Keith Olbermann SUSPENDED From MSNBC Indefinitely Without Pay

[onehandle]

Source: Huffington Post

MSNBC has suspended star anchor Keith Olbermann following the news that he had donated to three Democratic candidates this election cycle. "I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay," MSNBC president Phil Griffin said in a statement.

Politico reported Friday that Olbermann had donated $2,400 each to Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, and to Kentucky Senate contender Jack Conway. While NBC News policy does not prohibit employees from donating to political candidates, it requires them to obtain prior approval from NBC News executives before doing so.

In a statement earlier Friday, Olbermann defended his donation, saying, "I did not privately or publicly encourage anyone else to donate to these campaigns nor to any others in this election or any previous ones, nor have I previously donated to any political campaign at any level."

Griffin's statement underscores that it was Olbermann's failure to obtain approval, and not the actual political donations, that prompted the suspension. The move is doubly significant in that it represents a major development in the relationship between Griffin and Olbermann, who once told the New Yorker, "Phil thinks he's my boss."

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/05/keith-olbermann-suspended_n_779586.html

---

Meanwhile, Fox News gives millions directly to Republcans, and Billions to them in free publicity.

[BallardWA]

1. Holy Cow!

Waiting to see how this plays out...

[leveymg]

61. Here's Phil Griffin's e-mail: [e-mail]

[mod mom]

thanks.

[Stellar]

393. please sign the petition to get Keith back

http://act.boldprogressives.org/sign/petition_olbermann/?akid=2630.143812._FvjZy&rd=1&source=e1-5mo&t=1

[pacalo]

448. Done just now -- thanks for posting it.

The petition should have an OP of its own so that more people will see it.

:hi:

[Liberalynn]

593. Signed it.

[Bluzmann57]

463. Done

With pleasure.

[Vidar]

467. Done. Thanks for posting it.

[la la]

486. thanks- already signed, and....

sent an email to msnbc---which was returned to me as denied....hmmmm

[MsPithy]

532. My email failed, also.

Probably filled their computer machine.

[lonestarnot]

516. Done! Those fuckers!

[Beartracks]

533. Is that the whole petition?

"Keith Olbermann made your network a success. If you want your viewers to keep tuning in to MSNBC, put Keith back on TV now!"

Is that the whole thing? Is something being delivered to MSNBC in some fashion?

------------------------------------------------

[avaistheone1]

536. Done

Unbelievable!

[South End Liberal]

577. Call the SPONSORS, the advertisers on MSNBC......

and let THEM know how unhappy you are with Keith's suspension. Hit them where it hurts -- the billfold.

By the way, you don't suppose that Comcast's deal to purchase NBC had anything at all to do with Keith's suspension?

Especially as Comcast in my area of Florida, over 2 years ago moved MSNBC to a higher tier (more expensive) cable package but left FOX and CNN on a lower tier package.

Seems Comcast does not like the viewpoints expressed on MSNBC, and Keith is the lead dog in that pack.

[meleleston]

490. Another number for MSNBC 212.664.3720 call multiple times and press 0

[Liberalynn]

594. Called, the operator cut me off and switched me to Voice Mail

[wordpix]

535. thanks from me, too - here's my letter

Dear Mr. Griffin:

I am shocked and saddened to learn you have suspended KO for donating to Democratic candidates. That is absurd. First, we all know that Keith has Democratic leanings, so it's no surprise that he would put his money where his mouth is. Second, I am a big KO fan who watches him nearly every night and never have I heard him ask viewers to give money to any candidate, so I disagree that he's violated some sacred trust with you, his employer, and me, his viewer. Third, Keith is a citizen of the US and as such, he has the right and freedom to donate to whomever he chooses within legal limits. Why should he have to ask "daddy" (a.k.a. you) for permission to donate to a certain candidate? I don't have to ask my employer for such permission, and I'm guessing very few people do.

By your reasoning, Keith should ask your permission to vote for certain candidates, too. It's outrageous. Please put Keith back where he belongs at MSNBC. He's glib, he's smart, he's great at interviewing, he gets the facts and he stands up for me and other progressives. I wouldn't be watching MSNBC as much as I do if it weren't for KO who enlightens, educates and entertains. BTW, my 85 year-old mother with Alzheimer's, who can't stand much TV, loves KO, too.

Sincerely,

[Liberalynn]

592. Just sent the e-mail thanks.

[BlueCaliDem]

235. Thanks! Shot off a less than friendly e-mail. I sure do hope

others will, too.

[Loge23]

265. Me too - copy Ed, Rachel, and Lawrence

I urged Rachel, Ed, and Lawrence to sit out until Keith is back - with back pay!
Concast(sic) is evil!

[AC_Mem]

308. Thanks - everyone please email

This is OUTRAGEOUS. It's perfectly okay to operate a political operation out of Faux, but Keith gives privately and he is suspended indefinitely? OMFG.

I'm PISSED.

Annette

[Bellcon10]

323. I wish we would strive to be better than them

[Fire1]

418. That horse has left the barn! n/t

[tavalon]

485. I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to say.

[No Elephants]

580. We do and we are.

[backwoodsbob]

315. just popped one off to Phil

told in no uncertain terms..KO comes back or I am done with them.

[mlevans]

326. Thanks for providing the email address.

I sent the following:

The decision to suspend Keith Olbermann over failing to ask permission to make political contributions is ludicrous. Such a policy treats MSNBC's very professional staff as though they were little children, having to "go ask mommy" to do something they have a perfect right to do legally. I cannot begin to imagine what you were thinking. Then again, perhaps you weren't.

As much as I enjoy and appreciate MSNBC programming, I will not be watching again until Mr. Olbermann is reinstated, with back pay and an apology.

I sincerely hope we can generate enough of a response that this dude has to take notice. Really let them know that this is unacceptable.

[tblue37]

411. He forgot to say, "Mother, May I?" nt

[ChiciB1]

341. Thanks For The Information! THIS Is What Is Going On In This Country AND

it's as easy as PIE! MSNBC, while it does have MORE well educated hosts and ones who are willing to speak out about the LIES of FAUX NEWS, the bottom line is this...THEY ARE STILL BIG CORPORATIST!

Be afraid, be very afraid, that is what PROGRESSIVE means, and GOD FORBID, NEVER say you're to the LEFT or MORE LIBERAL! Then you can expect to get MORE shit thrown at you!

I say, it's TIME that Democrats and people who agree with the policies they stand for, or USED to stand for, had better start FIGHTING BACK NOW, or we can just KISS IT GOOD-BYE!

For us Boomers, we are seeing that people who don't have money OR access are getting ROLLED ROYALLY! I have been an activist for a very long time, not only for this country, but to ensure that my kids and their kids would still live in a Democracy! I just don't see WHY so many younger people are NOT paying attention... THEY WILL PAY THE PRICE. Besides, I don't want to have to support my kids at 40 years old, when they have no where else to go!

It just SICKENS me, but I talk to DEAF ears, and I've just about had more than I can TAKE!

[shireen]

362. thank you

I just sent off a polite email.

Suspending him without pay seems way too harsh a punishment.

[jtuck004]

427. Done. Thank You. n/t

[24601]

434. I sent him a note n/t

[ladym55]

502. Thanks!!

Cranky and pointed email has been sent!!! I appreciate you making the job easy for me.

[curiousdemo]

107. This is Bull Shit!!!

I nominally don't use that kind of language, but this man constitutional right are being violated by this bozo Griffin guy. I'm sending email right now. I'm sure Fox News is laughing their ass off. They gave over a million dollars to the Republican Party and not a whence form the media. This is insane! :kick:

[Bellcon10]

327. No they are not.

[kelly1mm]

453. What constitutional rights are being violated? Before you answer

you may wish to review the Juan Williams treads.

[SusanaMontana41]

567. If the Supremes can give corporations "free speech" rights,

maybe We the People should be afforded "free speech" rights, too?

[harvey007]

361. THIS IS WAR!

OK....I've had it....this is the last straw....

DO NOT sit idly by while a mega-corporation sh*ts on Keith Olbermann -- one of the greatest journalists and political commentators of our time.

His voice must not be silenced!

Keith Olbermann has a right to make a political donation to anyone he wants!

It's time to RISE UP, Democrats. STAND UP to this injustice!

THROW OFF THE SHACKLES OF YOUR CORPORATE MASTERS AND STOP BEING SLAVES!

:nuke:

[SkepticAll]

591. I hear you but what do you propose? Excuse me for being somewhat new......

.......here but really, what remedies are there other than on-line petitions, phone calls, and emails? What can we do that could really impress upon these people that what they did was a huge, huge mistake?

[meleleston]

488. call 212.664.3720 select 0 and tell them to bring Keith back.

[FirstLight]

2. that's bullshit

he is not a govt employee, the Hatch Act does not apply to him...
and how many of the FOX asshats probably laundered money to hand to the GOP??>?

bastards...

[brendan120678]

23. The Hatch Act doesn't apply, but...

journalistic integrity does.
NBC has a policy forbidding political donations to the politicians they cover.

[Iowa]

53. Pfft...

It's hilarious that anyone would even suggest there's such a thing as journalistic integrity in the U.S. corporate media, and that KO has somehow besmirched the industry's reputation. Journalism is a joke, and KO is simply a drop in the ocean. At least he's on the right side. I applaud him.

[curiousdemo]

127. Ditto:

Journalistic integrity my ass!!!! All the networks are controlled by corporate bandits. These bastards are at the bottom of the food chain when you're talking about Journalistic Integrity. Where's the modern day Teddy Roosevelt?

[clayton72]

284. Policy

I thought it was just their policy that one of their reporters had to obtain permission prior to giving any money to a political candidate, not that donations were forbidden. Keith forgot to say "Please".

[DebJ]

309. How can they legally have the right to stop an employee from

making a political contribution? How can it be legal that they must approve, or even know about it?

[Bellcon10]

330. They can't legally stop him, but they also don't have to employ him

[PavePusher]

479. I can't see this being a legal reason to fire someone.

Be interesting to see if that restriction held up in court.

[musicblind]

582. I'm pretty sure it's not a legal reason to fire someone n/t

[tavalon]

496. Don't blow your wad this early. It's only been a week and a half

That said, this policy (and I do expect you to go find the policy and post it here. It's one of the expectations we have of DUers) was not applied across the board, therefore, unless they reinstate him and even if they reinstate him, he has a very strong legal case and they are going to pay millions in reparations. While wiping egg of their face.

[Bellcon10]

596. I don't know if they applied it across the board or not

and I really don't care. The argument people seem to be making is that his rights are being violated. They are not.

[wordpix]

537. this is allegedly a "free" country - I don't get why KO would need permission from "daddy" to donate

I understand journalistic integrity - OTOH, KO does not pretend to be a moderate or a moderator of extremist views. He's a progressive Dem and why shouldn't he donate to those he outwardly shows affinity for?

[LawnLover]

303. Not according to the Huffington Post

It merely says they have to get prior approval.

He made three small donations. Big fucking deal.

[kelly1mm]

454. Actually, they were the maximum donation an individual can give directly

to candidates.

[avaistheone1]

539. Yet quite small in terms of the unlimited dollars a corporation can give.

Personal donation limited to $2400.

Corporation donation unlimited.

How freaking crazy is that? The corporations rule the country again. :grr:

[LawnLover]

568. Still small

What he gave was a barely a blip on the radar.

[awoke_in_2003]

426. When "reporters"...

regularly fellate Karl Rove on camera you see how real journalistic integrity is.

[pmorlan1]

447. That's not what I read

brendan120678...the post said:

While NBC News policy does not prohibit employees from donating to political candidates, it requires them to obtain prior approval from NBC News executives before doing so.

NBC evidently does NOT have a policy forbidding political donations.

[mbperrin]

459. No, they don't have such a policy. They require prior approval of

donations, an unconstitutional chilling of the right to support the political candidates of your choice. It's a type of prior restraint, never legal.

[Carolina]

469. Oh that's a laugh... when Jack Welch was

CEO of GE which owns NBC, it was just fine to be among the Bush glitterati and even have your network declare the 2000 election for Bush.

Journalistic integrity my ass, this is absurb

[sabrina 1]

477. Then it applies to almost all of them.

And you're wrong about their policy btw. Which is why he will be able to sue them.

Here is their policy:

"If a contribution, monetary or otherwise, to a candidate or group with a political or social agenda could create the appearance of a conflict of interest due to the employee’s responsibilities at MSNBC.com, the contribution must receive the prior approval of the section Executive Producer or Editor in Chief

No conflict of interest. Keith was hired BECAUSE of his views, he did not have to report them according to their own policy.

And where is the journalistic integrity in the U.S. media we are supposed to be protecting by singling out mostly progressive democrats?

I almost laughed at the words 'journalistic integrity' when applied to this country's media.

Keith is not a journalist.

[tavalon]

495. Then, they must apply it fairly

I have to get ready for work, but could someone on DU check on who else donated and how much and to whom. It's all on the FEC site.

[ArcticFox]

The question must relate to MSNBC

How many other MSNBC newscasters have donated to candidates? Were any donations made to Republicans? It's time to start doing our investigations and getting as much of MSNBC suspended without pay as possible.

The networks don't work in our best interest. We need to do what we can to take them down. Remember, just because MSNBC employed Olberman, or employs your favorite TV pundit, doesn't make them good. A wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf. MSNBC is still the propaganda arm of GE and spews propaganda for many other corporate interests. They are still the enemy.

Have there been any similar firings at Fox or CNN?

[dixiegrrrrl]

211. At FOX it is called tithing.

[valerief]

243. Bwahahahaha!!!!

:rofl:

[redwitch]

377. DUzy!

I give one to you. :-)

[SpankMe]

549. OMG that's funny!!!! n/t

[JDPriestly]

260. What about Joe Scarborough? It would be hard to believe that

he has not donated to the Republicans.

[Stellar]

304. It's in Jed's blog on Dkos

Here's how NBC explained Scarborough's donation to Kitts:

Joe Scarborough, host of the "Morning Joe" talk show and the evening newscast "Scarborough Country," $4,200 in March 2006 to Derrick Kitts, Republican candidate for the House from Oregon. ... A spokesperson for NBC, Jeremy Gaines, replied to questions sent to Scarborough. "Yes, he did make a donation to Derrick Kitts. Kitts is an old friend of Joe's. Joe hosts an opinion program and is not a news reporter."

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/11/5/917893/-Olbermann-suspended-by-MSNBC

Another blog by Jed on it...

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/11/5/917928/-Joe-Scarborough-did-the-exact-same-thing

[zeemike]

333. And how about Phil himself....did he donate?

And how about the corporation that owns them?

[zeemike]

334. And how about Phil himself....did he donate?

And how about the corporation that owns them?

[sweetapogee]

346. key words....

He owns

[zeemike]

355. He owns what?

The corporation?...he has more than 50% stock?

[sweetapogee]

396. he is

the individual that the stockholders have intrusted to run the corporation. He is, in effect the owner until such time as the stockholders remove him from the position, same as he has removed KO from his position.

I'm not saying it's right, all I'm saying is able to do this and feels that it is in the best interest of the corporation to do it. Botton line, KO f*cked up.

[mbperrin]

465. Nope, MSNBC has screwed the pooch. This is prior restraint, and

that is never legal.

I won't be watching MSNBC again until this is resolved to my satisfaction. I have several hundred students to ask the same.

[delete_bush]

492. Not prior restraint?

My limited knowledge of prior restraint is that it is a prohibition against GOVERNMENT.

Perhaps you or someone with a legal background (or you if you have a legal background) can correct me if I'm wrong.

[sweetapogee]

501. look here

I have reached the point in my life where I don't feel that I have to win every argument. Having said that, regardless of how we might feel about KO, the truth of the matter is he doesn't pull the ratings necessary to satisfy the advertisers on the network. Sorry if that offends and I wish it wasn't the case but that is the reality. Keith is under contract. Keith broke the contract. End of legal story.

[mbperrin]

556. I sure don't have to win every argument.

And I have a very expensive legal education in a little bit of employment law. I quit a managerial position in an oil service company 30 years ago to take a better one. The old company tried to enforce the no-compete clause in my contract. A year later and after paying many thousands of dollars in legal fees, they lost. I won. Not every contract is legally drawn, and those that aren't, are invalid.

That's all I've got. I have no knowledge of the ratings, and if you're right, they should just pull the plug over ratings, instead of some crazy nonsense like this. Thanks.

[zeemike]

522. No GE owns MSNBC.

And he is not at the top of the food chain....just a high paid lacky.
And he fucked up just like Phil Donahue fucked up....bieng strait with the truth and not showing proper respect for his masters.

[Dinger]

3. What About joe scar???

or (even though it's another network), faux?

[earthside]

43. That was my thought ....

... you're going to tell me that Scarborough hasn't made any campaign contributions in all the time he's been on MSNBC.

Really?

