — December 5, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
Did anyone think Olbermann crossed the line going after Lou Dobbs via his daughters yesterday just because they are into horse jumping (and that industry seems to employ many illegals). I don’t know, but it seemed a bit petty and personal.
Comment by Obama in 08! — December 5, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
Lurker, I don’t think it matters if he discloses that. He’s still going to be biased regardless (although at least the readers will know). What’s the point?
Obama — I didn’t see that little exchange, but if true, it’s typical Olbermann behaviour. Smash Lou Dobbs’ to death on the air if you want, but leave the family out. Geez.
Comment by Anonymous — December 5, 2007 @ 12:34 pm
The point is Don was spouting bs again and needed a smackdown.
Comment by Lurker — December 5, 2007 @ 12:41 pm
Lurker: I laud Friedman for being able to separate Olbermann’s sports work from what now passes as a serious news program.
And Don and Anonymous, I love how you guys are so certain that Friedman lacks integrity. If you have regularly read Friedman, you would know that he is basically left of center politically. I’m sure Jon would have written the same thing about KO if Marketwatch was still owned by CBS.
Comment by Ira — December 5, 2007 @ 4:25 pm
Ira, I’ve been reading Friedman for a number of years now so I’m well aware of his political leanings. I really don’t care what he wrote about KO, but I just think he shouldn’t be talking about anything FBN related considering he’s now part of the News Corp family, under the “financial news” umbrella (where Marketwatch and FBN would both reside).
Comment by Anonymous — December 5, 2007 @ 4:35 pm
K.O. is a total loser. He can’t keep the showing going on his own merits so he has to stoop to going after FBN and CNN. His audience is growing tired of the same of stuff every night. MSNBC brags about his much improved ratings. Yeah, when you’re in the basement and you climb up two steps, you’re still in the basement.
Comment by Bob — December 5, 2007 @ 4:44 pm
Blabberman ought to keep his mouth shut. He ventures into almost anything and finds himself opining with no original thought, but just taking potshots at anybody. If I have to listen to that nonsense, there are better venues like Howard Stern, Whoopi Goldberg, or any one of those Hollywood idiots. They are more entertaining, besides.
Comment by RGL — December 6, 2007 @ 8:31 am