When is MSNBC going to start promoting "COUNTDOWN" properly...

[WhirlyGirl]

... as a NEWS PROGRAM -- and not just for the oddball stuff?

Keith Olbermann is acknowledged among his peers as one of the best serious newswriters in the business -- yet when it comes to advertising, Chris Matthews is given all the attention at MSNBC.

THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE!

[Lone Pawn]

1. When people start *watching* COUNTDOWN for news.

They do demographic surveys to find out why people watch various shows.

[WhirlyGirl]

2. Well, they gotta KNOW it's a news show first, don't they?

The purpose of advertising is to INFORM FOLKS about your product!

If you advertise only funny stuff on "Countdown," who's gonna check it out for serious news?? This is my point.

[Lone Pawn]

5. When most of the regular, repeat viewers say it's the funny stuff that

makes Countdown stand out, that's what they'll advertise.

[WhirlyGirl]

6. You're still missing the point: that THAT'S how MSNBC promotes the show...

... when they promote it at all.

THEREFORE, those are the NEW viewers they attract: the ones who are looking for a lighthearted take on events.

[seito]

11. Before the election, before I found DU

and long before the KOEB, I started watching Countdown because of the "Countdown to the O'Reilly Tapes" Keith does a great job of covering all the news, but it his unique lighthearted style that sets him apart.

I really don't see anything wrong with marketing it that way.

[WhirlyGirl]

17. seito, I'm making a point about the PURPOSE OF ADVERTISING --

-- which is to let people know something about the product which they might not otherwise know.

NOT to tell people already using the product what they ALREADY know!

[seito]

24. It is clear that MSNBC needs to do something

They are trailing in ratings, at least that is my understanding. Part of the problem, I believe, is that MSNBC does not reach as many markets as CNN and Faux.

The question is where are the new viewers, and what are they interested in. I agree, MSNBC could probably do well to market Countdown as a program that "Dares to broadcast what others won't"

[Lone Pawn]

12. They adjust for the reasons new viewers come in.

I'm not missing the point, I just understand how this works. Look:

If 25 percent of new viewers come in looking for news and 75 percent come in looking for fun, and 15 percent of repeat viewers claim they watch for news and 85 percent claim they watch for fun, then it's quite obvious that the fun-angle is more attractive.

[KharmaTrain]

51. Ratings MisInformation...

First, for a show to get credit in the ratings, a person must watch (or claim to) for a minimum of 15 minutes. If they channel flip, nobody gets the credit...and why shows that have die-hard audiences, like Faux, always show a lot stronger than an MSNBC or CNNServative where viewers will flip around.

Also, MSNBC doesn't reach as many cable homes as the others. Faux is everywhere...plus Rupert owns his own satellite. CNNservative has Time/Warner & Comcast as their corporate masters...but MSNBC gets third billing on many systems and still hasn't been added on older ones. In some cases, Faux has shoved a couple bucks under the table to have their rivals shoved to higher channels or onto premium packages. All's fair in an unregulated world.

[WhirlyGirl]

74. Much is being made of the fact that Nancy Grace is beating KO by 18%...

... in viewership -- but that actually translates to a phenomenal achievement on KO's part if that's true, exactly because of what you've said about the limited markets MSNBC appears in as compared with CNN.

[flyarm]

49. what makes you think

nbc wants a show that tells the truth to have high ratings??

remember nbc is owned by G.E. ..G.E. is one of the biggest defence contractors in the world, and got the fith biggest no bid contract for iraq!
G.E.'s interests are helping the * admin in keeping war going and murdering and the New World order..illuminati..
it is not in NBC's interest to tell the truth...and k.o. tells the truth!
Remember Donahue was on msnbc..he was one of the highest rated talk shows..msnbc was forcing Donahue to have on 2 more neo cons than each liberal...he was fired because he was against going to war , and he told the truth!
G.E. does not have any interest in getting a good rating for keith..end of story.

fly

[WhirlyGirl]

50. In the first place, COUNTDOWN was built around him...

... so they knew who and what would be going out over the cable each night. Obviously, somebody at the network believes he has the power to attract viewers by doing the newscast his way.