[Demstud]

149. Apparently, it's ok if you ask permission first

We don't know if the others asked permission or not, only that Keith didn't. Still, indefinite suspension without pay for an openly liberal opinion guy running a liberal show giving to a democrat is serious overkill. At worst I would think it would call for a warning about network policy and on air disclosure (which wouldn't bother anyone anyway).

[Roma]

69. It seems to be an NBC policy,

It seems that Fox doesn't follow NBC's rules.

[Sinti]

395. welcome to du :)

[tblue37]

415. I found this comment on an article on one of the sites linked in one of the Olbermann posts:

"This is a case where the policy is being manipulated to create an offense."

I'd say that is spot on.

[KamaAina]

113. Dead Intern contributed to a repuke candidate for the House in '06

while he still had the evening show "Scarborough Country" on BSNBC.

http://www.newsmeat.com/media_political_donations/Joe_Scarborough.php

Scarborough, Joe
Pensacola, FL 32503
MSNBC/Host Derrick Kitts (R)
House (OR District: 01)
FRIENDS OF DERRICK KITTS Lost $2,100
primary 03/31/06

Scarborough, Joe
Pensacola, FL 32503
MSNBC/Host Derrick Kitts (R)
House (OR District: 01)
FRIENDS OF DERRICK KITTS Lost $2,100
general 03/31/06

[renate]

147. nice catch! n/t

[RamboLiberal]

215. Scar has made contributions - but MSNBC excuses it

as Scar is not a journalist & his show is opinion. Oh really!

[icnorth]

404. They got it partly right,

this asshole is not a journalist he is an opioionist. :puke:

[avaistheone1]

540. That guy can get away with murder.

[OHdem10]

4. In other elections , Reporters made contributions.

Olberman does not pretend to be anything but a Liberal.
Most Americans would expect that he support Democrats.


Go back and check the last 3 Presidential Elections.

[Kookaburra]

5. They'll change their minds

He brings in way too many viewers for them to let him go.

[Mad_Dem_X]

153. I certainly hope so

We need to flood MSNBC with emails telling them to bring Keith back! He and Rachel Maddow are the only ones who keep me sane (politically, anyway).

[Lasher]

340. No they won't.

There are more lucrative sources of revenue. Ask yourself, what's Dan Rather doing these days?

[crazylikafox]

6. So when did Comcast take over NBC???

I was wondering how they would start taking MSNBC apart. Guess they didn't waist any time. This is truly F'd up. How can we find out how much all the right wing commentators and Networks gave? I don't believe Keith was the only one to do this.

[ShadowLiberal]

530. This is MSNBC screwing up MSNBC for Comcast

And you know that they screwed this up when even conservatives are saying MSNBC overreacted. I mean come on, not even MSNBC or their CEO will pretend Keith is an impartial report, he doesn't pretend to be, so nothing is lost.

According to politico this may have been motivated by the other news organization parts of the company, like NBC news, that strive to be impartial and worry about their credibility being harmed by MSNBC getting too liberal.

If MSNBC was smart they'd just embrace being the liberal network and air the kinds of stuff that liberals like in media/political discussions.

[IScreamSundays]

7. What about Limbaugh on Monday Night Football?? eom

[Bellcon10]

331. You do realize Monday night Football was not part of NBC right?

[dbonds]

8. Nothing on MSNBC's twitter about that.

But that would be very bad for MSNBC's business if they did that.

[dbonds]

25. Keith doesn't seem to know about it yet.

http://twitter.com/keitholbermann

[activa8tr]

122. Keith tweeted about it on HIS twitter. link...heree

http://twitter.com/KeithOlbermann

[dbonds]

135. No tweeting about it there.

The suspended reference was a reply in a question to if Worst Persons in the World was gone.

[activa8tr]

139. OH.... sorry, But really is it....

just a COINCIDENCE that he used the word "suspended" a few minutes ago?

[tblue37]

423. No, he didn't tweet about it. He tweeted about suspending his

"Worst Person in the World" segment.

[speppin]

264. OP says Keith defended his contributions so, he does know.

[GSLevel9]

9. is this the ONION? I can't believe it. nt

[pacalo]

10. What's wrong with that?!

:grr:

[Turborama]

11. That was sudden

Any other channels which he could go to?

[pattmarty]

62. FSTV, LINK and what's that liberal guy that owns a Texas basektball........

.......team? I think he runs a small cable network and I believe Rather works for him.

[KamaAina]

77. Nobody gets any of those channels

he might as well go on a 1000-watt AM station in Arkansas.

[pattmarty]

158. Ok then where? also smart ass, if you get Direct or Dish you get.........

........BOTH FSTV & LINK. Oh, maybe you'll hire him? The guy has a lot of fucking options.

[KamaAina]

168. Satellite isn't a great option for people living in cities

my apartment complex, for instance, has an entire set of rules about how the dish must be installed by a professional, blah blah blah.

It is a testament to the utter and overwhelming suckitude of Comcast that anyone at all has bothered to jump through all those hoops, as several have.

[pattmarty]

239. Uhm, okay?

[Turborama]

109. If he went on Al Jazeera English he'd get a global audience

I'd love that as I can't get MSNBC where I live and it would encourage more people in the US to watch AJ English.

[jtuck004]

162. I think he should make some presence there a condition of coming back.

Yours is a really good idea.

[sweetapogee]

342. dude...

He ain't coming back. For reasons unknown to us, MSNBC was looking for a reason to can KO and found one. eom

[jtuck004]

412. We will see... n/t

[tblue37]

425. They manipulated the policy to create an offense, as one comment

said on an article I read.

[pattmarty]

164. Yep, I didn't even think of that one. Isn't that guy that was at CNN...........

.........for years over there? I've watched it a few times and I liked it.

[DAMANgoldberg]

247. He has burned many bridges over the years...

Keith has worked for virtually every major media company in his 30 year career. He cannot go back to any unit of Fox or ABC/Disney/ESPN. He worked for CNN, that is a possibility, however, about six months too late, because if he was available when Campbell Brown exited, he would have been there in a heartbeat. With Parker|Spitzer there, Piers Morgan in January, and Anderson Cooper re-upped, no opening there, and I really do not see CNN replacing John King with Keith Olbermann, even though John Kings show is ratings challenged and the reason for being is now over. CBS options would be limited to Sports and their news division is essentially CNN lite.

TV options: CNN @ 7P, 11P, or 4P. HLN @ 10P (curr. repeat of Nancy Grace) for news.
Sports options: MLB Network, CBS Sports, Turner Sports.

Keith is getting Schusterized, because if they fire you, than you wait 6 months and appear somewhere else.

[JDPriestly]

266. Keith can go on the internet and make speeches.

Cable TV is a relic from the past already. There are just too many Cenks and Thom Hartmanns out there who make it on their own.

Keith is not married, has no children and probably earned a reasonable salary while at MSNBC. He does not strike me as the kind of guy who would spend every cent that came his way. He can probably do better outside the cable stable. He is quite an innovative, courageous guy. People like Keith do well no matter what.

[spin]

450. He would make a good replacement for Parker/Spitzer ...

CNN’s ratings plunged in October casting further doubt on their strategy to appeal to the middle of the political spectrum.

The only bright spot in the lineup was Anderson Cooper’s ‘AC360″ which was up +5% in Total Viewers and up +9% in the important A25-54 demographic at 10 PM, and up +26% in Total Viewers and +15% in the demo at 11 PM.

On the other had the much ballyhooed Parker Spitzer was off by 22% in viewers and 10% in the demographic compared to the Campbell Brown show which occupied the time slot last year. What’s even worse is that when the October 13 coverage of the rescue of the final Chilean miner is factored out the numbers change to 34% and 25% respectively.
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/29563

I've tried watching that program but it's just boring.

[24601]

436. He could float his resume to Juan, He may be looking for an

assistant. :sarcasm:

[MidwestTransplant]

12. FAUX GAVE $1M to the Republican Governors Association

[Turborama]

20. And their parent company donated $2.25 million to GOP-linked groups

Details: http://mediamatters.org/research/201011020054#2

[era veteran]

204. Re Media Matters

Thanks for this in a DC Metro station 10/29/'10



Keith & Rachel the 2 reasons I watch. I like the pompous blowhard Tweety too, a bit.

[femrap]

57. But Corporations are

'real' people and have all the free speech....there is none left for the 'little' people. And if a 'little' person tries to use that free speech for a progressive, well....they're be hell to pay.

Un fucking believable.

So MSNBC could give permission to someone who wanted to donate to a repugnant, but refuse someone who wanted to donate to a dem.

I fucking hate corporations.

[texastoast]

128. Hell and handbasket

if we don't get that Citizens United overturned.

[femrap]

445. This coming Tuesday, the SCOTUS

is going to hear a case about AT&T which could disallow CLASS ACTION SUITS!!!! I've seen nothing on DU about it. But this is as huge. The fine print of all the 'contracts' would say that arbitration is the way to settle disputes. This would cover such services as wireless, cable TV, phone, etc.

The 'little people' would have no recourse.

Farewelll to democracy and say hello to what is now not-so-friendly Fascism.

[kenfrequed]

336. Bingo.

MSNBC could theoretically give unlimited money to whatever candidates their management want but individual commentators cannot without crawling forward on bended knee?

Absurd.

[rug]

13. Keith Olbermann SUSPENDED From MSNBC Indefinitely Wit

Source: Hufington Post

MSNBC president Phil Griffin released the following statement Friday following the news that Keith Olbermann had donated to three Democratic candidates this election cycle:

I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/05/keith-olbermann-suspended_n_779586.html

---

That's the whole article.

[Dawson Leery]

14. Boycott?

[The Backlash Cometh]

124. What's there to boycott?

I already don't watch MSNBC, unless it was to watch an Olbermann show.

[Matariki]

287. Boycott Maddow's show? The only decent news on tv? No.

[newscott]

15. He's supposed to be a journalist.

[Lorien]

47. Like Limbaugh and Beck?

you can't be a journalist unless you're completely objective. I always saw his show as an entertainment/ news commentary program, not "news". Real news barely exists on cable TV.

[ChadwickHenryWard]

292. "Completely objective" does not exist.

Good journalists recognize and acknowledge their biases. Objectivity is a myth and it's dishonest to pretend otherwise.

[Misooks_cat]

528. Objective journalist is an oxymoron!

[daleanime]

566. Objective?

I'd settle for honestly and getting your facts right, you had that with Keith. Not so with too many other news cast.:banghead:

[Powdered Toast Man]

54. Um... No. He's not.

He's a commentator. Big difference.

[mzmolly]

106. He's an American first. The only breach was in his not getting prior permission.

"While NBC News policy does not prohibit employees from donating to political candidates, it requires them to obtain prior approval from NBC News executives before doing so."

[chimpymustgo]

299. MIght that have a "chilling effect"? Do they have to approve it? Do you have to tell them who

you're voting for?

I do think Keith may have owed it to his audience to disclose that he had contributed to Conway's campaign when he interviewed him. The audience, to me, is who is owed disclosure - not the effing BOSS.

[mzmolly]

318. Agreed.

But as even Bill Kristol pointed out, Keith's political opinions are no mystery. ;)

[tsuki]

385. Why?

[The Wielding Truth]

261. He doesn't run his program as journalism. He interprets the news.

He has a countdown and a worst person. That is opinion. What is MSNBC talking about, journalism???

[The Wielding Truth]

273. It is factual, but not just facts. So not truly journalism.

[kenfrequed]

350. He is a commenter

He is not a hard journalist, though I can understand where there might be some confusion since he puts out more facts per hour than Wolf Blitzer.

[WinkyDink]

372. No, he's a commentator, emphasis on "comment."

[Incitatus]

526. What is your point?

Journalists shouldn't be allowed to have their own political beliefs?

He didn't mention his donations on the air so what does it matter?

[yourout]

16. So has Beck or Hanity donated to anyone?

[Maine-ah]

18. they're not on msnbc, and it's their policy to clear donations first.

however, I think it's bullshit....

worst people in the world....

" While NBC News policy does not prohibit employees from donating to political candidates, it requires them to obtain prior approval from NBC News executives before doing so."

[Bgno64]

296. Yep

http://www.newsmeat.com/media_political_donations/Sean_Hannity.php

Hannity nearly $10,000 just this year.

[movonne]

17. This stinks...and it is alright for faux to donate millions of dollars but

he is not allowed to donate...what next..

[AlbertCat]

394. Mindful of NBC News policy and STANDARDS...

.... we decided to have no Keith.... like we have no standards.

[EFerrari]

19. 2010 Contributions from General Electric PAC

http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/lookup2.php?strID=C00024869&cycle=2010

Looks like Phil is going to have to suspend his own bosses.

[daylan b]

24. Knee jerk much?

Griffin's statement underscores that it was Olbermann's failure to obtain approval, and not the actual political donations, that prompted the suspension.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/05/keith-olbermann-suspended_n_779586.html

[Maine-ah]

30. and it also doesn't look all that good

that he made a donation the same day that one appeared on his show.

[newspeak]

203. why: that's when I would make a donation

after talking to the person and seeing what they're all about. Also, this rule by MSNBC where you have to gain approval can be used to influence certain employees to donate to certain people and parties--those the big boys want you to donate to. I mean by their rule, they can say that you are not approved to donate to candidate X or party Y because the network opposes them. The network could abuse the rule.

[EFerrari]

45. Well if Phil said so, it must be true.

:)

[barbtries]

48. that might be good for a talking to

firing him is bullshit. and yes i know it's just a suspension without pay for an indefinite period of time. i think olbermann's fans better make some noise though or he will not be back.

[daylan b]

52. Well they shouldn't have killed him.

Yes, I know it's just a suspension for an indefinite period of time.

[mzmolly]

209. That's a lame excuse.

eom

[Enthusiast]

432. Well fuck Griffin and whatever

excuse he used.

[stopbush]

50. I wonder if GEPAC asks their shareholders for permission

before they donate to political candidates.

[mod mom]

151. Thanks for posting this.

[proud2BlibKansan]

356. +1

[EFerrari]

373. The Comcast (new owners) contributions are even more interesting.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9491370

http://www.opensecrets.org/usearch/index.php?q=+Anschutz&searchButt.x=113&searchButt.y=12&searchButt=Submit&cx=010677907462955562473%3Anlldkv0jvam&cof=FORID%3A11#853

[proud2BlibKansan]

397. Anschutz is another rich right wing asshole from Kansas

:puke:

[alp227]

407. The GE PAC: 62% to Democrats, 38% to Republicans according to source n/t

[EFerrari]

541. Yep. Since I posted that, it's been reported that the majority Comcast

owner from Kansas is a huge Bush owner. Comcast recently bought GE out.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

21. Might this be the start of Olbermann's political career? -nt

[Blue_Tires]

104. Doubtful... NBC will almost certainly bring him back

after making him sit in the corner for a bit...

Of course, Olbermann could decide to leave, and who knows where he'll end up?

[glinda]

212. Do not be so certain. Conservatives trying to de-fund NPR as well.

They are coming for DU already. I can sense it.

[totodeinhere]

22. What about all of the money Faux News gave to the GOP? n/t

[GoCubsGo]

76. Faux News doesn't work for MSNBC

Keith allegedly broke a rule within his own workplace. Granted, it's a stupid rule.

[BonnieJW]

26. MSNBC suspends Olbermann after donation to Dems disclosed

Source: Raw Story

News network MSNBC has suspended host Keith Olbermann indefinitely after a news report stated he donated to the campaigns of three Democratic candidates.

Mediaite quotes MSNBC President Phil Griffin as saying, "I became aware of Keith’s political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay."

Politico reported Friday:

Olbermann, who acknowledged the contributions in a statement to POLITICO, made the maximum legal donations of $2,400 apiece to Conway and to Arizona Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords. He donated to the Arizona pair on Oct. 28 — the same day that Grijalva appeared as a guest on Olbermann’s “Countdown” show.

Grijalva, a prominent liberal who was just declared a winner in his race Thursday night, was in a tight contest against tea-party-backed candidate Ruth McClung when he appeared on "Countdown" — one of several appearances he made on the show.


Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2010/11/msnbc-suspends-olbermann/

---

Holy Crap!!!

[polichick]

27. One less place to get the truth. nt

[stopbush]

28. Can NBC legally require a person to seek their apporoval before making

a political donation?

Wouldn't that require the person disclosing their political leanings? Many people aren't as out there about being a liberal as is Keith. What about the assistant for some corporate fat-cat R at NBC who wishes to donate to a D candidate, but is afraid to because she'll need to inform her boss that she's not supporting Rs? She could fear for her job because her boss might not take to a non-R working for him.

I guess a privately held company can do whatever they want, and their employees just have to bow down and take it.

That said, I think KO might have a legit reason to go after them on this.

[MA Mom]

67. This is a really good question

And I am very interested to see how it all plays out.

