MSNBC Reups Olbermann through 2012
Countdown host renegotiates deal with network to stay on through 2012 election.
By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/10/2008 7:58:00 AM
MSNBC has renegotiated its deal with Countdown host Keith Olbermann, an agreement that will keep him on the network through the 2012 presidential election.
The network inked a four-year deal with Olbermann in 2007 that would have kept him on the network through 2011.
Olbermann will continue to host Countdown as part of the new agreement and will also “play a prominent role in MSNBC's coverage of all major news events,” according to the network. He will also continue to serve as co-host of NBC’s Football Night in America studio show.
"I'm delighted that we can continue to lock Countdown into the nation's political dialogue through at least the next election," said Olbermann in a statement. "Personally, I noticed that as of about six weeks ago, I'd been doing this show longer than I did SportsCenter, so it's delightful to have a true home."
Olbermann, along with Air America and Rachel Maddow Show host Rachel Maddow, have become the primetime faces of MSNBC, giving new ratings life of late to a network that had struggled to find its voice. While the network still lags behind Fox news and CNN in total viewers, it has been making strides in the younger 1834 and 18-49 demos, as well as in the 25-54 demo the news networks covet.
"Keith Olbermann is at the core of MSNBC's current success," said MSNBC president Phil Griffin, announcing the deal. "Countdown is our signature program and I'm thrilled that we're going to be able to bring it to Keith's loyal viewers for another four year term."
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I think that Olbermann should stop knocking other networks and other talkshows. He is very childish. Just stick to news etc instead of constanly talking very negtively about O'/reilly and Bush. Olbermann does not hold a candle to Joe Scarborough who is a repuhlican, but does not constantly speak ill of the democrats. He is truly fair and balanced.
shirley stern - 1/18/2009 9:27:07 AM EST -
Here is one way to boost Olbermanns ratings. Have Ben Afleck do more KO spoofs on SNL. Then pray that MSNBC left leaning views won't kill it like the Air America debocale. And kudos to Olbermann, for riding on Obamas coat tail to gain another 4 year contract. Couldn't have done it without him.
Sly Fox - 11/11/2008 6:33:00 AM EST -
Chris Matthews already has said on-air that it's his "job" to see that the Obama administration is a success. But doing a good job as a journalist also means speaking truth to power regardless of where it resides on the political axis. Will Keith hold Obama to his promises, or will he be a toady, which is what Matthews sounded like the other day?
That question needn't be asked to Rachel Maddow; she's a natural informed skeptic who has deep knowledge of the issues and doesn't just parrot the left-leaning blogs.
Now we'll really see what Olbermann is all about. Watch his ratings compared to Rachel's lead-out hour; my bet's on Rachel to outpace K.O. in very short order, unless Olbermann suddenly transforms himself into something other than a clever showman with a lefty shtick. Some original reporting would help.
Adam Smith - 11/10/2008 5:01:00 PM EST -
I've become a devoted fan of Rachel Maddow so I hope she will also re-up.
Paul - 11/10/2008 2:25:00 PM EST
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