BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended-He's Back

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 09:21 PM

I for one will miss Olbermann and hope that his suspension is only temporary.

It's true that he violated his contract by not asking for permission in advance for making a political donation. But I'll not be surprised if he's re-instated soon.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 10:09 PM

I just watched a list of blatant, direct fundraising examples by Fox and by Fox regulars Hannity, Palin, Huckabee, and others...often in the multi-thousands, and always soliciting OTHERS to send $$$$$.
Olbermann gave 2400 to 3 candidates at the last minute...without asking prior permission.

Can YOU say double-standard like some here?

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 10:29 PM

We watched a few minutes of Keith's show today, Some young corporate looking suit was at the desk. Had all the passion and delivery of one of those Honda robots.

He promised to talk about the suspension at the end of the show. We skipped to the end of the show.

I don't think Olbermann is coming back.

I'm starting to think there is some sort of money based Coup against non-right wing voices.

The Juan Williams thing, The Supreme Court decision, Google/Verison, The Stewart Rally, Stewart sucking up to Fox News, Comcast buying NBC, now this.

Am I paranoid or is someone out to buy my last vestige of freedom?

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Bobert
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 10:31 PM

Well, yeah, there is, Bill...

That's why almost all of the Congressfolk who have been caught in a motel doin' stuff that the preacherman said not to do are Repubs...

Ya' see, we have one set of rules fir Repubs and quite another for Dems... Vitters is still out there having a ball (pun intended) yet let a Dem sneeze and it's all over rightie blogs and FOX???

And as fir yer point about MSNBC telling the truth??? Yeah, they do and I have heard both Keith and Rachael come back and correct themselves over even minor misinformation... That is what "being educated" looks like...

(Oh, how elitist, Boberdz!!!)

Yeah, that's the problem here... No matter how it pisses off the righties here we progressives have bothered to learn economics, geography, history, poli-sci, etc. and so we'd rather have folks runnin' the show that know about that stuff, too... I mean, if that is elitist then count me in...

I know that all you righties here, including the ClintonDem GfinS, would burn up yer computer trying to find the best doctor in the country if you got cancer but when it comes to runnin' the government you don't really give a flyin' fig who the heck does it or waht they really understand about the real world in which we live???

Beam me up, Scotty... The dumb ain't never been prouder of it...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 11:31 PM

Now Bobert, That was another silly post. I'm not a Clinton/Dem, in fact, I'm not even a 'rightie'. It just seems that way to you, because when I correct the lame left talking points, to at least have SOME truth in it, you try to rationalize it, by accusing me of being a 'rightie'....btw..does the left liberal snot noses, do ANYTHING besides call people names, while waiting for their checks from the government???

Good Question!

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Amergin
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 11:41 PM

Seems to me they are/were just looking for an excuse and so they took the first that appeared.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 11:46 PM

"There's gambling at Rick's Place? I'm shocked, shocked, I tell you." --Casablanca

Hell, I'd be shocked if Olbermann didn't make those contributions. He put his money where his punditry is (was).

"Can YOU say double-standard like some here?

Bill D, I don't think double standard is the apt comparison, here. Each medium has its own rules, regulations, and standards which may or may not be the same as another outlet. This suspension is a double standard only if MSNBC is not internally consistent in meting out the same punishment for similar offenses within their own organization.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Genie
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 02:27 AM

I see.
So it's OK for Fox "journalists" to outright pimp and shill for Republican candidates 365 days a year but somehow an MSNBC commentator -- who doesn't claim to be a "fair and balanced," objective news reporter -- is behaving unethically?

Hey, if Olberman or anyone else (e.g., Juan Williams) violates the terms of their contract, it's fair to suspend or maybe even fire them. But let's not pretend Keith's conduct was somehow beyond the limits of ethics or fairness for a political commentator.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: GUEST,999
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 10:06 AM

People who are talking morality to do with this issue are simply discussing morals in a whore house. The employer made its position clear. The employee broke the rule. (At this point the right or wrong of an employer practice of that nature is NOT the point. It may be later if there is a wrongful dismissal suit.)