KO was already a seasoned newsman when COUNTDOWN began -- back on MSNBC for the SECOND time after having walked away in disgust several years earlier over the enforced repetition and dreariness of the show he was then hosting. They knew he'd never settle for anything like that format and lack of autonomy again.

I sense little external constraint on the show's content. I think he gets to do pretty much what he wants. When Keith lets a story go it's because he has nothing to say about it. That doesn't mean he won't have more to say about it at some future time.

In the case of COUNTDOWN, I'm confident patience will pay big dividends -- for the company, and especially for the viewers.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

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

[seito]

7. Looks to me like Countdown's ratings are up by 8.1%

over the same period last year



The news isn't quite so good for Tweety. It seems his ratings are down 23.01%

[WhirlyGirl]

13. I hope it's for the RIGHT REASON.

The humor is what makes the show different -- but the QUALITY of the reporting and the EXCELLENCE of the writing are what make it worth watching.

Everybody singles out "Countdown" for daring to report stories that no one else does, and reporting stories in ways no one else does... but when it's time for the network to talk up the show, what do we hear?

Crickets chirping.

SHAME ON MSNBC!!!

[seito]

15. Have you heard their latest jingle for their prime time news line-up?

It is something along the lines of 'The news, Olbermann style'

[WhirlyGirl]

18. But "Countdown" ISN'T a triumph of STYLE over substance...

... it's substance WITH STYLE.

[Norquist Nemesis]

21. Matthews blows!

I keep promising myself I'll never watch him again and then curiosity gets the better of me during the latter half of 360. I'll tune in only to find administration surrogates, or a recognized CON (who gets the majority of face time) up against a weak liberal. Matthews is obviously awestruck by Bush's ability to politically ramrod everything up the ass of his opponents...he thinks Bush is "a philosopher" :eyes:

I hope he sinks! The only danger is his time slot getting replaced with...oh, I don't know...Tucker Carlson?

[seito]

27. I can not stand that man's voice

If I ever have to listen to him for more than five minutes, I am convinced that my head will explode. It is bad enough that when I turn on Countdown, I am usually about 2 minutes early and find myself exposed to his whiny, loud mouthed, drivel. I have got to improve my timing. Thank GOD for the mute button.

[WhirlyGirl]

28. Chris was a cop before he was a talking head...

... and I have a theory that he spent so much time on the firing range, it damaged his hearing.

HE'S ALWAYS SHOUTING!

[seito]

29. lol

I learn something new every day.

[flyarm]

48. chris was also ...

a speech writer for pres carter.

fly

[Norquist Nemesis]

52. HAH!

Yeah, and he's always giving a "yea, uh-huh, right" while guests are talking the points, but cutting off those that are *gasp* liberal in the slightest.

Have you noticed that on Countdown, the lead-in to the odd stories has Matthews unique 'HAH!' laugh right before KO starts talking? Makes me want to :puke:

[WhirlyGirl]

55. The laugh is because it's called "Oddball"...

... The laugh was much more subtle at first than it is now -- and the word "Oddball" didn't bulge out like it now does.

Some folks just can't leave well enough alone. Did think we'd MISS it, facryinoutloud?

----------
<< Have you noticed that on Countdown, the lead-in to the odd stories has Matthews unique 'HAH!' laugh right before KO starts talking? . . . >> N-N

[Catchawave]

62. I think they change the title to "Softball"

That's all Tweety lobs these days !

[pauliedee]

69. Matthews is a liar

I hate him and I'll never watch him again . I'll tune in only to find administration surrogates, or a recognized CON (who gets the majority of face time) up against a weak liberal. Matthews is obviously awestruck by Bush's ability to politically ramrod everything up the ass of his opponents...he thinks Bush is "a philosopher"

Russert sucks too. These guys are worse than O'Reilly. :puke:

[SOS]

46. Pleasant CNN ratings plunge

Larry King: -25%
Paula Zahn: -22%

Looks like their lurch to the right backfired.