My employer, a Wall Street firm (which I am not proud of, but I am just support staff, and I have to put food on my family somehow), requires that all employees obtain prior approval before making any political contributions, or volunteering on any political campaigns. Furthermore, we are only allowed to donate to candidates that we are eligible to vote for. For example, I am not able to give money to a Senate campaign in another state. I can only donate to my own candidates, and must disclose the recipient and the amount in order to obtain pre-approval prior to making any donation or volunteering my time.

How is this not a free speech violation?

The justification is that the Municipal Securities Regulatory Office need to put these rules in place so that firm employees cannot make donations in exchange for municipal securities business directed to the firm. However, if you look at the actual MSRO agency rules, they specifically state that only those employees who work specifically with municipal finance are subject to the rule, AND that it applies only to local municipal races. My firm has taken it upon itself to expand these rules to ALL employees regardless of function, and ALL races.

I would love to be able to fight with them about it, but I am sure we can all guess how that would turn out.

Thanks for listening.

[renate]

welcome to DU!

It must be frustrating to have to deal with your employer's attitude, but like you said, it's about food on your family. :)

So glad you're here! You can come and vent and be among friends. :hug:

[DebJ]

339. That is what is true in a world without unions. Screwing the

individual, the little guy....United Slaves of America. Time to revolt!

[dixiegrrrrl]

224. I hate stupid rules that are so easy to get around.

Obviously if you wanted to donate to a candidate, there is a way to give the money to someone to send to the candidate, and no one need be the wiser.
so what is the real point of a dumb rule like that?
besides the illusion of control and intimidation.

[JDPriestly]

283. It would be ironic if the Court found not only that corporations have the right to donate money

to candidates and support candidates (Citizens United) but also determined that the corporation has the right to control whether or not an employee exercises his or her First Amendment right by donating to candidates.

That obliterates our democracy and finally and definitely means that it is a corporatocracy.

[whopis01]

305. It isn't a free speech violation because it is not the government doing it.

I'm not saying that is a good thing - just the way the constitution and the laws work...

[tpsbmam]

366. Welcome to DU! That can't be legal but, as you say,

you have to put food on the table and fighting it isn't worth it. I can just see me waltzing into my boss' office and announcing that I'd like permission to give $50 to some incredibly progressive Democrat -- bet that'd go over really big. Sigh. How to discourage progressives & Democrats among the staff from donating to their preferred candidates. :grr:

But yeah, come vent here -- there's lots of that going around these days! :hi:

[stopbush]

371. Every business in the country could require that their employees ask permission

and get approval before making a political donation. Why restrict the practice to the mega-corporations? Why not let the mom & pa bakery require that the guy who sweeps the floor get approval before donating $10 online?

In other words, why not make it a requirement of employment in this country that employees give up all rights to confidentiality when it comes to their political beliefs? Why not let the employer have the right to approve YOUR VOTE? After all, your vote is a lot more valuable to a candidate than is any donation you might give him.

Why not allow your political choice to be grounds for termination if it doesn't line up with that of your employer?

[joeglow3]

237. Political donations are public record

You can look up anyone's contributions. Once discovered, they can most definately fire him if they want (i.e. Juan Williams).

[MessiahRp]

277. Juan Williams contributions didn't get him fired

His commentary did.

[BadgerKid]

I believe donations are generally an expression of free speech

although there are ethics issues concerning actual and perceived conflicts of interest.

Cynically speaking, having to disclose your political leanings to employers could signal to them they might need to consider a counter-contribution.

[Ter]

263. Yes, it's in the contract he signed

It may be wrong, but he agreed to it.

[stopbush]

368. People agree to contract clauses all the time and then fight them in court.

Things like non-compete clauses.

[Ter]

424. Then they are hypocrites

You sign something, that's it. At least that's the way it should be.

[JDPriestly]

274. Employers are private citizens. This could be an interesting lawsuit

in my opinion. If donating money to a political campaign is an expression of free speech. If corporations have the free speech right of humans, do corporations have the right to curtail the free speech rights of their non-lawyer employees beyond confidentiality agreements?

This is not an entirely new issue, but I'd like to see the arguments on both sides of this and watch how the Court would come down on the issue in the wake of Citizens United.

Could it be possible that a corporation could be found to have a First Amendment right not only to donate money but to control whether its employees could donate money?

Wow! That would set our democracy into a tailspin.

[LittleGirl]

324. That's it, isn't it?

A ruling on this is needed.
Can a corporation override your basic free speech right even in an employment contract?
That's still a form of slavery, isn't it?
That they own you and your right to free speech is rescinded as long as you are employed by them?


WTH?

[sweetapogee]

359. ok,

KO has a contract with NBC. KO broke the terms of that contract. NBC is exercising, for whatever reason, their rights under the contract they have with KO. KO therefore has no legal recourse.

May seem unfair but this is what KO agreeded to and he has no one to blame other than himself.

[jeff47]

500. Actually, there's still a problem here

Selective enforcement.

Their conservative commentators made donations, and are not facing a suspension. More to the point, the NBC ethics rules have never been enforced at MSNBC.

If MSNBC was applying this rule to all of their employees, or applying the ethics rules to all of their employees, then they'd be fine. But they're only applying the rule to one host.

Either the MSNBC exec backs down, or he pays a bunch of money to KO.

[wordpix]

543. KO should sue their asses, I agree

I'm no lawyer, though, so I don't know on what grounds.

[wordpix]

547. speaking of legal, how about KO's contract from 11/10/08 for four years?

snip: :shrug:

MSNBC VOTES FOR FOUR MORE YEARS OF KEITH OLBERMANN AND "COUNTDOWN"

NEW YORK - Nov. 10, 2008 - MSNBC has voted for four more years of Keith Olbermann and the top-rated "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," it was announced today by Phil Griffin, President, MSNBC. The new four-year agreement calls for Olbermann to continue as host of "Countdown;" additionally, Olbermann will play a prominent role in MSNBC's coverage of all major news events. He will also continue to co-host NBC's "Football Night in America" studio show.

"Keith Olbermann is at the core of MSNBC's current success," said Griffin. "'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."

"I'm delighted that we can continue to lock Countdown into the nation's political dialogue through at least the next election," said Olbermann. "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."


Read more: http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2008/11/olbermann-signs.html#ixzz14TAAmY7U

[toddwv]

29. He gave to DEMOCRATIC candidates.

There's your problem.

[daylan b]

31. Blatantly misleading title

"Griffin's statement underscores that it was Olbermann's failure to obtain approval, and not the actual political donations, that prompted the suspension."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/05/keith-olbermann-suspended_n_779586.html

[activa8tr]

108. Headlines and titles don't explain every detail, that's why there's a

detail like this for people who read.

Besides, who needs approval for something as trivial as $7200 in personal donations to 3 candidates' campaigns?

THAT is the REAL question, why that requirement has to be there.

[rainbow4321]

32. Screw MSNBC

I know that my TV won't be tuned into them til he is allowed back.

[daylan b]

37. MODERATORS - THAT TITLE IS BLATANTLY MISLEADING

And it's causing a bunch of people to jerk their knees so fast they don't realize they're running with false information.

He was suspended for not disclosing the contributions, not the contributions themselves.

edit:meant as reply to OP.

[peace13]

112. I believe it reads that he did not get permission to donate first.

Why yell anyway. Use the fricking alert and be done.

[Deep13]

115. Well, that's the official line, anyway.

Kind of like how Bill Clinton's impeachment wasn't about sex.

[napi21]

56. I'm not going to miss Rachel. I hope he gets things worked out with his bosses

and very FAST! Remmbe, they didn'tsay FIrED, they said SUSPENDED. At least that leaves a crack n the door.

[bleever]

33. That's just messed up.

The punishment is way out of proportion to the alleged policy violation of not obtaining network permission before making donations.

It looks like personality (Griffin's) trumping reasonable judgment.

[tridim]

34. I refuse to believe this is true.

It's not illegal or immoral for anyone to donate to candidates of your choice, AS LONG AS YOU FOLLOW THE RULES. Olbermann did.

[Zavulon]

460. No, he didn't.

The rules of his contract were violated by him, period. You can bet MSNBC wouldn't have suspended him without first making sure they were within their legal rights.

It isn't illegal or immoral to donate, no, but Olbermann signed a contract requiring him to clear it with his bosses before doing so if he wanted to keep in good standing with his employer. He failed to do so. The legality or morality of campaign contributions is not the issue here, contract law is - and that contract law just isn't on KO's side.

I hate seeing him get suspended too, but I loudly rail against athletes who think they should be allowed to renegotiate a signed contract after a good year but fail to offer to do so for less pay after a bad one, so I'm not going to excuse this just because I like the guy who was suspended. It's KO's fault for signing such a contract and then violating it.

If Fox had such a rule (they never would, but let's pretend they have scruples for a moment) and Hannity was in KO's situation now, Freetards would sound just like we do now, and not one of us would defend Hannity. I, for one, will not fall into the trap of excusing KO for something I'd never excuse Hannity for. That sort of "It's okay this time because it's our guy" shit is what Republicans do. We should be above it.

[monmouth]

35. Must have investigation starting with Phil, Joe Scar, Mika, Chuckie,

Tweets and Mrs. Greenspan for starters. MSNBC is off my list, Rachel will have to be on tape here at DU...

[wordpix]

542. +1

[From The Ashes]

36. This Ain't right!

We need to express our displeasure to MSNBC!

[Ian David]

38. Other donations from MSNBC, NewsCorp and Fox "News" employees

Search Criteria:
Donor occupation: MSNBC
Cycle(s) selected: All
28 records found in 0.046 seconds.
Total for this search: $18,590
http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=&state=&zip=&employ=MSNBC&cand=&all=Y&sort=N&capcode=gnsk8&submit=Submit

Search Criteria:
Donor occupation: NewsCorp
Cycle(s) selected: All
64 records found in 0.046 seconds.
Total for this search: $126,008
http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=&state=&zip=&employ=NewsCorp&cand=&all=Y&sort=N&capcode=tkpzn&submit=Submit


Search Criteria:
Donor occupation: Fox News
Cycle(s) selected: All
73 records found in 0.494 seconds.
Total for this search: $86,309
http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=&state=&zip=&employ=Fox+News&cand=&all=Y&sort=N&capcode=dsst3&submit=Submit

And also, where most people get their news...

Donor occupation: Comedy Central
Cycle(s) selected: All
66 records found in 0.653 seconds.
Total for this search: $55,375
http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.php?name=&state=&zip=&employ=Comedy+Central&cand=&all=Y&sort=N&capcode=hywvb&submit=Submit

[Lochloosa]

74. Kick

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x510460#510481

[Liberty Belle]

294. I tried your link and it shows ZERO donations for MSNBC employees. What gives?

Do you have a screenshot?

[Ian David]

39. See also: Keith Olbermann contributed to three Democrats

Keith Olbermann contributed to three Democrats
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4601853&mesg_id=4601853

[crazylikafox]

40. and FOX is a fully owned subsidiary of the Republican Party, while progressives take another hit

[Plucketeer]

41. Anyone know what It's like to live in Costa Rica?

I need a new country to move to.

[stopbush]

46. Ask Toby Flenderson.

[Duval]

169. WE're also thinking Costa Rica. Maybe

in a year or so, if we can stand it that long, we'll just get a huge motor cade either going North to Canada or South to Costa Rica. :D:toast:

[Moostache]

Actually, does anyone know how good border security is getting INTO Mexico?

I jest...I was only recently telling someone that the border fence was really being built like the Berlin Wall...to force Americans to stay here!

I am waiting to see if this country is actually dumb enough to elect Sarah Palin in 2012, but if and when that comes to pass, I will be looking to leave as well...fortunately I work for a French-owned company that runs labs in the United States, if I start looking now I may be able to secure an internal transfer to the Marcy or Paris facility by 2012...hmmm, socialized medicine....argggggghhhhhh <drool>... (I'm laughing on the outside, but I'm crying on the inside)...

[Loge23]

219. ...looking into it as well (eom)

[Plucketeer]

438. Lemmee know when to join up!

[lunasun]

538. you could check out the Tico Times = expat paper there

I was not that fond of CR but at the same time it was absolutely beautiful nature wise
I have been around the world even Africa /China and there was a lot of things about Costa Rica that I was not so fond of but much has probably changed in the 20 yrs since then but I am sure Tico Times is still around
didnt some landslide just hit them??

[LibDemAlways]

42. I figured when he suspended "Worst Persons" the other day that something

was not right between him the brass.

This is insane. Olbermann made those contributions as a private citizen. He never went on the air and publicized or referenced his donations.

No adult should have to get permission from his employer before making a campaign contribution.

I hope he has a good lawyer and that he's already put in the call.

[Bellcon10]

343. His lawyer can't do a thing.

[jeff47]

504. Actually, a lawyer can

These "rules" were not enforced uniformly across all employees. Indeed, MSNBC has always been treated as exempt to NBC's ethics rules. Using the rules to target a single employee isn't going to work well.

[wtmusic]

422. +1 nt

[redirish28]

44. This is crazy! And like NO OTHER HOSTS have made contributions?!

You can than G-Fucking-E for this moves.


Guess his special comments and looking out for the little guy REALLY pissed off Corporate Holders.



(sorry edit to fix GE)

[daylan b]

51. It's not your fault you think that, it's the OP's but...

...they pretty clearly state in the articles on the situation that he was suspended for failing to disclose contributions, not the contributions themselves.

[newspeak]

64. it's petty

don't forget it's MSNBC who takes out Phil Donahue. Donahue had guests on and spoke openly-questioning the motives to invade Iraq. I believe I read that the "bosses" demanded that he have a two to one fit on his show--that's like two neo-con hawks against one dissenting. They finally took Phil out and I wrote the station a nice letter--of course, I never received a response. Actually, I was somewhat surprised, after the like of O'llielly, hannity and other mouth breathers are allowed to vent what they want--they've had Buchanan and scarsborough-anyway, I was surprised that they allowed a KO to exist. I guess the mission was done-perpetual war-so they could be somewhat magnanimous.

[jkshaw]

49. That's it. Rachel is the only one we're

watching until Keith comes back.

With honors.

[bdamomma]

472. I am curious what Rachel will say about Keith tonite

such bs

[elleng]

55. HOLY SH*T!

[Justitia]

58. This is BULLSHIT. So did Pat Buchanan, that racist and Joe Scarbo.

David Shuster AND Keith? Phil Griffin is a GRADE A ASSHOLE.

[The Blue Flower]

59. Contact MSNBC

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10285339

[Hell Hath No Fury]

65. Just did --

Thanks for the info!

:hi:

[kestrel91316]

70. done

[LongTomH]

71. Thank You For the Link!!!

:yourock:

Now, does anyone have a link for KO, so we can send emails of support?

[LibDemAlways]

102. Either the mailbox filled to capacity really fast, or the

link is no longer active. I just got a delivery failure notice when I specifically chose "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" as my subject.

[FLyellowdog]

157. Thanks. Done! nt

[golddigger]

310. Done. Wrote the only show will be watching is Rachel.

Boycotting all other programing.

[Lasher]

364. I just hit the link to send them a two word message.

Fuck you.

I selected Countdown as the subject and I used my real name & email address.

Edit: Got the following email message

This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification.

Delivery to the following recipients failed.

[e-mail]

See, they don't give a flying fuck about what we think. We are powerless against them. We must go to the root of the problem. Expiration of every single one of the Bush tax cuts is a good start - but only a start - that we'll never see.

[Moostache]

60. I call on Maddow and O'Donnell to refuse to do a show until this is undone.

Just go on camera and sit there for an hour with tape over your mouths and a blindfold over your eyes.

If either of them do not make comment on this issue tonight and in full throat, I won't watch them any more either.

Looks like its on to internet outlets and Democracy Now! as my chief sources for news...

[defendandprotect]

175. Good idea ... we have corporate takeover of our government - Rand Paul's guy

HEAD STOMPING one lone female protester --

Presidents TORTURING hundreds of thousands of Muslims -- an illegal war in Iraq

based on lies -- but Phil Griffin this this is what he needs to pay attention to today!


Keith didn't get prior permission for his contributions?

How nuts is Phil Griffin?

[Freethinker65]

63. This might be good in a way...

if it opens digging and investigations into all networks', and their political talking heads', political contributions. Sure, right now the right wing bloggers will be gloating, but the MSM, especially FOX, need to be very careful because, as we all well know, KO isn't the only one. It seems pretty stupid of him to do it in the first place. Perhaps making the contributions and disclosing them to Politico, is the right way to get people talking about the effects of the SCOTUS CU decision (where most individual contributors must be named and have limits, but corporations can hide and make limitless donations to issues oriented front groups)? If nothing else, the FOX donations to the GOP will certainly be brought up and looked into again. That, in itself, is a good thing. KO will be back, if he wants to be.

