The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Here's the announcement. And be forewarned: it's six minutes of Olbermann:
And here's a corroborating story from the NYDaily News. (And why do we need a corroborating story? Because, well, with Olbermann, you never really know....)
Liberal TV talkmeister Keith Olbermann was bounced from his job at MSNBC Friday night, a few weeks after he was suspended by the cable network for making political donations.
MSNBC confirmed Olbermann was leaving in a terse statement issued minutes after he announced his departure on the air during his "Countdown" show.
So, it's over. I guess. The terms of the exit apparently involve Olbermann's agreeing to stay off the air for a number of months. Which means that he's free to appear on CNN immediately.
The truth is, I'm actually sad about it. Not because I liked the guy, or agreed with him on anything. But to give the devil his due -- as it were -- Keith Olbermann is a classic and natural broadcaster. He really knew how to hold the screen, how to electrify the pixels. From a professional perspective, I have to give him major credit. The guy is a television star, and that's not nothing. Television without Olbermann is suddenly a lot less interesting.
And also: part of me always wanted to be named the "Worst Person in the World" by the furious and foaming Napoleon of MSNBC. And now I've missed my chance.
Keith Olbermann, you will be missed. At least until you get another show, on another network. (Roger Ailes, how diabolical are you?)
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Comments :
Jul '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Rob, you know you're the worst person in the world. I know you're the worst person in the world.
That should be good enough, you shameless publicity hound.
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Oh, he could hold the screen, all right. SO COULD HITLER! (Sorry; forgot the new tone.)
As for the "Worst Person in the World" bit, he got that from Bob & Ray. He's a fan, as am I. If I was locked in a cell with Olbermann, we'd have one thing in common to talk about. You always have one small thing in common with someone else.
Like, for example, not caring a whit about where he goes next.
Jul '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Perhaps Sajak will give him a second chance with a new career on a Ricochet Podcast.
Jul '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
James Lileks:
Like, for example, not caring a whit about where he goes next. · Jan 21 at 7:17pm
Well, Billy Mays left a gaping void in the infomercial universe...
Jul '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Our long national nightmare is over! Maybe ESPN will take him back.
Jun '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
He had other media outlets, besides the idiotic Youtube clips? Huh, I had no idea.
Jan '11
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Has whats-his-name been replaced at PBS yet?
Maybe 99 weeks of unemployment really is a good idea.
Edited on Jan 21, 2011 at 7:36pmSep '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Its ok Keith, Rush Limbaugh only has 200 times the audience that you do.
May '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Not THAT diabolical. Besides, KO was an employee of News Corp at one time. Those bridges have been burned. (Like most of the bridges he's been on.)
Oct '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
In the '80s I had the pleasure of working the Raiders and USC games... and Keith was the on air guy for the local KCBS station. Actually, in those days, Keith, who would never recognize or know who I was, was actually a nice guy. Always polite in the elevator, which was our closest association.
But now!!! I would scarcely know him from Jack the Ripper. He is simply a different creature. Pat Sajak, how can we ever forgive you.
Jul '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
I turned on MSNBC once, just to see what the fuss was about. There was a voice emanating from the box that curdled milk and spoke tonally of vast deformities of personality and conscience. I read the name, noticed the sneer, and as he built up for a snarktastic punch line, I switched back to the hockey game.
Nothing to see here.
Edited on Jan 22, 2011 at 1:06pmJul '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Jimmy Carter: Perhaps Sajak will give him a second chance with a new career on a Ricochet Podcast. · Jan 21 at 7:19pm
So it's true. You do hate us. You always have, haven't you. Admit it.
Jul '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Did his close-to-teary tribute to Tim Russert sound a little, um, twee?
Sort of like an actor thanking his "partner" during an award acceptance speech...
Jul '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Sisyphus
Jimmy Carter: Perhaps Sajak will give him a second chance with a new career on a Ricochet Podcast. · Jan 21 at 7:19pm
So it's true. You do hate us. You always have, haven't you. Admit it. · Jan 21 at 7:44pm
It's all Sajak's fault. Tell Sajak no new talent on Ricochet Podcasts.
Sep '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Olbermann always reminds me of a certain Kaos agent when he gets stemwound.
Edited on Jan 21, 2011 at 8:02pmMay '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Whither the Daily Caller? Is this the end for OlbyWatch? Truly, the blogging world has suffered a great loss today. But there is hope for another impotent, petulant buffoon to fill columns on slow news days. It is time to look ahead to the era of ... Alan Grayson.
Jan '11
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
The Lefties over at the DailyKos are dumbfounded and speculating on what the motive here is..thinking that the Comcast deal has something to do with it. My gut feeling is that his November suspension [for him making campaign contributions thus violating company policy] created an environment of tension with MSNBC executives. My guess would be that Obermann could not be mature about this situation and kept fighting with the decision-makers there.
In spite of what you think was a natural screen presence [he no doubt has this], I don't think he was a great broadcaster in the classical sense, like you also believe. I always though of him as a weasely teenaged punk who was in need of an butt kicking.
May '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Jimmy Carter
It's all Sajak's fault.
Being praised by a conservative is reason enough to be fired at MSNBC, I'm sure.
Maybe he's joining up with Bill Maher for some sort of Crossfire spinoff.
Dec '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Aaron Miller
Maybe he's joining up with Bill Maher for some sort of Crossfire spinoff.
I wouldn't be surprised. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up with a show on Comedy Central.
He'll probably still make a lot of money selling his schtick. But he won't be able to pretend he's a True Journalist anymore.
Oct '10
Re: The Olbermann Era is Over. And I'm Actually Sad
Maybe he can play the villain in the next Star Trek movie.