MSNBC's Olbermann Seeks Big Raise
By J. Max Robins -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/17/2006 10:54:00 PM
Olbermann and MSNBC are knocking heads over a new contract. The controversial host of Countdown With Keith Olbermann is said to be seeking "north of $4 million" a year, according to an industry source, to re-up on his pact that comes due in April. That would represent roughly a four-fold increase over his current deal, believed to be in the $1 million-per-year range.
Olbermann is looking for such a big pay raise because Countdown has been on fire, playing a big part in the current audience uptick at the network. In the key 25-54 demo, its ratings are up 25% year-to-date and an astounding 75% so far in the fourth quarter.
But MSNBC brass may have their hands tied on how much they can pony up for Olbermann. MSNBC parent NBC Universal has mandated $750 million worth of budget cuts across all divisions, and this is hardly a politic time to hand out a gargantuan raise. Meanwhile, CNN may have interest.
Still, Olbermann likely wants to stay put. He has been given an incredible amount of creative freedom in this, his second tour of duty at the network. Famously, he left MSNBC at the end of 1998 after clashing with management over being pushed to endlessly cover the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky imbroglio.
An MSNBC spokesman acknowledged that talks were under way but declined to provide details. Both Olbermann and his agent Jean Sage declined comment.
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How dare he apologize for the 9/11 tribute at the Republican National Convention. I was so offended by him and his biased reporting. What was I watching the RNC or the Keith Oberman show? After that I changed the channel.
America is strong and we heal quickly but let us never forget the "non-partisan" loss and trauma our country experienced that fateful day. Let us not forget the victims, survivors and heros.
-and may Keith O. go back to local sports coverage, where his opinion may matter! :(
kate robbins - 9/10/2008 12:05:00 PM EDT -
Kieth Oberman would cut his own mother's throat if he thought it would help him advance his career!
dave palmer - 8/28/2008 10:19:00 PM EDT -
Dear MSNBC,
Clearly Mr. Olbermann needs help. My recommendation is to place him on unpaid furlough.
Rationale:
1) Run through recent shows and watch your commentator blink and stutter, "The worst person in the world."
2) This guy doesn't need a raise. He needs help.
Sp
Steph Post - 7/24/2008 10:29:00 AM EDT -
Your endless bashing of Billo is reducing your stature, and at the same time becoming boring, boring. Ignore the simpleton, and it will further mess up his mind. Do what you do best, and stop sniping at O'Reilly and other competitors. Seems obsessive and petty. Instead, work on getting Cheney and Bush impeached.
Wendell Shackelford - 11/8/2007 8:57:00 AM EST -
Keith Olbermann ROCKS! I love the Special Comments.
Jimmy Brown - 1/17/2007 10:36:00 AM EST
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