[baldguy]

66. Will they fire Scarborough?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4601853#4602073

[Ian David]

68. Keith Olbermann Suspended from MSNBC Indefinitely - UPDATED

November 05, 2010 11:08 AM
Keith Olbermann Suspended from MSNBC Indefinitely - UPDATED
By karoli

Huffington Post is reporting that Keith Olbermann has been suspended from MSNBC for making three contributions to candidates for the 2010 cycle.

There appears to be some inconsistency in MSNBC's enforcement of their policy on political contributions, since Joe Scarborough donated $4,200 to Derrick Kitts (R) in 2006 and Pat Buchanan has made 5 political contributions between 2005-2008.

In fact, here's a list from 2007 of journalists who also contributed to political campaigns. MSNBC's comment about Scarborough's contributions?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19113455/#Scarborough

More:
http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/keith-olbermann-suspended-msnbc-indefinitel

[joeglow3]

225. That list got a few local media individuals canned here.

[Lasher]

348. Please elaborate.

Not being smartass, I want to know more.

[joeglow3]

569. Here was one

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19415989/

[Lasher]

573. Thank you.

[Chipper Chat]

72. I instinctively knew something was wrong with Keith last night.

He was grabbing his head like he had a headache and his tone and nuance was different.
I will stand with Keith - and hope all of DU will do the same.

[katty]

73. they suspend Keith O right after an election and keep Scarface?

hmmmmm.....sounds like the long knives are out for KO

[Seedersandleechers]

75. MSNBC

Currently still running Olbermann ads. Maybe that's a good sign! :thumbsup:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

78. WTF...so what if he donated ...this is a free country roght?!

[Bette Noir]

319. It was, until recently.

[Gman]

79. This will blow up in their faces

[katty]

117. I hope so - just sent them a letter

[MurrayDelph]

321. As did I

I threw in there that I owned stock in ComCast, and did not appreciate them throwing out their best asset just to prove that theirs is bigger.

[benlurkin]

80. OLBERMANN SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY

Source: Huffington Post

MSNBC has suspended star anchor Keith Olbermann following the news that he had donated to three Democratic candidates this election cycle.

"I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay," MSNBC president Phil Griffin said in a statement.


Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/05/keith-olbermann-suspended_n_779586.html

---

Just remember that David Schuster is also "suspended indefinitely, without pay", still.

[Justitia]

81. OMFG! Who do we call????? -eom

[gateley]

82. Holy Fuck! I just read about this not 3 seconds ago on DU -- and now this?

What's the rule?

[Zoeisright]

83. I am DONE with the MSM. Just DONE.

[tridim]

86. That's exactly what the GOP overlords want.

Congrats.

[rhett o rick]

392. Bullshit "Congrats". nm

[onecent]

84. And anchors on FAUX do not contribute to their political

parties????????????? WTF????

[BR_Parkway]

90. Everything on FAUX is a political donation

[gateley]

99. Boy - well said. nt

[glinda]

226. Faux is one big long political ad. Lies and all.

[otohara]

85. Meanwhile FOX Donates Millions

and those assholes are always saying shit that should get them suspended.

MSNBC FU

[HereSince1628]

87. Just heard it too. Even the CONSERVATIVE radio in Milwaukee

is calling stupidity.

I saw the shift coming a couple weeks ago.

Now they have made a space for someone to the right of Keith and Maddow.

Will it be Tucker Carlson? Or the Dead Intern in his office former Congressman?

[still_one]

88. What a fucking double standard. Just watch CNBC, and you know most of those vermin donate to

repukes. It is time to literally boycott these networks, and let them know

[leveymg]

89. Here's Phil Griffin's e-mail: [e-mail]

[Justitia]

111. and here is Phil Griffin's phone number: 212-664-4444

[True_Blue]

289. Thanks for the info!

[urbuddha]

406. K.O.

I have written MSNBC in protest and vow to boycott them until Olbermann returns.
You should do the same !

[la la]

505. i have written them, as well--and the email was returned as

....denied.....

and i was not rude ....

[Jennicut]

91. Goodbye MSNBC. The people that watch MSNBC are not conservatives.

The are about to lose a huge chunk of their audience. I am one of the few here that did not mind Jon Stewart skewering KO a bit but he is one of the few liberals on tv. A disgrace. The MSM is a farce. I want to hear no more that the MSM is liberal. It is barely right of center. Disgusting.

[glinda]

562. Some of them will be after the new direction they take.

[Demeter]

92. Sounds like an open-and-shut First Amendmanet Case to Me

What were they thinking? They don't like being in business?

[AngryAmish]

93. MSNBC is not the government

Only the government can violate the Bill of Rights.

[jberryhill]

94. NBC has an employee policy on donations

Thrill me as to how this sounds like a First Amendment case.

[Bellcon10]

354. Comments like this astound me. Remember, we're suppose

to be the smart ones. Please make sure you understand the 1st amendment and what is a violation of it before you get into an argument with a Repuke because you'll get torn apart.

[Dappleganger]

95. SHIT

:mad:

[HereSince1628]

96. Thanks MSNBC, we were looking for a topic to rally around

and you, a true blue professional lefty supporting corporation, have given it to us.

[mzmolly]

97. Is Griffin going to go on a witch hunt of his entire network?

:eyes:

[Justitia]

114. He has hated (& now gotten rid of) David Shuster & Keith O. Asshole! -eom

[mzmolly]

120. Do you really think Keith will not be back?

eom

[Justitia]

134. knowing Phil Griffin's massive ego - I think it is the most probable outcome. -eom

[glinda]

563. He cut the "heart" out.

[wordpix]

548. self-delete

[Historic NY]

98. Hey I wonder how they found out? When we can't find out what the US Chamber did..

amazing isn't.

[gateley]

101. It's public record, isn't it? nt

[joeglow3]

234. it is public record

You can look up what ANYONE contributed to a poltical candidate.

[Historic NY]

451. Except those of the US Chamber of Commerce or Citizen United.

[glinda]

564. Chamber hides it in layers and generalities.

[dennis4868]

100. I am mad about this as you all are but...

why in the hell did Keith make the donations if he knew it was against company policy? Now I have to find something to do between 8pm and 9pm every night....at least Rachel is still around.

[Justitia]

116. Donations are NOT against policy, ask Pat Buchanan, that old racist. -eom

[Deep13]

129. It's none of the company's business.

Maybe it's in his contract. I don't know. But even if it is, so what? It's still none of their business.

[Name removed]

103. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. 
[link:www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html|Click
here] to review the message board rules.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

105. OH so only the fucking Corporate headquarters and CEO's are allowed to donate to candidates ..SCOTUS

[katty]

126. yes, they can donate without getting an OK from their

employees, the FCC, etal --

[renate]

171. I think that's a very good point

It's just *weird* that individuals can't contribute anonymously but corporations headed by, say, Phil Griffin, can.

I do understand that if it was in Keith's contract that he was supposed to get permission first, he should have done so. And I wonder whether it was an oversight on Keith's part or a deliberate decision not to ask for permission. But this just seems like a huge overreaction on MSNBC's part.

I hope your point is made by others who have a public forum, to draw attention to the monumentally imbecilic Citizens United decision and to alert people as to just how ridiculous it is. I also hope other media outlets bring up the fact that Fox makes donations to the Republican party every single minute that it's on the air giving them free positive spin.

[Deep13]

110. And the fix is in.

So how much control do bosses have over our non-work lives? It's one thing to do something unprofessional on TV. It's quite another do to ordinary citizen things like privately contribute to a Congressional campaign. Do MSNBC news readers have to get approval from the bosses before voting too?

Obviously, this is a pretext for corporate media to end a very loud progressive voice. When your side suffers damage in a war, it's a good bet the enemy did it.

[mzmolly]

118. Yes, how did they learn of the donations?

:shrug:

[Deep13]

123. It's public information.

Every donation I've made to federal candidates is available on Open Secrets.

[mzmolly]

Yes, but I didn't realize this information was compliled immediately.

eom

[Deep13]

267. You're right. It's too early for that.

Either KO homself mentioned it to whatshisname or else someone else did.

[mzmolly]

255. Just checked. My donations are not on open secrets.

Neither are KO's. :shrug:

[florida08]

163. MSNBC reports

"The donations were first reported by the Politico website earlier in the day."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40028929/ns/politics-decision_2010/

[Pathwalker]

184. Politico, eh? Why am I not surprised?

wow.

[Iliyah]

Ya'll see

slowly but surely our democracy is fading away. Anyone who has an opposing position or independent thought shall be punished. Sounds like Nazism to me.

[defendandprotect]

119. Looking kinda phoney to me .... is this Comcast taking charge ... ???

[glinda]

229. Let me remind you that the Repubs will most likely de-fund NPR.

[defendandprotect]

246. NPR was lost probably more than 20 years ago ... and PBS gone even longer ....

Repugs have been defunding public broadcasting for 40 years or more --

and very successful at it!

What they couldn't ax, they put the private "Corporation for Public Broadcasting" in

charge of controlling for them!!


If we want to get serious about restoring public broadcasting, we would need Congress

to establish a licensing method -- every homeowner would contribute to a free press.

Think that's the way they've done it in Europe -- but, of course, BBC has also long

been under attack by right wing.

[glinda]

278. Of course but are you going to start working on this? I think they are shutting all access to

truth down asap.

[defendandprotect]

325. I've been trying to work against THIS issue and all other issues for more

than 25 years --

What are you doing to restore "Fairness in Broadcasting Act" --

any more than any other of us -- ?

If so great -- let us know what it is ... maybe we can join you?

[stopbush]

369. NPR gets 2% of their funding from the Feds.

The Rs defunding NPR won't put them out of business, but it might free NPR up to be more partisan since they won't have to worry about appeasing the knuckle draggers.

[glinda]

560. Except that they will do other things to bring em down like have the Chamber buy large sponsorships.

[enough already 2]

476. I thought the same thing

Comcast are a bunch of pigs. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they aren't behind this.

[Bryn]

121. If Keith isn't back soon I am going to cut off cable TV

the only reason I have it on is because of Keith, Maddox and others ...

[activa8tr]

125. Good idea! I might, too! All I need is on Netflix, and the computer, anyway.

[Janice325]

130. Fuck that shit!!

I tried to find a real phone number for MSNBC on their website, nothing but "Press Inquiries" listed. I tried that, got some lady's voice mail. I didn't leave a message other than "please excuse the ring," as I'm not a PR person.

However, when I googled an inquiry for MSNBC's contact number, it's all abuzz on twitter-people are pissed. The number that was listed by many people was was 212-664-4444. Got an "all operators are busy" message, waited a bit, said I'd like to make a comment about Keith's suspension, she connected me to recorded message for the different programs. Countdown was prompt #6. I left an emphatic (but not rude) comment protesting Keith's suspension.

[AsahinaKimi]

131. meh..

This sucks.

[lobodons]

132. MSNBC is the only reason to have cable

Well, not anymore.

[valerief]

253. Don't forget TCM. nt

[Roy Rolling]

133. Personnel decision/policy violation

So, if MSNBC has a corporate policy and finds a person in violation of that, then it is a personnel matter. It is totally mishandled to send a news release and publically flog someone for a violation of a company's internal policies. They have a right to discipline, they don't have a right to make it public if it is only a personnel matter. By publicizing it they are spinning that it is a fairness issue when it is NOT a fairness issue for an entertainment figure to make a political donation. Listen...can you hear this? "click" . . . that is the sound of the channel being changed to demonstate how much I support public floggings and scapegoating.

[zippy890]

571. yeah. I smell a major behind scene conflict between Keith & Griffen

This contribution thing sounded like a reason to suspend Keith, like Griffen was waiting for a misstep so he could pounce. Very poor way to deal with personnel issues like you say, so abrupt and public, like Griffen wanted to humiliate Keith.
It takes a particular kind of asshole of the worse kind to do that- if I were Keith i'd keep my mouth shut about it (for now) and get a better gig. Don't give him a reason to fire him- because clearly Griffen wants to do just that.

[defendandprotect]

136. Here's a LINK to Protest ... but not to Phil Griffin ....

General e-mail about the show

[e-mail]

Here's another way ....

Reader Inquiries

submit your questions, comments and feedback about msnbc.com, NBC News and msnbc TV programs

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10285339

Scroll down a bit to the form --


Would rather find a link to Phil Griffin ....

[mudderfudder77]

137. People Don't Bother to Read Anymore?

Keith was suspended because he didn't inform his employer - a news agency at least attempting to show objectivity - that he had donated to a political party/candidate.


This rule is in place to protect MSNBC, and give them a chance to make whatever decisions need to be made to notify the audience of Keith's impartiality or lack thereof.


For all we know - Joe Scar did inform MSNBC that he was making contributions.



Keith's problem is that not only did he fail to tell MSNBC, he also made a contribution on the day that candidate was appearing on his show. Thats creepy.

[Deep13]

144. Also, that Indie 500 driver was way over the speed limit.

This is a pretext by corporate media to shut him up. There's nothing impartial about Keith's show so there is no impartiality to protect. Bosses should not be able to control what people do in their private lives.

[mudderfudder77]

156. Don't be ridiculous

When KO signed his contract - he signed on to abide by the rules of MSNBC news. Ignorance of the rules is no excuse.

[Justitia]

183. Why don't you take that authoritarian, right-wing bullshit somewhere else?

[joeglow3]

I assume you feel the same about Juan Williams, right?

If not, then take your "do as I say and not as I do," authoritatian, right wing bullshit somewhere else.

I Olbermann as a commentator. As far as I am concerned, MSNBC screwed up by having do news/election coverage as a anchor and he screwed up accepting to do it. Once he did, you are damn right I stand by my principals.

[Turborama]

259. Two completely different circumstances. BTW it's principles, not "principals".

And he was "an anchor"...

"I Olbermann as a commentator. As far as I am concerned, MSNBC screwed up by having do news/election coverage as a anchor and he screwed up accepting to do it. Once he did, you are damn right I stand by my principals."

[joeglow3]

570. Problem was that he was a ANCHOR

Did you watch MSNBC last Tuesday? I did, and noticed Keith was anchoring the election coverage.

[Turborama]

586. It was one of two written English corrections n/t

[joeglow3]

588. What does that have to do with Olbermann anchoring the election coverage?

[Turborama]

589. Nothing. n/t

[Justitia]

270. I don't give a crap about Williams because he's a rightwing hack, always has been.

Equivocation doesn't work with me.

[Zavulon]

471. So your assessment of a contract situation depends strictly on

whether you like the guy's politics?

That's what Republicans do. Instead of accusing others of "authoritarian, right-wing bullshit" you might consider joining their side - your wavering "It's okay when our guy does it" stances on contract law would be a great asset to them.

If Fox had such a rule and Sean Hannity had gotten himself suspended for violating it, would you accuse mudderfudder77 of "authoritarian, right-wing bullshit" for supporting Hannity's suspension? Would you be defending Hannity and claiming his rights were violated? Judging by your indifference towards Juan Williams I think I know the answer.

Olbermann freely signed a contract and then broke the rules. The stupidity of the rules is not the issue, the fact that he broke them is. He was not forced at gunpoint to sign that contract.

[Justitia]

482. blah, blah, blah...he didn't break the rules. You need to read more on the topic. -eom

[txaslftist]

484. nice post.

Seriously. A very grown up post.

That said, MSNBC was pretty stupid to suspend a golden goose like Keith.

Another network with more brains and less principles will snap him up and be glad to pay him twice what he makes now, IMO.

[Turborama]

236. .

[DebJ]

320. So if my employer requires me to murder or maim, then I am

at fault? Or is the contract then void/illegal, or the illegal stipulations are void? This is bs.

[joeglow3]

240. Agreed.....provided he did not also do news coverage

This is why I have always hated him and Maddow doing election coverage (i.e. Tuesday night).

[TicketyBoo]

597. If you wanted objective election coverage,

you had many choices. I was looking for the team that was doing the cheerleading for the Democrats, and I found it on MSNBC. Actually, they were more objective than I expected. If even more objectivity was what you wanted, you could always change the channel. NBC had its regular news team doing its political coverage on NBC. What would you expect to find on MSNBC?

[Patsy Stone]

145. Creepy?

How did you pick "creepy"?

[Turborama]

150. Watch your manners. The article has been updated.

Originally it just said this...

"MSNBC president Phil Griffin released the following statement Friday following the news that Keith Olbermann had donated to three Democratic candidates this election cycle:

I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay."

[Kolesar]

155. ^ Thank your for noting that...eom

[ProudDad]

160. Since WHEN did MSNBC "attempt to show objectivity"???

Bogus...

They're trying to cash-in by being a "liberal" alternative to faux-noise...

Any employer worth their salt would have slapped him on the wrist for a minor violation of "company policy" and taken the money he earns them off to the bank...

