Olbermann suspension shows MSNBC hypocrisy

By Ethel C. Fenig

Are the executives of NBC finally beginning to realize that their extremely ratings challenged cable news outlet MSNBC is a drag on their earnings, a smear against their more reputable network news NBC?

Is that why they suspended t heir $7 million man, Mr Huffery and Puffery but couldn't blow the house down Keith Olbermann, for ostensibly donating the maximum amount permissible, $2400 per candidate, to three candidates in Tuesday's election in violation of

NBC News editorial staffers -- like journalists at most news organizations -- are forbidden from giving to political candidates. Also, Olbermann anchored election coverage Tuesday night without disclosing that he'd given to candidates who were running for office.

MSNBC's sudden attack of ethics is a bit suspect considering that Obermann's replacement on Friday night, Chris Hayes of the definitely partisan and leftist The Nation, has publicly mentioned he donated $250 to a friend's political campaign and

MSNBC already attracted criticism this week for having its liberal hosts and commentators anchor election night coverage. Typically, nonpartisan journalists anchor major news events-such as election results-while commentators like Bill O'Reilly (Fox News) or James Carville (CNN) offer analysis.

Of course Hayes--or even Rachel Maddow, MSNBC's other star lefty--don't have such lush contracts.

Hypocritically, Olbermann had previously ranted against

Fox News because its owner, Rupert Murdoch, gave $1 million donation to the Republican Governors Association. "Fox News has put its money where its mouth is," Olbermann said in an August segment that questioned the network's impartiality.

In October, Olbermann again raised the issue of Murdoch's donations, during an interview with Democratic Rep. James Clyburn. Olbermann asked whether there was "a legislative response to the idea that there is a national cable news outlet that goes beyond having a point of view and actually starts to shill for partisan causes and actually starts to donate to partisan groups of one party."

Meanwhile Fox News won the Tuesday night election coverage ratings battle.