PrintNovember 8, 2010
Olbermann to return to the air on Tuesday
So it turned out to be a slap on the wrist anyway. Just as well. Olbermann gives conservative writers plenty of grist for the media maw and a world without Olbermann would be a world where there would be one less liberal clown to make fun of.
From Phil Griffin, MSNBC President:
After several days of deliberation and discussion, I have determined that suspending Keith through and including Monday night's program is an appropriate punishment for his violation of our policy. We look forward to having him back on the air Tuesday night.
The hypocrisy of NBC in this case notwithstanding, it appears that Olbermann's real transgression was that he wouldn't debase himself and make an on air apology.
According to Politico's Mike Allen:
Network sources tell Playbook that Keith Olbermann was suspended because he refused to deliver an on-camera mea culpa, which would have allowed him to continue anchoring "Countdown." Olbermann told his bosses he didn't know he was barred from making campaign contributions, although he is resisting saying that publicly. Olbermann may not hold as many cards as he thinks. He makes $7 million a year and MSNBC's prime time is not as dependent on him as it was before the addition of Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell, who make considerably less.While that last may be true, MSNBC's core audience of far left liberal loons would go ape if their Olby was dismissed entirely. As it is, they are positing conspiracy theories about evil Comcast trying to get rid of their hero. Griffin couldn't very well fire the public face of his own network, so Olbermann will continue to deliver his incoherent, hateful rants to his heart's content.