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 10:13 AM

At this point the right or wrong of an employer practice of that nature is NOT the point.

Surely the point that this is the point. A ban on an individual employee making a political donation is in itself subversive of the democratic process, as it would if any employer were to attempt to impose it.

This is not in any way analogous to a ban on a broadcaster making political comments on-air, which would be a perfectly proper ban.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: GUEST,999
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 10:16 AM

Nope, in big letters. I happen to agree that the employer shouldn`t have that right, but it was accepted by the employee. And that, sir, IS the issue.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 10:28 AM

It seems to me to be a clear signal of a change in the editorial direction of MSNBC. The Suits got to Stewart. They didn't get Olbermann. Olbermann is gone.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 10:31 AM

And evidently Fox News doesn't have such a policy.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Greg F.
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 11:25 AM

Fox "News"[sic] doesn't have ANY policies.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: GUEST,999
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 11:28 AM

Greg: great post. LOL.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 11:33 AM

An illegal requirement is still illegal even if an employee has signed up to it.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: GUEST,999
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 11:40 AM

Yeah, yeah. I`ll apologize for having an opinion different than yours when it`s shown to be illegal. Until then, we seem disagree.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 11:44 AM

>>An illegal requirement is still illegal even if an employee has signed up to it. <<

It may be illegal in Harlow. It is tested and standard practice in US media.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: MarkS
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 12:25 PM

Uh -oh. Turns out that Olbermann made his contribution to the Democrat Grijalva on October 28, right after Grijalva appeared on his show.

Has all the appearance of a quid-pro-quo, and shows that Olbermann is, lets be kind, foolish about it - but -

It is still none of MSNBC's buisness and Olbermann should not be suspended for making a voluntary contribution.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Greg F.
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 12:34 PM

Perhaps Olbermann made these donations in part because he thought the clause in his contract was ridiculous and wanted to bring it to general attention & was willing to risk/endure the suspension in order to do so??

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 12:53 PM

Reports say the contract says that he "should" disclose to the President of NBC, to prevent the "appearance of conflict of interest." If it goes to court I don't see how Keith would not win.

The appearance of conflict of interest horse ran out of the barn the first night Countdown aired and you can't fire someone for not doing something you said they "should" do.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Genie
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 01:06 PM

"Unless they are on the editorial pages, journalists are supposed to maintain an unbiased, apolitical stance so as to report without prejudice. Of course, that is the optimum and hardly ever happens any more"

Since when have Keith Olberman, Rachel Maddow, Ed Schultz, etc., been calling themselves "journalists?" They are commentators, just as are Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, etc. Only Keith, Rachel, Ed, etc. don't claim to be "fair and balanced." I think they are - or at least Rachel is - MORE fair and balanced than Hannity, Beck, O'Reilly, etc., but they don't claim to be objective, impartial news reporters.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Genie
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 01:11 PM

As I said above, the suspension is "fair" if Keith violated the terms of his contract.   It's those TERMS that I find ridiculous.
A political commentator is paid to openly espouse political philosophy and speak - nay, RANT - for and against politicians, legislation, etc. but barred from privately donating to political campaigns? What an absurd policy!!

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Stringsinger
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 02:15 PM

1. Olbernabb's model was Edward R. Murrow
2. Murrow brought down Joe McCarthy
3. Someone at MSNBC is afraid Keith will bring down the contemporary McCarthyites
    in Congress.
4. Wait until Issa starts his purge.
5. The alcoholic from Wisconsin has been revived.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 02:44 PM

Well, *I* am just waiting to see. I don't assume that this IS more than just a perfunctory suspension to uphold the rules, and I don't assume that anyone is 'out to get' him. They almost HAD to do something to be consistent with their own 'policy'. We can debate whether the rule made any sense, or was fair, but I assume Keith knew about it.
I DO assume that they have 9,437 emails by now demanding him back...and a dozen or so suggesting they sellout and get rid of ALL those nasty, pinko liberals.
I cannot see them dumping their more popular show over a minor breach of the rules...unless HE is making it an issue behind the scenes. I'd bet that Rachael had talked TO Keith and knows where things stand.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 02:56 PM

Carol said she say Rachel speak about it on her show. She was tepid in her support at best. I think he is gone. I hope I am wrong.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 05:08 PM

*shrug*...didn't sound tepid to me. She obviously would not rail too loudly against her own management on the air, or SHE might be gone. She made the point about how others have NO rules.

