Keith Olbermann Suspension
As you may or may not have heard, Friday, Novermber 5,2010 MSNBC suspended Keith Olbermann (host of "Countdown") because he made political donations.
MSNBC President Phil Griffin said in a statement Friday: “I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay."
Olbermann made campaign contributions to two Arizona members of Congress and failed Kentucky Senate candidate Jack Conway ahead of Tuesday’s election.
Olbermann, who acknowledged the contributions in a statement to POLITICO, made the maximum legal donations of $2,400 apiece to Conway and to Arizona Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords.
In his statement to POLITICO, Olbermann said he wasn’t using his influence to solicit any donations for the candidates.
“I did not privately or publicly encourage anyone else to donate to these campaigns, nor to any others in this election or any previous ones, nor have I previously donated to any political campaign at any level,” Olbermann said.
Republican Joe Scarborough has also made political donations. But, oddly enough, he got a pass:
"Joe Scarborough, host of the "Morning Joe" talk show and the former evening newscast "Scarborough Country," $4,200 in March 2006 to Derrick Kitts, Republican candidate for the House from Oregon. A spokesperson for NBC, Jeremy Gaines, replied to questions sent to Scarborough. "Yes, he did make a donation to Derrick Kitts. Kitts is an old friend of Joe's. Joe hosts an opinion program and is not a news reporter."
Well, here's a most unnecessary newsflash: Neither is Keith! Keith Olbermann is the host of an opinion program - and he is most definitely not a news reporter!
Keith Olbermann is a voice for the liberals. He does not hide that, and his viewers appreciate that. I understand that one reason given for this suspension is because MSNBC has integrity and Fox doesn't. However- there is a HUGE difference between donating your private money on your own time and donating your private money, company money AND advocating on your show. I wonder if the soon to be merge of NBC and Comcast has anything to do with the silencing of Olbermann? I urge everyone to stand up for what is right and let NBC know this!
Call Phil Griffin's direct office number: 212-664-2456
Email Phil Griffin at: phil.griffin@nbcuni.com
And to reach Phil Griffin's boss: jeremy.gaines@msnbc.com
MSNBC should just ditch their "policy". At the very least tweak it a little. How about something like this:
"You may not use air time to promote any candidate, nor may you use air time to urge donations to a candidate. You may not interview candidates that you have donated to."