[Renew Deal]

167. I'm glad that some people get it.

And don't let their loyalties cloud their morals. What he did was wrong, and that last bit is actually scandalous.

[Justitia]

180. oh bullshit. Griffin has had a hard-on for KO for years, read up. -eom

[la la]

503. el toro poopoo n/t

[Name removed]

177. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Inuca]

188. Creepy?

That he made a contrinution the day Grijalva appeared on the show? Really? Why?

[defendandprotect]

189. Read it and it's ridiculous .... Bush failed to get permission to wire tap us ... as I recall..!!

What's anyone done about that?

Or the lies that deceived Americans to support a war on Iraq?

Or TORTURING of hundreds of thousands of Muslims rounded up and imprisoned?

Or corporate buying of government and elected officials?


Medieval right wing advances .... and Olberman forgot to get prior permission?

[newspeak]

231. see my post above

why in the world would you think it's creepy? After talking to the candidate, one on one, and liking what their saying. What is so damn creepy about that? And, like I said up above, if the network is asking for pre-approval, what makes you think they will not give approval of those candidates or party, they do not support, yet the individual does?

[jeff47]

506. You might want to read more closely

MSNBC has always been exempted from NBC's ethics rules. They don't work on an opinion station.

Suddenly enforcing rules that never applied before is going to get this guy in a bit of hot water.

[Duval]

138. Ahhhhh, every dirty word I can come up with! n/t :(

}( :mad: :wtf: :argh: :argh: :hurts: :grr: :thumbsdown: :cry: :grouphug: :grouphug:

[Janice325]

199. I'm with you there, Duval!!

Jeez......

[benld74]

140. What about Pat Buchanan Political Contributions??!?!?!?!?

Did Pat Buchanan get approval for his?

Contributor Occupation Date Amount Recipient
BUCHANAN, PATRICK
MCLEAN,VA 22101 SELF/COLUMNIST/WRITER 7/29/06 $1,000 Mountjoy, Richard (R)
BUCHANAN, PATRICK
MC LEAN,VA 22101 POLITICAL COMMENTATOR 5/31/05 $250 Allen, George (R)
BUCHANAN, PATRICK J
MCLEAN,VA 22101 SELF/AUTHOR/WRITER 12/26/07 $500 Schiffer, Paul R (R)
BUCHANAN, PATRICK J MR
MCLEAN,VA 22101 SELF EMPLOYED/POLITICAL COMMONTATOR 3/12/08 $250 Jones, Walter B Jr (R)
BUCHANAN, PATRICK J MR
MCLEAN,VA 22101 SELF EMPLOYED AND VARIOUS MEDIA COM 4/21/05 $250 America First National Cmte (3)

[RZM]

227. Looks like Pat's kind of stingey with the campgain $$

At least compared to KO, Scarborough, and Hannity

[Goldstein1984]

141. I only watch MSNBC for Olbermann and Maddow

And I'm going to miss Rachel Maddow while I suspend my MSNBC viewing for the duration of Olbermann's suspension.

Cable television news and commentary is an intellectual wasteland anyway.

[Enthusiast]

439. Yeah, I will miss Rachel. nt

[Mad_Dem_X]

142. Are you f*cking kidding me?

WTF is going on in this country???

[CLANG]

143. Phuck Phil Griffin

[edbermac]

146. O'Reilly sexually harrasses a producer and what happens?

NOTHING!!!

I'll bet everyone over at FAUX are laughing their asses off now.

Way to go, Phil!

[defendandprotect]

191. EXACTLY .... the Medieval behavior is becoming the norm --

Bush "forgot" to get prior permission to wiretap us all 6 months before 9/11 --

but KO doesn't get prior permission for two donations and all hell breaks loose?

Meanwhile, right wing elites have bought out our government and elected officials ....

and Phil Griffin doesn't notice that?

[ProudDad]

148. So long, MSNBC...

I only watched it for Olberman...

Even Rachel has gone way to pro-warrior for me... too many puff pieces glorifying the Empire's legions...

So, so long, MSNBC...

[SweetieD]

152. Sounds like the Republican "tricks up their sleeve" plan has already started.

[sulphurdunn]

154. This could be the beginning

of the final assault by corporate power on liberal broadcasting and the internet. Ninety-five Democratic incumbents and candidates who signed The Progressive Change Campaign Committee's net-neutrality pledge or have been strong supporters of it were defeated on Tuesday. It is unlikely the rest of the Party failed to get the message or has the stomach to support neutrality much longer.

[glinda]

245. You are right on.

[Metta]

159. Done. Sent a messge to Phil Griffin about priorites and karma.

Let's see how awake he is.

[Janice325]

161. The mo fo's did it during the Friday "news dump."

Assholes. :wtf: :puke:

[w8liftinglady]

165. a little enlightenment...1947

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_blacklist

[nonoxy9]

166. Biggest F***ing mistake MSNBC ever made!!!

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

170. I'd look into "Phil Griffin."

[rainlillie]

172. OMG!

[go west young man]

173. Phil Griffins an ass.

I'm sure this has more to do with pressure from Comcast to get rid of Keith
before their deal goes through. The election results probably gave Griffin
the determination to push ahead with ousting Keith. MSNBC/General Electric/
The Rockefellers have no shame. They have just rode the light liberal wind
for a while because that was the way the money seemed to be blowing.
Now they are returning to their true roots. Corporate greed. make no mistake
MSNBC isn't going to rescue this nation from it's failures. It's going to capitalize
on those failures as all corporations tend to do. Keith is just the beginning.
Give it time.

[julian09]

174. Gop candidates brag about raising money on FOX.

What a joke, didn't NBC and msbc parent get taken over.
There ratings will drop.

[ejpoeta]

176. WOW!!! that is bullshit. unbelievable. well, msnbc... i guess i won't be watching

you anymore.

[Arrowhead2k1]

178. MSNBC is done for me.

I hope Maddow suspends her show out of protest. Olbermann is the one who introduced her to the network and made her popular. Does she have the guts to stand up for him?

[mikelgb]

179. what will Rachel do without the lead -in?

will she be able to comment?

[RZM]

181. I'll wait for more to come out, which it will I'm sure

There could be a lot of things going on here. Obviously KO and Griffin have problems and KO does have a history of tension with his bosses. I wonder if the Comcast suits are a factor as well. I find it difficult to believe that any network would jettison their biggest ratings-getter, so that makes me think that he's being spanked and put on time-out, probably being issued a series of demands at the same time as the price of getting back on the air. On the other hand, why risk blowback from his fans if the plan is the bring him back out? Then you've taken some of the negative consequences of the incident without the 'positive' of actually getting rid of him for good.

I wonder if the Falafel Master will break his personal vow not to say Olbermann's name tonight? He won't be able to resist gloating and talking about it I'm sure.

I'm going to throw this one out here so just in case it happens, I will have been the first to predict it. What if Murdoch snapped him up, ditched Greta, and gave Keith the 10 pm slot over at Fox . . . just saying :)

[stopbush]

382. As if having tensions with one's bosses is a bad thing.

Most bosses are insecure assholes. Damn right KO has problems with them.

[RZM]

388. I didn't imply it was bad or good

Just mentioning that he has history of it, which probably factors in to what's happening here. Bosses are bosses -- some are asses, some aren't. I've had some good ones over the years and some not-so-good ones.

[Janice325]

182. Gonna be Chris Hayes filling in tonight

Just posted a few minutes ago:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/onmedia/1110/Chris_Hayes_to_fill_in_for_Olbermann.html

Boy, is he gonna get some flack.

Edited to add that I hope Rachel and Lawrence make comments tonight, but I doubt that will happen. I can wish, though.

[Justitia]

186. Sorry Chris, but I WILL NOT WATCH. -eom

[Janice325]

192. Neither will I.

Medium sounds good to watch tonight, since I don't have to DVR it.

Stupid, stupid move, Phil. Did you even think to speak to Keith about this before your Friday news dump, you dimwit???? Huh???

[Bette Noir]

338. Damn scab.

[Janice325]

Ha, it's not Chris Hayes afterall.

Some young good looking guy. Going back to watch Medium now on CBS.

[Ian David]

185. Irony: Olbermann's replacement tonight, The Nation's Chris Hayes, is a frequent donor to Dem pol

Irony: Olbermann's replacement tonight, The Nation's Chris Hayes, is a frequent donor to Dem political campaigns.
http://twitter.com/HotlineJosh/status/619438525120512

[defendandprotect]

196. Yes ... but evidently Chris Hayes remembered to say: "Simon, May I?" ....

[bonnieS]

386. NOBODY should agree to sit in for Keith

It's called being a scab.

[Riley18]

187. It is beyond disgusting that Fox gets away with murder, and

a good honest man is insulted by MSNBC. I will not watch the station or any NBC show. Instead of honoring his dedication to the sick with all those wonderful clinics, this is the kind of thanks he gets.

[Justitia]

193. That's right - the clinics! I had friends go to those clinics - dammit! -eom

[rainlillie]

190. Well if Keith isn't back on MSNBC

Maybe he'll do something like Bill Maher and take his show to HBO or something.

[julian09]

201. Maybe Cenk will be permanant somewhere.

[mzmolly]

220. I like Cenk, but prefer Keith.

eom.

[glinda]

248. There needs to be a strong bulletproof outlet for all of these people right now.

[SpankMe]

194. Smells fishy to me...

Look at the timeline:

1. Comcast (a conservative entity) buys NBC.

2. Republicans gain the majority in the House.

3. The day after the election, Olbermann tries to "soften the tone" of Countdown by suspending the Worst Persons segment. (Looks like the appeasement of new, conservative overlords.)

4. Olbermann gets suspended for unapproved political contributions.

Sounds to me like an activist conservative takeover of the network with an eye toward the elimination of all liberal dissent and and the establishment of uncontested conservative power.

Keep your eye on this. The Ed Show is next, and then they'll find an excuse to bump off Rachel.

We're done for, folks. Liberal activism is on the verge of becoming an Internet-only phenomenon with conservatives dominating daily life in America. The American people are just too fucking stupid.

[newspeak]

257. maybe billionaires such as Soros or Turner

need to "walk the walk" and buy a damn network. With crystal stations and comcast, all I see is rightwingers buying up all the media. Soros is the one who warned us about creeping fascism in America, maybe he better wake up and actually help do something about it. A network would surely help with actual world news and fair debates on both sides and commentators that actually believe in facts and reason instead of appealing to peoples' fear, prejudices and emotions.

[davekriss]

514. Bingo

I absolutely agree.

But don't count on the internet, as net neutrality is also a target of our fascist overlords.

[Daphne08]

195. I knew they would find some way to do him in!

Oh, this angers me so much!!

[florida08]

197. this from a poster at Daily Kos

Politico quotes NBC News' official policy on political activity by employees. The policy does not ban staffers from donating to political campaigns, but it does require them to "report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain prior approval of, the President of NBC News or his designee." It is not clear whether Olbermann obtained such approval.

In recent weeks, Fox News has been criticized for Sean Hannity's on-air fundraising for Republican John Kasich; earlier this year, however, network boss Roger Ailes pulled Hannity from a starring role in a Tea Party event.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/11/5/134516/535

So perhaps this isn't a firing offense just a disciplinary one

[Karenina]

198. Two words...

Media. Consolidation.

:wow: Das war SCHNELL! :wow:

My prayer is that 30Rock experience some difficulties conducting bidness per usual due to the high volume of traffic and the din outside... ;-) Perhaps KOEB will GALVENIZE!

[Auggie]

200. Suspended for how long?

[Justitia]

213. Indefinitely and Without Pay. Total dick move by Phil Griffin. -eom

[onehandle]

222. David Shuster was 'suspended' indefinitely.

And he never came back.

[regnaD kciN]

391. Translation: FIRED, except...

...when you get suspended, they still own your contract, so you can't go anywhere else.

NBC went through this same bullshit over the Tonight Show. When they brought in Conan to replace Leno, Leno wanted out of his contract so that he could go to another network, but NBC wouldn't let him. (That was why they tried putting him on at 10:00 P.M.)

[glinda]

559. I think you are right. I think he is fired. When is his contract up?

[global1]

202. Looks Like The Repugs Took The Control Of More Than Just The House Of Representatives...

the first sign to me was when Keith put World's Worst Person on ice.

This is the sign of things to come in this country. I guess MSNBC just put Rachel and O'Donnell on notice with this shot over their bow.

I guess now the only place I'll be able to get the real news is here on DU.

[pjt7]

206. Maybe NBC can Investigate the heroin trade in Afgahinstan

Starting from a year before we invaded & going to today. That would be real Integrity.

[2critical]

205. once again, IOKIYAR (wrt Scarborough)

[Justitia]

217. and that old racist., Pat Buchanan. -eom

[rayofreason]

207. What crap!

1. He gave money to candidates - he did not get bought off with favors.

2. His bosses give money to candidates.

3. He runs an opinion show, not straight, impartial news. No one would confuse him with, say, a NYT reporter.

4. He didn't encourage anyone to contribute on his show.

There is no there there!!!!!

What crap!

[HCE SuiGeneris]

208. IOKIYAR

A double serving of double standards.

[Janice325]

210. Someone already has a facebook page up, "Let's Bring Keith Back"

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-Bring-Keith-Back/121149904612750?v=wall

The word gets out fast. Dumb move, Phil.

[rainlillie]

214. Keith's show is pretty much an opinion show,

Yes he does report stories with real facts and not lies like Faux. So why is it a surprise that he would donate to Democrats? It's disgusting that he should have to ask permission to donate. Griffin is a special kind of a-hole!

[Melinda]

216. For me, the issue isn't that Keith was suspended for violating policy....

it's that MSNBC responded to a personnel matter with a news blast - what bullshit. My email to Griffin:

Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow are the only reasons I watch MSNBC... your public flogging in tandem with the your announcement of the "indefinite suspension" of Olbermann has resulted in my own indefinite suspension of your network. I will miss Rachel, but I will not watch your network again until such time as you have fairly resolved this issue and put Olbermann back on the air.

Griffin's email addy: [e-mail]

[sellitman]

281. I sent him a protest email too

Thanks for the addy

[SoapBox]

218. Outrageous...Contact them and let them know you are MAD as HELL!

Several ways to contact them:

Countdown itself...
[e-mail]

Website contact page:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10285339

Media:
[e-mail]

I was also shocked to see that there was this too.

"In recent months, Griffin has taken several bold steps to declare his authority over the network and its sometimes unruly talent: he sent a stern memo warning hosts to not publicly fight with each other, he suspended David Shuster indefinitely for filming a CNN pilot, suspended Donny Deutsch, banned Markos Moulitsas from the network, and reprimanded Ed Schultz for threatening to "torch" the network."

I didn't know about Markos.

[Justitia]

221. I didn't know about Markos either! -eom

[mzmolly]

223. Done

thank you.

[jayfish]

242. Done and fucking done! -NT-

[defendandprotect]

250. E-MAIL for PHIL GRIFFIN ... here ....

[e-mail]

[Cleita]

252. Seems like he's venting personal vendettas.

Time for the little Napoleons to be exiled to Elba.

[jmondine]

228. Contact MSNBC's Sponsors

Anyone got a list? Let them know how much less we're likely to watch the network without Keith at the helm.
We can scream at the brass all we want about double standards, civil rights and free speech. What motivates these people is ratings and money.

[rainlillie]

230. Call MSNBC! 212-664-4444

[rainlillie]

232. Keith carried MSNBC on his shoulders during the horrible Bush years

and made them what they are today and this is the thanks he gets.

[defendandprotect]

268. lines are busy ,,,,,,,,

[Broderick]

233. More likely not suspended due to this oversight

This was a move under new ownership to turn the ratings around. Money drives decisions like this in my opinion. Why is Bill O still on the air and he was harassing some woman? Obviously far worse than failing to notify management about some donations to political candidates. And who is foolish enough to think Keith is an objective news person, wherein he should be bound to rules such as this. I think they were looking for something to start bowing to the almighty dollar.

[newspeak]

Keith has brought up MSNBC's viewership

It is about money, but not the way you think. For more than twenty years, the right wing have repeated their mantra over and over again, until the clueless believe it. The media is liberal-bull shite). I remember when Jeff Christy (Limpballs) had a radio show in the eighties. He started in like he was one of us, down in the trenches, both my hubby and I listened, until he started slinging the shite-it was one of those "what the hell" moments. We just looked at each other and turned it off. Crystal took over a popular radio station in SF, the commentator was very popular, they told him he could stay on but he needed to change the political temp--he quit. He had listeners, he was popular in northern california, but crystal wanted their political shite to be indoctrinated to the masses. Now if it was all about money, the commentator already had a healthy sized audience--no, they wanted to "catapult their propaganda."