I have disagreed with MY bosses at times over the years, but while on the payroll, you do it their way.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 05:13 PM

I just watched it. She did turn it into an attack on Fox, but she seems to be going withe the pretext that she and Olbermann are journalists.....

Sigh....

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 09:41 PM

Just got this from where I signed the petition:

Within hours, you and 200,000 others signed the petition telling MSNBC to put Keith Olbermann back on the air.

Our petition was covered by The New York Times -- and Rachel Maddow said on her show that MSNBC was feeling the public outrage!

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Bobert
Date: 06 Nov 10 - 09:51 PM

Well, there are definitely two different sets of rules here between FOX and MSNBC which should be the/an issue...

On one side (FOX) anything goes... Heck Sarah Palin gave tens of thousands to folks and she works for FOX...

Seems that the left is being held to a much higher standard than the right???

Yeah, I know all the arguments... NBC has a contract with Keith and blah, blah, blah contract crap...

If NBC really believed, like FOX does, that having folks being able to really mix it up with the politicians then we wouldn't be having this discussion, would we???

B~

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 12:43 AM

I think the PR problem that MSNBC has is pretending that anyone thinks that Olbermann did NOT have a conflict of interest.

Even a woman I know who had Glenn Beck as a face book friend thinks they were idiots to suspend him for that.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 01:07 PM

I spoke to a friend of mine who used to be a reporter for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He specialized in covering the state legislature. He was laid off when the paper was forced to downsize a few years ago.

He said policies like this are common, and they were taken very seriously at the PP. He gave some examples. Two reporters were disciplined (suspended, not fired) because they bought tickets to, and attended, a Bruce Springsteen concert that was a fundraiser for John Kerry. Although they had paid cash for their tickets, and didn't identify themselves, it was thought they "could have been recognized." (Perhaps they were. I didn't catch how their transgression became known.)

My friend, jointly with his wife (who was not a newspaper employee), gave money to a Catholic organization that helped unwed mothers. The ethics committee "thought long and hard about it" before they finally OK'd it. They were concerned it "might be perceived as" an anti-abortion political donation. I should point out that St. Paul is more than half Catholic, and the Pioneer Press' editorial position is generally conservative, so they needn't have been concerned that an anti-abortion position would be unpopular.

I get the impression that my friend, although he no longer works as a reporter, has a deeply ingrained habit of being (or at least trying to appear) nonpartisan. Although I attempted to engage him in a discussion of Olbermann, MSNBC, and Fox News, he did not express an opinion one way or another on whether MSNBC had done the right thing.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Stringsinger
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 01:27 PM

Here's where the politics comes in. GE is MSNBC's parent company. They are a defense contractor. Olbermann, a couple of days ago, talked about his displeasure with the foreign policy of Iraq and Afghanistan. That's the 3 trillion pound gorilla in the room.

Notice that no one on main stream media is talking about the "wars". Not even on
Jon Stewart's interview with Obama.

Does that tell you something?

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 02:09 PM

BINGO! I believe you've got it, Stringsinger.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 02:43 PM

Having watched "Countdown" and Olberman, I think he was hoping for the suspension, because issues were raised and will be talked about. I'd think they'd find a way to get him back on his show, because I think it's hurting MSNBC more than Olberman.

I don't think he's ever tried to pretend to keep his beliefs out of his show, but I'm pretty sure he's not wrong when pointing out that "fair and balanced" is anything but, and Fox's million dollar donation to the Republican party (link is to a YouTube clip from Countdown) is a far cry from one guy donating a couple grand to a couple candidates.

