Keith Olbermann abruptly departs MSNBC
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MSNBC announced Friday night that its marquee "Countdown" anchor and talk show host Keith Olbermann was out. The network did not provide a reason for his abrupt departure.
"MSNBC and Keith Olbermann have ended their contract. The last broadcast of "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" will be this evening. MSNBC thanks Keith for his integral role in MSNBC's success and we wish him well in his future endeavors," NBC Universal said in a statement.
Olbermann and his bosses have clashed in recent months. He was suspended in November for two days after revelations that he gave donations to a Democratic political candidate, which was a violation of the company's ethics policies for news employees.
-- Meg James
Photo of Olbermann by AP
Sad Day! The end of what was good!
Posted by: Ken Klatt | January 21, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Oh no!!! All three PMSNBC watchers are saddened!
Posted by: Palin2012 | January 21, 2011 at 07:19 PM
Why is this a surprise? Who has ever accused MSNBC of being well-managed? NBC, MSNBC, local NBC affiliates...they all have few stars, poor direction and lousy ratings and haven't a clue how to build long-term audiences. KO will be fine. He will be reborn somewhere else, but the network will continue to die the slow death its incompetent leaders so richly deserve.
Posted by: Jake | January 21, 2011 at 07:22 PM
Looks like MSMBC leaned too far forward...right on their face. Keith Olbermann was the best representative of fearless, forthright and honest reporting. Now what more 'Lock-up Raw'? Please...I'm going to be sick..
Posted by: Jan Corbett | January 21, 2011 at 07:22 PM
No loss! I'm glad he's gone. His smirking approach to giving very biased left wing news makes Fox seem like the most middle of the road station there is. Now if we can just get rid of Chris and Rachel, the world will be a much better place. I won't even comment on Schultz, since he is pure amateur hour personified.
Posted by: nag | January 21, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Wow...I wonder what direction this will take MSNBC. Comcast in...left wing agenda out. If they drift to the right I will turn it off. Everything Keith said is supported by 90% of the United States, including the President's agenda. We do not need any more conservative crap. The world is behind the administration's agenda and ashamed of Bush, Cheney and the rest. Keith just said what he felt and what most American's felt but were over shadowed by Conservative spin.
If Matthews and Maddow are next we are in trouble.
Posted by: Steven K | January 21, 2011 at 07:23 PM
It just may be just one of those things to move on in a new direction, perhaps to bigger and better things or just a place to begin anew with fresh starts. This may be the real reason and nothing more. This happens everyday in other professions as well. As long as Keith has an appeal and can wind up with a good job, so be it.
Posted by: yehudi | January 21, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Good, more Lockup.
Posted by: Diogenes | January 21, 2011 at 07:24 PM
I am done with MSNBC.....
Posted by: Gerold Templonuevo | January 21, 2011 at 07:27 PM
FORGET MSNBC. Already switched to CNN!
Posted by: Nadia | January 21, 2011 at 07:27 PM
Good riddens. He needs to replaced with someone that gives you the facts. There is a reason why MSNBC is dead last in the ratings. Let Keith go to MTV with Snookie and the other morons.
Posted by: Kevin | January 21, 2011 at 07:27 PM
I'm so upset this just made my bad day worse
Posted by: kathybalter | January 21, 2011 at 07:28 PM
I'll miss ya bro! I guess Maddow will have to do.
Posted by: walker | January 21, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Fire the person with the highest ratings? Nice! I know I'm done with them. Maybe when their ratings tank enough they'll realize their mistake. Too bad as it will likely be too late.
Posted by: Lois | January 21, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Let Nbc Universal know how upset you are about KO leaving
phil.griffin@nbcuni.com
jeremy.gaines@nbcuni.com
Posted by: Rick K | January 21, 2011 at 07:33 PM
You people need to get a life. Normal people do not watch this man, nor do they watch/listen to Beck, Bill O, Ed, or Limbaugh. All of these folks are nothing but flame throwers who get off on getting you angry and ready to do battle. They preach to the choir. Stop listening to these people and think for yourselves. What do you get out of watching these hate filled shows? Read a book, watch local news (where they don't scream and shout), go do something that makes this world a better place. These talking heads make millions by creating hostile people. Don't give them that power. Cable news is a disgrace.
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Posted by: Geoff Trapp | January 21, 2011 at 07:36 PM
A very conservative Comcast wanted nothing to do with Oberman. Good luck Keith. I'm sure you will land on your feet.
Posted by: olorinstaff | January 21, 2011 at 07:36 PM
MSNBC will regret this. Keith will be back, and it will be their loss.
Posted by: Joanna | January 21, 2011 at 07:37 PM
good. finally.
Posted by: diann | January 21, 2011 at 07:38 PM
No Olbermann, no hate. Nevermind, they still have Michael Maddow. That is a man isnt it?
Posted by: Kevin | January 21, 2011 at 07:41 PM
AS Keith said of Joe Leiberman last night: "don't let the delusional liar door hit you in the delusional liar butt on the way out."
Posted by: Sorker | January 21, 2011 at 07:41 PM
COUNTDOWN: 3, 2, 1, 0! Yeah!!!
Posted by: Sorker | January 21, 2011 at 07:44 PM
THIS IS ALL PART OF A VAST RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY...THEY HAVE ASSUMED CONTROL!!!
Posted by: Bob | January 21, 2011 at 07:45 PM
I thank the network for this step forward in decency.
Posted by: muhammed atta | January 21, 2011 at 07:45 PM