Being as the political trend is avid corporate rule, any politician or commentator are given access, who endorse pro-corporate bullshite against the will of the people is allowed to spout almost any illogical crap they want with no retribution. So it is about money, how to wield power on the masses to support pro-corporate deregulating policies against the people's own interest. And, any knuckledragger like Beck will always be given access because he feeds the people pro-corporate swill.

[Justitia]

238. Even freaking BILL KRISTOL (wingnut hack) is decrying this move, see link:

apologize for the link!

http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/keep-keith_514980.html

[valerief]

241. So does that mean we get Lockup! at 8pm nightly? nt

[newspeak]

280. no, Lockup is one of the worst shows to me

none of our family watches it. Another "be afraid of those scary criminals" okay some are scary, but not all in prison are scary nor deserve to be there. Chong was put in prison over a bogus charge by Ashcroft-a woman who fled with her child against her abusive husband was put in prison for six months for failure to notify the authorities. She was a school teacher-a great teacher-wound up losing her child, her husband and her home. They took her soul. So they can shove shows like "lockup."

[valerief]

285. Since they're taking away KO for a bullshit reason, we'll get more bullshit from them. Probably will

be the godawful Lockup!

[wordpix]

545. Lockup and Sexual Predators, both on primetime M-F

[glinda]

561. Those are sick programs.

[Maeve]

244. Crap. The fine print gets ya every time. Shoulda asked first, Keith

They have the right, if that's what his contract says. But we don't have to like it.

[julian09]

271. Keith needs bigger platform

could be break into something better, never know.
His fans will follow.
He and Rachel tell the truth to power and if they are wrong they quickly apologize and correct.
They are more than opinion, they back their opinion with facts; they hit Obama as well.

[DebJ]

345. But do they really have the right to suspend an individual's

free speech rights? A contract that specifies illegal stipulations is not a valid contract.

[Cleita]

249. Don't tell me that Joe Scarborough hasn't

contributed, or Andrea or Tweety.

[neobeetle]

251. Unfuckingbelieveable!!

And all this for a LOCAL candidate?!?!

I'm lost for words....

[skeewee08]

254. All I can say is.........

WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[garthranzz]

256. My letter to Phil Griffin - who is a dog sniffing the tail of another dog

Dear Mr. Griffin:

The suspension of Keith Olbermann smells of craven hypocrisy. Since you stated the problem was not with the donation, but the failure to ask permission, you are suspending him on a technicality. This, when Fox and its employees make direct contributions all the time. I know you will say that MSNBC is different than Fox, but unless this standard is applied to all employees of MSNBC and is an industry standard, the decision and policy stink.

What makes this more suspect is the timing. A dog sniffing after another, temporarily leader dog.

This move discredits you personally, MSNBC and adds to the distrust I and many have of cable news.

By suspending Keith Olbermann, you have proven Jon Stewart's criticisms were not only right, but did not go far enough.

[JDPriestly]

258. MSNBC is scared that the Republicans in Congress will take revenge

on MSNBC for daring to present a point of view other than the Republican, Tea-Bagger view. Shame on MSNBC.

If MSNBC ends its current programming, it will strengthen the on-line alternatives that are already growing rapidly. That is all it will accomplish. This is an excuse to curry favor with the Republicans. What cowards at MSNBC.

[Thav]

262. Hit MSNBC where it hurts, don't complain to them...

complain to their advertisers. Let those who advertise on MSNBC that you will no longer be watching MSNBC and therefore won't see ads for their products, and therefore you will not be buying their products. Let them know they might as well not advertise on MSNBC unless they bring Olbermann back.

If there's enough of this message given to their advertisers, they will get the message. Advertisers will let MSNBC know that they want the eyeballs back for their ads, and thus will want olbermann back. Or they'll find their eyeballs elsewhere.

[Daphne08]

269. Just called and the operator connected me to Comment on

Dylan Ratigan Show.

??

[NICO9000]

272. And yet, Fux can give $1M to the Rethug Govs Assn...

And Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina can give millions and millions to fund their quixotic campaigns. Oh yeah, corporations are free to spend as much as they want to also.

WTF is wrong with this picture?

:mad:

[Sixty_cycle_humm]

275. I don't know if I can take another hit like this now.

He was my only reason to watch MSNBC, or have cable at all. I can't believe I have to live this nightmare for at least 2 more years...

[usaf-vet]

276. Here's my two cents... to Griffin

Are you nuts? Until Citizen United is over turned and FAUX isn't still a major contributer to the republicans I'll just have to consider the answer to that questions is yes.
Go down the list of your on air people including Scarborough and put them all on leave if that is your policy.
None of the BS about some only offer their opinions and some are reporters. Keith's sanctioned WORST segment is news or opinion? I'll have to go with opinion as I cannot find any other news sources reporting any of the nightly WORST segments.

[jae1227]

279. I'm Boycotting MSNBC

KO made the mistake of not disclosing but it looks like a case of if we want you gone we'll find a way. If you read the Politico article it is very clear that NBC News does not like the way MSNBC is turning into a left wing channel. They executives wanted him gone and all they needed was one mistake for him to make and he was out of there.

[Overseas]

534. That may give the new Republican owners another excuse to drop the liberal shows.

I'm just saying this because I thought about stopping watching too and then I wondered whether that might not give the execs even more of an excuse to reduce the hours of liberal programming. "Oh well, the viewership just isn't there..."

It was sad to learn that the head of Comcast donates tons of money to Republicans. Hadn't realized how conservative the new owners of NBC really are.

They've already made it tougher to watch Keith and Rachel because they've jammed so many commercials in there.

[furgee]

282. One of the few lights in a tunnel just went out

[EvilMonk]

286. Obama says he messed up the "Message"...

...and you're surprised that Talking Heads start rolling over silly crap like this?

I'm a Conservative, and this is messed up. Something else is going on. This is far too thin a reason for such treatment.

Did anyone else notice how KO's demeanor on Tuesday night seemed a little...subdued? Was something going on then? He seemed like he was resigned to the fates and I just assumed it was the circumstances of the night, but KO never seems resigned to anything.

[True_Blue]

428. I think they were just looking for any reason to get rid of KO.

[Boudica the Lyoness]

288. I emailed them

What the hell are they thinking?

I will never watch MSNBC again if they fire him. :mad:

[valerief]

290. He didn't notify them, so it was a matter of red tape. Very, very RED TAPE. nt

[Daphne08]

291. I finally got an operator who connected me to right line

6 is the line to comment on Countdown.

[Submariner]

293. First they FIRE Phil Donahue and hire that Savage Nation ahole

but it's okay to keep Joe "there's a dead intern in my office" Scab, Barnacle the plagiarist, and Buchanan the racist pig?

FU M$NBC. You're Boycotted in my book.

[Bette Noir]

295. I've already emailed MSNBC that, if Olbermann is out, I'm done with MSNBC.

I hope everything else is well with Keith. He's had a tough year already.

[JJW]

297. If only he were a Corporation

then he could give to whomever and however much he desires.

[DimplesinMI]

298. I am DONE with MSNBC!!!

This is straight up BS!

[Mikeystyle]

300. Keith thought he was working at Fox?

MSNBC employees get in trouble for the kind of things that Fox employees get paid for.

[robcon]

301. Pretty flimsy excuse.

Not quite as flimsy as the excuse given for Juan Williams being fired by NPR, though.

[Shireling]

302. Perhaps Keith knew he was going to be let go

several weeks ago, and did this without informing his boss (what a condescending employer!!) as a sort of "in your face" rebellious gesture.

I admire people who do that kind of thing.

:applause:


However, we really need him. If corporations are people, so is Keith.

[Tripmann]

306. God damn it. Hope he's back on soon.

[sam sarrha]

353. dont hold your breath, the Reich Wing is in charge now, it's a Mandate

[julian09]

307. Fox sponsored the Tea Party events

the last two years with promotions,
employing REPUBLICAN personalities
two of which, will compete against each other in presidential race.
Didn't Glenn Beck make a contribution on air.

[Liberty Belle]

311. Keith should sue as a test case on 1st Amendment grounds.

If corporations and Chambers of Commerce can make unlimited campaign donations as "free speech", which our Supreme Court has ruled, how can a journalist not be accorded the same right?

It should be disclosed if one holds oneself out to be nonpartisan (though Olberman is clearly a liberal voicing his opinions clearly on his show.)

I am a journalist and editor. I believe strongly that reporters should have the right to contribute to any cause that they see fit. I work with a nonpartisan news site. I am very careful to not have my reporting on our site reflect my personal views (and if anything may bend over backward to be fair to candidates I find repulsive.) I personally refrain from contributions in races that I cover to avoid the appearance of bias. I cover local news, so I have made contributions to national candidates and causes.

No one is more informed than journalists about candidates running for office -- we interview them, research them, do background checks on them, and so forth.

Some journalism professional groups believe it is unethical for a journalist to participate in politics in any fashion -- such as running for office, being a political club member or even registering with a political party. I disagree.

We should not be barred from participating in our democracy. Now I would not assign a beat reporter to say, join the campaign bus for a presidential candidate if they support his opponent. I keep tabs on my writers to make sure no biases are apparent, as an editor should do. But I would never dream of telling them who they can support on their own time. I believe that is unconstitutional.

[julian09]

322. He doesn't need permission from Phil Griffon

to exorcise his right, did Phil donate to any one?
What if Phil wanted the opponent to win; WOULD HE HAVE SAID YES?
Are rules infringing your rights legal?

[Zavulon]

474. He'd get shelled.

Trust me, MSNBC checked with their legal department before Griffin did this.

[socialshockwave]

312. Rubbish. Complete rubbish.

The Right can give all it wants, but when an individual wants to donate some money to his preferred candidates, let them.

Glenn Beck always enforces and talks about Republican values.

This is total horse shit. It's a deliberate attack upon the progressives in the States. Ed'll be next if he's not careful.

[samplegirl]

313. FUCK FAIR AND BANANCED!!!

Kasich came on FOX and Flashed his number all over the place for donations!!!

[xocet]

314. Memorandum to Phil Griffin....

Without Keith Olbermann on Countdown, there will be no reason to watch MSNBC.

[Initech]

316. Olberman gets canned for donating to democrats while Glenn Beck fantasizes about assassination.

This is fucking wrong. :argh:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9483883

[Odin2005]

317. NBC employees are not allowed to donate to candidates? How is that legal?

[liberalpress]

328. Perhaps

Perhaps I have grown too old and too cynical, but 40 years in the broadcast business has taught me at least one thing ... always question anything that happens during sweeps month.

[brentspeak]

329. Email for Phil Griffin's boss: [e-mail]

[wordpix]

551. thanks

[wordpix]

557. Dear Mr. Gaines:

Dear Mr. Gaines:

I am writing to express my dismay and outrage over Keith Olbermann's suspension. Below is a message I sent to Phil Griffin. Since I wrote this, I have read the clause KO was fired over, which refers to outside activities that may " jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist." KO has never pretended to be impartial; he is a progressive liberal and I would expect him to donate to such candidates and causes. Further, the clause states such activities "may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions."

Are you ready to argue that bona fide Democratic candidates approved by Dem. state committees and elected in Dem. primaries are "campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions?" If so, the logical conclusion is that Democrats are "controversial" just for having Democratic positions.

You may have a giant lawsuit on your hands. I for one, will be happy to contribute to the KO Defense Fund.

Sincerely,
Wordpix

Dear Mr. Griffin:

I am shocked and saddened to learn you have suspended KO for donating to Democratic candidates. That is absurd. First, we all know that Keith has Democratic leanings, so it's no surprise that he would put his money where his mouth is. Second, I am a big KO fan who watches him nearly every night and never have I heard him ask viewers to give money to any candidate, so I disagree that he's violated some sacred trust with you, his employer, and me, his viewer. Third, Keith is a citizen of the US and as such, he has the right and freedom to donate to whomever he chooses within legal limits. Why should he have to ask "daddy" (a.k.a. you) for permission to donate to a certain candidate? I don't have to ask my employer for such permission, and I'm guessing very few people do.

By your reasoning, Keith should ask your permission to vote for certain candidates, too. It's outrageous. Please put Keith back where he belongs at MSNBC. He's glib, he's smart, he's great at interviewing, he gets the facts and he stands up for me and other progressives. I wouldn't be watching MSNBC as much as I do if it weren't for KO who enlightens, educates and entertains. BTW, my 85 year-old mother with Alzheimer's, who can't stand much TV, loves KO, too.

Sincerely,

[RoccoR5955]

332. DAMN!!!!!

And I look forward every Friday night to Thurber!

[Lasher]

335. Olbermann got Dan Rathered

And for the same reason. In a fascist state you must comply. Rachael is next, mark my words.

[ProgressiveLiberal]

337. COMCAST, MBC's NEW OWNER, GAVE $50,000 TO CANDIDATES Olbermann OPPOSSED!!

From:
http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/what-role-did-comcast-play-keith-olbermanns

Comcast now owns MSNBC after their acquisition was completed earlier this year, despite protestations from many of us. A look at campaign finance disclosures for several organizations shows that Phil Anschutz, major shareholder and content partner with Comcast, donated large sums of money to the First Amendment Alliance, one of the largest outside groups targeting Democrats in the 2010 midterm elections.

The Anschutz Corporation, wholly owned by Phil Anschutz, gave $50,000 on 9/24/2010 to the First Amendment Alliance. The two candidates targeted by the First Amendment Alliance? Jack Conway and Michael Bennet.

Keith Olbermann gave to Jack Conway's campaign along with Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords.

In addition, the Anschutz family donated $169,900 to Republican candidates and committees during the 2010 election cycle, according to Open Secrets.

Additionally, Comcast Corporation has contributed $125,000 to the Republican Governors' Association in the 2010 cycle (as of 9/30/2010).

[tpsbmam]

554. Good find, ProgressiveLiberal!

Nail. Head. And welcome to DU! :hi:

[proud2BlibKansan]

344. WTF

God damn.

[sam sarrha]

347. ------THE GOP MAFIA HAS BEGUN THE PERGE ... THERE WILL BE MORE TILL THE AIRWAVES ARE PURE REICH

WING PROPAGANDA AND FREE OF ALL LIBERAL DEFILEMENT..

[Lasher]

363. Welcome to the Night of the Long Knives

All kindsa fascist bullshit coming down, just after the election. See, that gives us plenty of time to forget all this two years from now. Coming soon to a soup line near you: Stealing from widows and orphans to perpetuate our priveleged dynasties. All according to plan.

[sam sarrha]

387. Check this out, the GOP is just taking orders from the Oligharcy..they are just soldiers ..>>link>>

Elementsructedargo Cult of narcissistic OCD Wealth Hoarders, they believe that wealth is the Measure of God’s favor

of a man, therefore it is a sin to tax a Rich Man/Corporation. the poor are being punished by God, therefore it is a sin to help them. and they use Mafia tactics to enforce their ideology to keep the money/power coming.

Psychotic Oligarchs think anything they do to horde more wealth is ordained by God, anyone they hurt deserves it..

the GOP is a Psychotic Cult.. their ideology Kills People, men women children in their quest to Horde more and more needless Wealth/Power... they are mentally ill

the GOP has been taken over by these guys... the main players, leaders in the GOP studied under Strauss at U of Chicago
http://doggo.tripod.com/doggchrisdomin.html

"snip...Leo Strauss was born in 1899 and died in 1973. ... He is most famous for resuscitating Machiavelli and introducing his principles as the guiding philosophy of the neo-conservative movement. ... More than any other man, Strauss breathed upon conservatism, inspiring it to rise from its atrophied condition and its natural dislike of change and to embrace an unbounded new political ideology that rides on the back of a revolutionary steed, hailing even radical change; hence the name Neo-Conservatives.

Significantly, Dominionism is a form of Social Darwinism.<48> It inherently includes the religious belief that wealth-power is a sign of God’s election. That is, out of the masses of people and the multitude of nations, wealth, in and of itself, is thought to indicate God’s approval on men and nations whereas poverty and sickness reflect God’s disapproval.

(It was not until I read this article that I realized that this is a fundamental tenet of Dominionists.

Worldly wealth and power are signs of God's favor -- to attempt to limit or decrease one's wealth and power is to disrespect God.

On the contrary, God's elect on Earth are called upon to increase their wealth and power.

It is not sufficient for a man to be a millionaire, or for a country to have sovereignty within its borders -- a man must strive to increase his wealth as much as possible, and a Dominionist government's behavior toward its neighbors must be "invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity".

Furthermore, any attempt to decrease a person's or a country's wealth and power -- to take from the rich to give to the poor, to reduce military spending and power -- is a direct attack on God.)

If “Secular Humanists are the greatest threat to Christianity the world has ever known,” as theologian Francis Schaeffer claimed, then who are the Humanists? According to Dominionists, humanists are the folks who allow or encourage licentious behavior in America. They are the undisciplined revelers.