He might have violated MSNBC's policy, but it seems more like that rule was an opportunity for Olberman to focus attention on the Fox donation.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 04:50 PM

That could be, Jeri....thus I wonder how it was that his name got publicly known on the matter so quickly. Did those 3 candidates call up and report him? Did he leak his own contributions to make that point? Is there someone with nothing to do but monitor contributors lists for 500 congress people?

I doubt those answers will be easy to get.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 10:39 PM

Well! How about that!

"Keith Olbermann's suspension from msnbc television for donating to three Democratic campaigns will end this coming Tuesday, NBC announced Sunday night."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40062578/ns/politics-decision_2010/

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Bobert
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 07:24 AM

Will be good to have Keith back...

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: Bill D
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 09:52 AM

Yep...everyone has made their point, and no doubt the NBC rules will be carefully explicated for the future.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 10:23 AM

Over 300,000 signatures on a Progressive Change Campaign Committee petition were delivered directly to the president of MSNBC. Keith twittered this:

Greetings From Exile! A quick, overwhelmed, stunned THANK YOU for support that feels like a global hug...

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended-He's Back
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 11:36 AM

>>Is there someone with nothing to do but monitor contributors lists for 500 congress people?<<

It was "politico" wasn't it? Its not the only thing they do, but it is a big part of it.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended-He's Back
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 11:37 AM

It will be interesting to see if his tone has changed.

Did the suits get to him?

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended-He's Back
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 12:19 PM

William Kristol supports Olbermann

Seems odd.


By the way would the people who keep changing the titles of the threads please have the good manners to identify themselves and explain why.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended-He's Back
From: Mrrzy
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 02:42 PM

I bet his first broadcast will be well worth watching!

Bully for them, though, bringing him back.

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann reinstated
From: Genie
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 04:15 PM

When an employee violates some part of the employer's code of conduct or some aspect of a work contract, it's not automatic or inevitable that s/he will be suspended or fired. Sometimes the only consequence is a reprimand. Often it's a fine or short-term suspension.
Even if Olberman's having donated a relatively small $ amount (in the context of national politics and well-paid public figures) to some political candidates violated his MSNBC contract, I'd say any suspension beyond a day or two is overkill.

Anyway, Olberman fans quickly circulated a petition online and got over 300,000 signatures in just a day or two, and MSNBC promptly reinstated Keith.   That makes sense, both in terms of the ethics of Olberman's actions and in terms of ratings.

And, oh, Mark S, MarkS, Olbermann donating to Grijalva's campaign right after Grijalva appeared on his show doesn't suggest a quid-pro-quo to me.   If your interview with a candidate convinces you to back that candidate, where's the quid pro quo?
And do you think political candidates have to be given any incentive to appear on radio or TV -- especially in a non-hostile venue -- other than just the chance to get the air time itself?

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended-He's Back
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 04:25 PM

Keith is back! And just in time for 'sweeps week,' too. Who woulda thunk it?

Bob

Subject: RE: BS: MSNBC Host Keith Olbermann suspended-He's
From: Stringsinger
Date: 08 Nov 10 - 05:40 PM

Keith Olbermann is not a shill for Dems. This is an unwarranted attack. He has been critical of the Democratic Party before and probably will be again. He has a strong point-of-view which many wishy-washy people today find uncomfortable. He is entitled to it and for the most part, I personally agree with it. He is a strong personality, which makes many who tend to want everyone to play nice, fuss about this. Edward R. Murrow had a strong personality which was responsible for bringing down the alcoholic senator from Wisconsin,
Joseph McCarthy. Murrow wasn't exactly popular at that time either.

Right now, the real shill for the Dems might possibly be our president unless he stops playing "nice" with the very Party that wants to bring him down.

I am thankful that Keith is outspoken and I think Jon Stewart is wrong, here.

Good night and good luck!