Put all the enemies of the Dominionists together, boil them down to liquid and bake them into the one single most highly derided and contaminated individual known to man, and you will have before you an image of the quintessential “liberal” -- one of those folks who wants to give liberally to the poor and needy -- who desires the welfare and happiness of all Americans -- who insists on safety regulations for your protection and who desires the preservation of your values -- those damnable people are the folks that must be reduced to powerlessness -- or worse: extinction.

What would a “reconstructed” America look like under the Dominionists? K.L. Gentry, a Dominionist himself, suggests the following “elements of a theonomic approach to civic order,” which I strongly suggest should be compared to the Texas GOP platform of 2002, which reveals that we are not just talking about imaginary ideas but some things are already proposed on Republican agendas.<60> Dominionism’s concept of government according to Gentry is as follows:

“1. It obligates government to maintain just monetary policies ... fiat money, fractional reserve banking, and deficit spending.

“2. It provides a moral basis for elective government officials. ...

“3. It forbids undue, abusive taxation of the rich. ...

“4. It calls for the abolishing of the prison system and establishing a system of just restitution. *...

“5. A theonomic approach also forbids the release, pardoning, and paroling of murderers by requiring their execution. ...

“6. It forbids industrial pollution that destroys the value of property. ...

“7. It punishes malicious, frivolous malpractice suits. ...

“8. It forbids abortion rights. ... Abortion is not only a sin, but a crime, and, indeed, a capital crime.”<61>

* Gary North describes the ‘just restitution’ system of the bible, which happens to reinstitute slavery,
like this:

“At the other end of the curve, the poor man who steals is eventually caught and sold into bondage under a successful person. His victim receives payment; he receives training; his buyer receives a stream of labor services. If the servant is successful and buys his way out of bondage, he re-enters society as a disciplined man, and presumably a self-disciplined man. He begins to accumulate wealth.” ...snip"

...The Dogs aren't the problem.. it's the Rabies..!

==========================================

they have to overthrow the Government and eliminateate the Constitution within 2 years.. declare martial law, because within a couple months they will fuck everything up sooo bad they will never be elected for anything ever again

[krabigirl]

349. I've been boycotting M$NBC for years..but sure, I will continue. I don't watch any cable news.

fuck them all.

[florida08]

351. Cenk is hosting Ratigan

right now and they are showing Countdown as coming after the Ed Show?..hmmmm

[and-justice-for-all]

352. Fucking uber bullshit!!! nt

[nolabear]

357. I for One Welcome Our Tea Party Overlords.

Are they watching? Is that them there in the shadows?

Sweet Mother of God.

[EvilMonk]

480. Oh course...

...we are.

:)

[lobodons]

358. Note to self: Incorporate first; Donate second

Thanks to SCOTUS, just make sure you incorporate yourself first, then you can make donations at will.

[LTR]

360. Relax, it's all a dog and pony show. He'll be back within a week

Just a company policy thing. His boss sending warning that the tail does not wag the dog. I do think an indefinite suspension is a bit harsh.

Personally, I don't think anyone in the so-called 'news' media should endorse, contribute to or campaign for any candidates, but that's my opinion.

[shireen]

365. interesting comment at WaPo column by Greg Sargent

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/11/did_olbermann_even_violate_nbc_1.html

Did Keith Olbermann even violate NBC policy?
By Greg Sargent
Check out the fine print of what NBC policy said, as of 2007, about political activities on the part of NBC employees:

"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest. Such activities may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions. You should report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain prior approval of, the President of NBC News or his designee."

Emphasis mine. This is a bit difficult to parse. But this does seem to say that those who are worried that their "standing as an impartial journalist" would be jeopardized by political activity should report it. Last time I checked, Keith Olbermann doesn't pretend to be an "impartial journalist."

Likewise, neither do Joe Scarborough or Pat Buchanan, both of whom have also given political contributions. It seems possible that none of these three would think they may have violated company policy.

.... more at link

[Moosepoop]

435. Interesting...

I wonder if this policy has been updated since 2007? As it reads in this version, the policy does not actually forbid donating without prior approval or require getting prior approval -- it merely suggests that prior approval should be obtained.

"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest. Such activities may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions. You should report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain prior approval of, the President of NBC News or his designee."

Sounds more like advice than a mandate.

[wordpix]

553. so now contributing to Dems constitutes a "controversial position," according to Phil

[Enthusiast]

367. An end to Net Neutrality coming up next.

TPTB can shut off every tidbit of left wing dialog in this nation. Don't consider for one moment that they wouldn't do it.

[southern_belle]

370. ffs

it didn't take long after the election, did it? I wonder why they consider him such a threat??? :evilfrown:

[Terra Alta]

374. This is fucking BULLSHIT

I am angry beyond words... why is who Keith donates to even an issue... would they have done this if he had donated to GOPuke candidates? I'm sure Mourning Joe donated to GOPukes.. why is he still on the air? So much for MSNBC being the liberals' safe haven... why do you think I get most of my news from DU?

[Loki]

375. I love typing letters to these hypocritical pricks.

I was nice, kinda.

[TomClash]

376. I wonder what the SAG CBA says

I would imagine KO is in the union. If the Phil Griffin policy isn't permitted by the CBA, he violating NY Labor Law.

[kimmerspixelated]

378. My God!

SO unfair! I will miss him!

[Rhiannon12866]

379. K&R! Here's the petition I just signed... Sign and pass on!

http://act.boldprogressives.org/sign/petition_olbermann/?akid=2630.624949.kfO-43&rd=1&source=e1-5mo&t=3

[Doremus]

380. Email sent. The plutocracy is getting pretty fucking bold and I hope this bites them in the ass. nt

[connecticut yankee]

381. Those Morans on Lucianne.com

are wetting their pants.

[Independem]

383. Andrea Mitchell's Prime Time Lies Ousting CIA Agent OK

Andrea Mitchell's Prime Time Lies Ousting CIA Agent OK

"A senior administration official told The Post on Saturday that two top government officials called at least six Washington journalists and disclosed the identity and occupation of Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame. Wilson said yesterday that journalists for the three major broadcast networks told him they had been contacted by someone in the White House. He named only one, Andrea Mitchell, NBC's chief foreign affairs correspondent, who interviewed Wilson and reported on July 22 that he said the administration was 'leaking his wife's covert job at the CIA to reporters.' Mitchell could not be reached for comment yesterday."

"Bush Administration Is Focus of Inquiry CIA Agent's Identity Was Leaked to Media" by Mike Allen and Dana Priest Washington Post September 28, 2003

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-fiderer/andrea-mitchells-prime-ti_b_10973.html

Andrea Mitchell, wife of Allen Greenspan lied about Valerie Plame to back up Republican lies to start war in Iraq and nothing happened. Now Keith Olbermann gives 2400 to a couple politicians and gets bitch slapped.

Something Stinks in this story, Keith needs to go over to HBO

[cleanhippie]

384. Not happy with this, but it is keeping a standard.

Kind of difficult to rant about Fox giving money to GOP candidates while at the same time giving money to Dem candidates.
If MSNBC had this policy in place, then he should have known better.

I am not happy with this decision, nor am I in agreement, I am just saying I see MSNBC's reasoning.

[Swede Atlanta]

389. I'm not going to pass judgment yet.......

I want to see how this plays out. I agree the suspension without pay indefinitely seems a bit extreme given the amount of money and the fact it was across 3 candidates but.....

I'll give MSNBC some latitude to address this violation of their ethics policy reasonably and quickly.

If this drags on into weeks then MSNBC will be removed from my channel line-up. I will not tolerate this type of infringement on KO's exercise of free speech. I realize that the Constitution only applies restrictions on the federal government but this is a serious issue.

[Snellius]

390. Comcast is coming

Here in MA Comcast pulled MSNBC from its regular programming just a few months before the Presidential elections.

[JenniferJuniper]

403. Not in my area of MA, at least

not yet. But there have been rumors for sometime that Keith would not survive the Comcast takeover.

I don't care either way. I won't be watching.

[Zambero]

398. Corporations? Carte-blanche! An individual? WHAT free speech?!

This boggles the mind. An employee needs to request permission from his boss in order to exercise a basic citizen's right? All this while corporations under the guise of "free speech" can secretly dish up unlimited cash to buy off the politicians of their choice (and simultaneously destroy his/her opponent).

I've emailed Griffin. He most likely won't take the time to look over these messages, but if enough of them hit his inbox, he might just consider coming to his senses.

[JohnnyRingo]

399. This is very disturbing

It sounds like the petty result of a battle of egos between MSNBC's top earner and it's network chief. Another example of biting off one's nose to spite one's face.

[tblue37]

400. How can they suspend him imdefinitely wihout pay? He has a contract.

They are basically saying he has to go for however long they want him to without earning any income?! I bet he could sue them.

[indimuse]

401. I'm Done!!!

F&^#K!!!

[orbitalman]

402. Ala #1 Ballard: HOLY SHIT!!!!!!

[Independem]

405. On Keith’s Olbermann Show Last Night Matt Taibbi Book Griftopia Countdown

GOP: "DON'T enforce Bank Law!" & TEA Party infighting - Countdown

Spencer Bachus (R-AL), who will be new the GOP head of the House Banking committee just sent an email warning Banking regulators NOT to enforce the new Volcker Rule & bank & Wall Street regulations limiting speculation with government insured funds -- because Goldman Sachs & J.P.Morgan Chase said so.
It's been only ONE DAY since the Nov. 2 election and the chickens are already coming home to roost.
JEEZ! Here we go!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9_RHpqy8So

This could be about Matt Taibbi going on Keith’s Show last night, the National Networks are like the Oil Cartels, they stick together and don’t like any news that is negative about the New Republican Party Power Moves.

[tblue37]

408. I found this comment on an article on one of the sites linked in one of the Olbermann posts:

"This is a case where the policy is being manipulated to create an offense."

I'd say that is spot on.

[PinkFloyd]

409. I call Bullshit on this!

It is BULLSHIT with a capital "B" when Olbermann catches heat for privately donating his own money while ALL, not some, ALL of Fox news not only donates their money privately but many of them even have their own PACs to raise money for those candidates. If that's not enough, they blatantly and shamelessly stump for GOP candidates, attends rallies for candidates and even advertises the rallies on their shows, and even outright tells listeners who they should vote for.

Yet Olbermann catches shit because he gave money to a few campaigns...Bullshit!

[Democat]

410. Will Fox be firing Sarah Palin?

Didn't she raise millions of dollars for Republican candidates?

[newtothegame]

416. Sarah Palin doesn't work for MSNBC. You're saying Fox should fire their person...

based on MSNBC's policy? WTF?? :shrug:

[earth mom]

413. Maybe this will wake some people up to the corruption of ALL the news networks. nt

[newtothegame]

414. Why is everyone bringing up Faux? This has nothing to do with Fox, only with MSNBC's internal policy

Someone from Fox News donating money to a political campaign has nothing to do with MSNBC's internal policy about notifying the higher-ups.

Furthermore, are we now REALLY saying that because Fox News does something, it should be ok for other organizations to do it? I can't believe my eyes...

[TNLib]

417. When did corporate America become the slave owners of their employers

An individual should be able to support their political party, candidate ect.. Without any interference from their employer.

How fucking unamerican!

[Independem]

419. On Keith Olbermann Show Last Night Matt Taibbi Book Griftopia

GOP: "DON'T enforce Bank Law!" & TEA Party infighting - Countdown

Spencer Bachus (R-AL), who will be new the GOP head of the House Banking committee just sent an email warning Banking regulators NOT to enforce the new Volcker Rule & bank & Wall Street regulations limiting speculation with government insured funds -- because Goldman Sachs & J.P.Morgan Chase said so.
It's been only ONE DAY since the Nov. 2 election and the chickens are already coming home to roost.
JEEZ! Here we go!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9_RHpqy8So

This could be about Matt Taibbi going on Keith’s Show last night, the National Networks are like the Oil Cartels, they stick together and don’t like any news that is negative about the New Republican Party Power Moves.

[Fire1]

420. I signed the petition. K&R

[proud patriot]

421. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

I'm pissed this is an outrage ... Beck threatens assasination of the President and Olberman get suspended .

[LatteLibertine]

429. Hasn't MSNBC been acquired by someone like Comcast?

I forget the name of the corp. I distinctly remember Bill-O muttering something along the lines of, "Things are likely changing over there soon."

Things could be getting worse for progressive commentators soon.

All my best to KO.

[24601]

430. I guess Phil settled that question of whether he's his boss. n/t

[xloadiex]

431. Almost 3000 people

in the 3 hours ago it was created, have already joined to show support for Keith. I've sent emails and called but got the message that the box was full.


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-Bring-Keith-Back/121149904612750

[Ozymanithrax]

433. Repulbians regain power...Olberman goes away.

It's surely a coincidence.

[juxtaposed]

437. I hate to say it, but I agree with the suspension.

It is MSNBC's policy, They have the policy in place for a reason. What if KO gave $2 million to one of those shadow PAC's where his name would never come to light and the laws changed after a year or so. It would be fader for the fools.
I don't think it's a Faux, MSNBC juxtaposition thing. It's an integrity thing.

We should hold a higher ethical position

[jeff47]

507. Not quite

It's not MSNBC policy. It's NBC policy. And it's a policy that never applied to MSNBC, because those rules don't work well for an opinion network.

More to the point, the rules state that he only had to inform if he felt the donation as affecting his impartiality...as an opinion host he has no impartiality to affect.

[Brandlon]

440. Here is the clause from 2007

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19178161/

Newsroom policies vary on campaign donations

Politicking allowed at Fox and Forbes, banned at ABC and New York Times

msnbc.com msnbc.com
updated 6/21/2007 12:43:41 PM ET

BOSTON — Here are sample policies on political activity by journalists, from Time magazine, Newsweek, The New York Times, Fox News Channel, Reuters, U.S. News & World Report, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, MSNBC.com, Forbes magazine, The Atlantic Monthly, Dow Jones, National Public Radio.

...

NBC and MSNBC TV require permission of the president of NBC News. (MSNBC.com is a joint venture of NBC Universal and Microsoft.)

"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest. Such activities may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions. You should report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain prior approval of, the President of NBC News or his designee."

[Brandlon]

442. In this Politico article

it says that Griffin was always in Fox's face about Fox crossing the journalistic line. I guess he felt he had to keep that attack going on Fox by firing Keith. That is the way I took it. You can check it out yourself.


http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/44734.html

[wordpix]

550. "...activities may include...contributions to... campaigns...that espouse controversial positions"

"Such activities may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns or groups that espouse controversial positions." :wtf:

Oh, now I get it. Contributing to bona fide Dem candidates endorsed by their state committees and parties is now a "controversial position." :sarcasm: :crazy:

[Strelnikov_]

441. "Olbermann's failure to obtain approval" aka "looking for a loophole to enable voiding contract"

[Misooks_cat]

529. If Keith was getting Glenn Beck type ratings, they would have slapped his wrist, that's all.

[progressoid]

443. ...failure to obtain approval...

:wtf:

[pmorlan1]

444. Corporations Are Too Intrusive

What really irritates me is that a corporation thinks it's ok to require an employee to get prior approval from them to donate to a political campaign. What the hell! They make their employees give up their right as a citizen unless they get permission? Our corporations have intruded way too far into our personal lives. This is ridiculous.

[Peggy Day]

499. I agree!! nt

[Crunchy Frog]

446. Why would he do something so stupid.

He's practically the only voice that we have out there. He knowingly violated the terms of his contract. For what?

[w4rma]

468. If it wasn't this it would have been some other "violation". (nt)

[bdamomma]

449. oh crap, just when we really need him.

such bs

[spicegal]

452. I do believe there's more to this story. Some of it is related to

the GOP taking over the House. Comcast is trying to buy NBC from GE, etc. etc.

[totodeinhere]

455. This article speculates that KO won't be back.

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/will-keith-olbermann-return-to-msnbc_b38467

Insiders we’ve talked to say Olbermann won’t be back. The question is whether he’ll leave or MSNBC keeps him off the air.

If so that's too bad. I have generally liked KO although I didn't like his bashing of Hillary Clinton during the primaries.

[Waiting For Everyman]

456. K&R This is unacceptable and outrageous.

I'm boycotting and email all concerned.

[crim son]

457. As appalling and yes, unacceptable as this is, how does this differ from NPR

firing what'shisname a few weeks ago? Didn't the guy break a rule? For the record, I didn't support that firing either but I do believe that if somebody agrees to follow the rules, s/he's gotta follow them or expect repercussions. I'm actually wondering if Olbermann didn't anticipate this. He'd be going out with a bang, that's for sure.

It's a damned shame, I've always enjoyed watching him and lately, even more so. I'm about to send a nasty letter.

[activa8tr]

461. Several ways! Number one, HE'S NOT "fired"!

Number two, he didn't voice opinions of unfounded suspicion against a sizable group of American citizens!

He exercised a right to contribute to politicians, which may or may NOT be against MSNBC policies, since other MSNBC folks did it, too.

Unless I missed Morning Joe being suspended, too!

[crim son]

464. True, he wasn't fired, but I think that's beside the point.

And I thought it was stated that it was policy at MSNBC to require permission to make donations. As to who else broke the rule, you may be right. Do you have a link listing the other offenders?

[chapel hill dem]

458. How long until Fox offers KO a contract? n/t

[armodem08]

462. This is either a personal or political play by Griffin.

This is either a personal or political play by Griffin. It doesn't make sense any other way, especially for business.

From DailyKos/Gawker: ( http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2010/11/5/917970/-Griffins-defense-of-suspension-makes-no-sense )

"MSNBC's increasingly left-wing programming and personalities aren't required to abide by NBC News' exacting rules—if they were, it would be a much less bombastic and politically charged network. So while Olbermann's donations may have run counter to the NBC News brand and Griffin's wishes, there doesn't appear to be a chapter-and-verse policy applying to MSNBC employees barring them."

"The standards department has told us that MSNBC doesn't answer to NBC News standards," the insider said. "They don't have coverage over MSNBC. They used to, back before MSNBC went political, but at some point it became too hard and MSNBC was taken out of their portfolio. As far as I know, there are no ethical standards at MSNBC. And if NBC says MSNBC is supposed to be living up to the NBC News standards, that's a preposterous lie.""

End of story.

edit: spelling

[DimplesinMI]

466. WAIT a freaking minute....

You, me and any other employee of an employer can give money to any political candidate we like. Work with me here. So, if you worked for the McCain/Palin campaign in 2008, you could give money to them and possibly made an addition donation to candidate Obama.

Now, you work for Comcast. After work, on your own time, you made a decision to give money to a Democrat candidate for U.S. House, Senate or in your state, local elections. In this action, on your time, you would not have (or should not have been) terminated or suspended for donations to causes you support.

You work for BP and decided to give a part of your payroll check to the Red Cross or Easter Seals. Your employer encourage the donation by taking this money out of your paycheck and passing it over to the non-profit organizations.

Keith, meanwhile, gave donations...off work...to Democratic candidates, he supported. He is under contract with his employer NBC to host a certain program and to do certain things while he is ON THE AIR. What he does during his own time, like attend a campaign rally (Ed Schultz at One Nation), make calls on behalf of candidates or even take a potential voter to the polls....would subject him to be terminated?

MSNBC has crossed a very THIN line here. If Keith is not coming back, I suspect that it is because he is talking with lawyers, in preparation of a lawsuit.

The funny part of all of this, if ANY humor can be found on this incident is that on November 3, some liberals and many other Americans agreed with the GOP stance to have corporate America rule our lives ON AND OFF the job.

We are in for a World of Hell and since I live in Michigan, I plan on adding an enhanced license to my wallet, very soon....just in case I need to quickly move to Canada!

KEITH, YOU HAVE MILLIONS OF UNEMPLOYED JOB SEEKERS SUPPORT ACROSS THE UNITED STATES TODAY.... SUE THE CRAP OUT OF THE BASTARDS!!

[Stellar]

470. This was PLANNED by new bosses !!!!!!

http://thinkprogress.org/2010/11/05/burke-comcast-msnbc/

[armodem08]

515. You bet it was...

"Comcast is in line to acquire control of NBC Universal, once regulators sign off on the $30 billion deal. Mr. Chernin asked Mr. Roberts how he planned to handle daily editorial control of such an immense news operation. “Are you saying that you’ll never interfere?” he asked. Mr. Roberts blanched slightly at the question, which included a hypothetical situation that had Keith Olbermann, an MSNBC host, attacking a couple of Republican congressmen just as the approvals were being finished. “Let’s have that conversation in six months or 12 months,” Mr. Roberts said."


And this was in May, SIX MONTHS AGO.

[newspeak]

574. yes, comcast can go straight and directly to Hades for all I care

if they slowly rid every voice of reason, all we'll be left with is commentators attempting to vie for who can convince the plebes in believing the most crazy, hate filled BS. All lies, all canned emotions all of the time. There will be no balance, just talking heads agreeing with themselves over how deregulation hurts those poor corporations and those poor rich people need that tax break because it helps create jobs--unfortunately, those people if they are creating jobs, it's not in this country. They love slave labor, that's why since little boots great tax cuts, the wealthy have been moving that money overseas.

We pay extra on cable just so our whole family can watch KO, if he's gone, I'm going to save my money and cancel. I won't be supporting the likes of comcast any time soon. The wingers don't need MSNBC because they got all kinds of networks competing for the crazy, especially Faux. You think they're going to pay extra for the network, when all they have to do is turn into faux for their helping of crazy shite?

[bdamomma]

473. maybe he should get his own show on HBO like

Bill Maher forget about MSNBC!!! damn

[geekgrrl]

475. here's the official FaceBook group for supporting Keith!!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Keep-Keith-Olbermann-On-msnbc/138881709496821

Lots of good info on where/who to call!

[NYMdaveNYI]

478. WHAT THE FUCK NT

[txaslftist]

481. LOL.

I guess he broke some rule or other, but if MSNBC thinks it's smart to suspend Keith Olbermann, one of their golden geese, as it were, they are on crack.'

Don't worry folks. Another network will be glad to snap him up at twice the pay.

[tavalon]

483. And Joe Scarborough and Pat Buchanan also donated to candidates

Are they also suspended?

[im1013]

487. PLEASE check out this Facebook page!

I know this has probably been posted already, but I didn't take
the time to read every post...

PLEASE click to "like" this page. Every bit of pressure we can put
on MSNBC the better!!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-Bring-Keith-Back/121149904612750?v=wall

[meleleston]

489. This is the number to MSNBC call them multiple times. Press 0

[prodigals0n]

491. NBC News Policy says

"While NBC News policy does not prohibit employees from donating to political candidates, it requires them to obtain prior approval from NBC News executives before doing so."

Requiring prior approval IS prohibiting employees from donating as evidenced in this entirely unacceptable disciplinary action. How the hell can NBC force anyone to ask for approval to exercise their rights?

FOX gives a million dollars to the Republican Governors Association. NBC suspends their highest rated anchor for donating to Democratic candidates. More muzzling of liberals in the media as the muzzlers insinuate a liberal media.

I hope Ed, Rachel, and Ratigan were all off the air in protest tonight. I'll unplug the TV before I watch another minute of NBC or MSNBC.

[e-mail]

http://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2010/11/phil-griffin-suspends-keith-olbermann.html

"Joe Scarborough, host of the "Morning Joe" talk show and the evening newscast "Scarborough Country," $4,200 in March 2006 to Derrick Kitts, Republican candidate for the House from Oregon. ... A spokesperson for NBC, Jeremy Gaines, replied to questions sent to Scarborough. "Yes, he did make a donation to Derrick Kitts. Kitts is an old friend of Joe's. Joe hosts an opinion program and is not a news reporter."

...

"According to one NBC News insider, it's common knowledge within the organization that MSNBC's increasingly left-wing programming and personalities aren't required to abide by NBC News' exacting rules — if they were, it would be a much less bombastic and politically charged network. So while Olbermann's donations may have run counter to the NBC News brand and Griffin's wishes, there doesn't appear to be a chapter-and-verse policy applying to MSNBC employees barring them.

"The standards department has told us that MSNBC doesn't answer to NBC News standards," the insider said. "They don't have coverage over MSNBC. They used to, back before MSNBC went political, but at some point it became too hard and MSNBC was taken out of their portfolio. As far as I know, there are no ethical standards at MSNBC. And if NBC says MSNBC is supposed to be living up to the NBC News standards, that's a preposterous lie."

[prodigals0n]

497. Phil Griffin's phone number in case no one has posted it yet:

I found this on the internet. It is supposedly the phone number of Phil Griffin's NYC office.

212-664-2456

[tavalon]

493. I would have loved to have been a fly on wall at the meeting between Phil and the network

lawyers. "You did this without consulting us. You know this is a wrongful suspension right? You know we're going to pay millions of dollars in damages to this guy because you didn't apply this policy across the board, right? And BTW, when exactly did this policy go into effect? You should have run it by us. It's illegal."

There's more, I'm sure. But that's the basic gist.

[GreenTea]

494. Petition: Put Olbermann Back On The Air NOW! Please sign this Petition!

http://act.boldprogressives.org/sign/petition_olbermann/?source=huff

[deacon]

498. Get him back on the air now! This is outrageous!

[cjbgreen]

508. I will cancel my subscription to Comcast!

Keith was the loan man out there when every one else in all networks were bending over to the Republicans and how brave W was! He has guts. Lawrence ODonnell smiling and saying nothing to Tom Delay stating that Obama was more of a socialist than Carter was disgusting. ODonnell is a moooooderate dem!

[Heywood J]

509. I hope he's got a good lawyer.

And I hope he can find some use in Buckley v. Valeo. It would be nice to see that finally put to good use.

[cjbgreen]

511. Boycott GE and Comcast!

[craigmatic]

510. This is bullshit and it's part of the reason why we dems and lefties can never seem to get ahead.

Even so-called liberal MSNBC is trying to shut us down. Phil Griffin sounds like a dick.

[deacon]

512. Phil Griffin todays Worst Person in the World! n/t

[armodem08]

513. Maybe he's trying to curry favor with the Comcast regime...

Comcast is taking over soon, and CEO Brian Roberts is a Bush donor and big-time asshole!

"Comcast is in line to acquire control of NBC Universal, once regulators sign off on the $30 billion deal. Mr. Chernin asked Mr. Roberts how he planned to handle daily editorial control of such an immense news operation. “Are you saying that you’ll never interfere?” he asked. Mr. Roberts blanched slightly at the question, which included a hypothetical situation that had Keith Olbermann, an MSNBC host, attacking a couple of Republican congressmen just as the approvals were being finished. “Let’s have that conversation in six months or 12 months,” Mr. Roberts said."

See ThinkProgress: http://thinkprogress.org/2010/11/05/burke-comcast-msnbc/

[McCamy Taylor]

517. I told you so. When Obama said "No" to "Cap & Trade" it meant GE would dump him.

Suspending KO is their way of getting started.

Look for any pro-Obama elements at NBC to get axed in the weeks to come.

[lonestarnot]

518. Write those emails, make those calls, write those letters and turn off MSNBC.

[AzNick]

519. Here is my official WHAT THE FUCK

I called MSNBC and talked to a live person. Did not yell at him. But calmly made him known my position.

[dpbrown]

520. Here's my letter. Feel free to copy any of it you like

Subject: Reinstate Olbermann
To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

Phil,

FOX donates millions to the Neanderthal candidates of the monied wing of the Crusader Party and billions more through the exhortations of its twisted cheerleaders upon the easily duped.

The "Citizens United" decision by the Supreme Court of the United States gives voice directly to corporations by ascribing to them a Constitutional protection for "Free Speech" that doesn't exist, because corporations are not people and have no right to "Free Speech" or any other Constitutional protection. Corporations are man-made. They are not people. Nevertheless, under the Court's perverted edict, corporations have unleashed a torrent of cash into the political sphere forever corrupting our democratic processes and forever demeaning the actual free speech of actual people, for whom and by whom this nation was founded.

Despite this likely insurmountable barrier to participation, actual PEOPLE still retain, while diminished, the actual FREE SPEECH right that forms the foundation upon which the Supreme Court's bastardized version is based. That means that under the Constitution, we the people have both a right and a duty to contribute our voices to the political process with our monetary support.

Keith Olbermann is free under the Constitution of the United States to donate his own money to any candidate he chooses. You're saying he can't both do that and work for you.

Your policy, silencing Mr. Olbermann's free speech or requiring your approval of his speaking of his monetary mind, substitutes YOUR free speech for his. And that's wrong. You don't deserve that sort of political megaphone.

Do people really work for your company under the expectation that their free speech rights will match, be subsumed by, or mirror your own? Really?

Because that's messed up.

We remember that the popular and insightful Phil Donahue was canned by your company to kow-tow to the reactionaries in power during the Bush years. Is this more of the same?

You need to release Mr. Olbermann's free speech. His donations are at once none of your business, and also nothing more than a tiny pebble compared to the gigantic boulders of monetary discourse lobbed by executives of your company and others. Who really "approves" the massive donations of executives? Why should worker donations receive any more scrutiny?

Here's your actual policy, apparently:

"If a contribution, monetary or otherwise, to a candidate or group with a political or social agenda could create the appearance of a conflict of interest due to the employee’s responsibilities at MSNBC.com, the contribution must receive the prior approval of the section Executive Producer or Editor in Chief"

It might be a newsflash to you, but Mr. Olbermann was hired FOR his views. Not only is there NO conflict of interest between his contribution and his responsibilities requiring him to seek prior approval, you can NOT prove an "agenda" to the candidates he contributed to, even if you WOULD rather he mimic your own version of speech.

Reinstate Mr. Olbermann.

And then apologize for silencing his free speech.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Cheers,

______________

[wisteria]

521. He wasn't fired, just suspended. I think he will be back soon. n/t

[Incitatus]

523. Fucking liberal media!

:eyes:

[wisteria]

524. If this is indefinately, maybe he should try another direction and perhaps another network.

He doesn't have to do cable news.

[wordpix]

590. Keith, Cenk, Rachel et al should start their own network

[pjt7]

525. Alan Grayson

should take over Keith's show.

[Incitatus]

527. If they do get rid of Keith, there's no way in hell they are replaceing him with Grayson.

You need to remember who really runs things in this country.

[jwirr]

531. Done. More angry at this than the election!

[politicalmajority]

544. IT'S TIME TO FIRE JEFF IMMELT FROM THE GE CEO POSITION

That kiddo hasn't learned a lesson yet.

[McCamy Taylor]

546. When the lame duck Congress passes Cap & Trade, MSNBC will bring KO back.

His suspension is blackmail of the Democratic Party and the Obama administration. GE desperately wants the billions it will make from Cap & Trade. There is no chance at all of it passing with the next Congress, sent to Washington by the oil industry for the purpose of defeating Cap and Trade. So, GE is doing this to get the attention of Democrats. "Give us our money, and we will give you back the only friendly news caster on TV." This is exactly the same kind of bs CBS pulled with Dan Rather in 2004, in order to get the Bush FCC to rewrite media ownership rules for them,\. Except Bush wanted Rather out, and the Dems want KO in.

I will bet money that GE has been after KO to do "special comments" on Cap & Trade.

He should go work for someone else, someone that isn't a corporate media conglomerate.

[wordpix]

552. good idea

[armodem08]

555. Now the guy guest-hosting his show says it's a power contest...

Roberts also made a lighter reference to the situation during a segment about Nancy Pelosi.

"It's always hard when you jump in the middle of some type of power contest," he said. "Trust me."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/05/thomas-roberts-countdown-_n_779842.html

[Lint Head]

558. Fox gives republicans 1.6 million and Obermann gives a few thousand

to democrats?! Give me a frigging break. Limbaugh probably gave millions to re-pubic-rats too!

[farmboxer]

565. Sick creeps!

I am tired of a double standard!

[burnsei sensei]

572. Whatever happened to the sanctity of property?

Keith Olbermann's money, his house, his car, his things, are his own.
The station has no business diving into his political contributions.
The Supreme Court has ruled that money is equivalent to free speech.
Yes, bring Keith Olbermann back.
It's the principled thing to do. It's just plain right.

[glinda]

576. Well therein lies the whole point. Comcast and Corpse are allowed to

make decisions on our elections and the people working for them or under them have to fall in line or they are out. The employees and ACTUAL people have no say and if they do, they just take away their money and job.

[caitxrawks]

575. grrrr

This makes me angry.

[CmonMan]

578. Hope it's not lomg! NT

[South End Liberal]

579. Tell the SPONSORS, the ADVERTISERS on MSNBC how you feel

about MSNBC removing Keith O.

If enough pressure is put on MSNBC advertisers, they will be forced to return Keith to his show -- whether Comcast likes it or not.

[wpelb]

581. Not the real reason?

Probably MSNBC is worried about low ratings due to its perceived liberal bias, and the powers-that-be there have consequently decided to get rid of Mr. Olbermann. This "violation" has given them cover to do so.

[BillH76]

584. Keith also makes $4M a year. Maybe a little pricey for MSNBC these days.

[BillH76]

583. Why didn't Keith have the brains to do a pass-through?

That's what the other rich people do: give the money to someone else to donate to the candidate, and make sure to see the receipt.

[herostarlette]

585. Unfair move

Other cable hosts have donated to political parties and were not banned. KO is being targetted because of his progressive tendencies. Let's call MSNBC and protest.

[less lee]

587. Keith will get another job! CBS maybe?

Just wait until Comcast get's a hold on MSNBC! Say goodbye to everybody!

[Liberalynn]

595. They will probably find an excuse to suspend Rachel next.