[Catchawave]

63. Dennis Miller needs to be a 'librul' again

He's -50%

[Name removed]

14. Deleted message

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

[seito]

30. Looks like you were right

Even though your post was removed

[Lone Pawn]

32. What did it say?

Could you paraphrase?

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

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

[Lone Pawn]

34. LOL

[xxqqqzme]

3. after Jon, Keith is the only other

news I watch on TV.

[seito]

8. Since The Daily Show comes on too late for me

I have to rely on Countdown, and DU for my news. I do try to catch Jon when I can :evilgrin:

[GiovanniC]

9. Which Time Is Too Late?

11 PM? 1 AM? 10 AM? 7 PM?

At least one of those can't be too late, can it?

[seito]

16. Well

11pm and 1 AM are too late. I work from 8 am- 4 pm, so that nixes the 10 AM slot. I try to catch the re-run at 7pm, but I teach martial arts classes in the evening. Classes do not end until 7pm on Tues, Wed and Thurs. So, that leaves me with re-runs on Mon and Fri, when I am home, if they are on. That is why I said I catch him when I can.

I lead a very busy life, when I am not snowed in.

[GiovanniC]

22. I See

Can you use a Tivo or VCR or anything? Or, if you have a high-speed internet connection, you can catch a lot of their segments on the comedy central website.

I just hate to see anyone deprived of Jon and the gang... he makes things more tolerable. ;)

[seito]

26. I am still trying to figure out how to record with my VCR

:silly: Thanks for your concern. I am deprived. That is probably why I have such strong feelings for Keith :loveya:

edit: sp

[WhirlyGirl]

37. seito, if you know any 12 year olds...

... they're really good with technology!

(Have you tried just inserting a blank tape and hitting "REC" about 10 sec before the show starts?)

[seito]

38. lol

I used to be a systems administrator. Now I am among the technologically challenged. Unfortunately, my problem is complex. When I try to record, all I get is static. I think it has to do with how my VCR is wired to the cable box and the TV.

My boyfriend and I spent an hour trying to get it to work, so it is not just me.

[WhirlyGirl]

39. This gives us something to go on...

I'll ask my husband. He's a whiz w/ electronics -- esp. inputs & outputs (I slept thru the lecture on connectors in Video Production class!).

[WhirlyGirl]

41. Advice from my husband, the technology maven:

If the VCR is between the cable box and the TV, it should be tuned to the same channel that the TV is set to. And choose the channel you want to record on the cable box.

If the VCR is ahead of the cable box, the cable box must be tuned to channel 2 or 3 -- which ever your VCR plays on -- in order to see the picture. Then the VCR must be used to tune the channel that you wish to record.

[Crankie Avalon]

10. Probably only after Countdown dumbs itself down...

...to Scarborough Country-level and becomes as much of a propaganda tool of the right/corporate elite as the rest of MSNBC.

[Shopaholic]

19. Get this--today MSNBC had two ads in the A section of the NY Times

What were they pushing--Chris fucking Matthews & their new "fresh headlines" every 15 minute pledge--not Keith. Nancy Grace on CNN HLN did some damage to Keith's ratings last week so which show does the network decide to promote this week? HARDBALL.

:wtf:

[WhirlyGirl]

23. It's totally counterintuitive, isn't it, Shop?...

If you sign up a treasure like Keith Olbermann, why wouldn't you play up every one of his assets -- esp. the ones he'd established BEFORE COMING (back) THERE?

Seems to me the folks in marketing at MSNBC never watch their own shows.

[KoKo]

31. I watched Keith couple of times last week...He's changed his format....

It seems to be all "oddball" stuff now, and he said on his Blog he was tired of politics or something like that. I didn't tune in Friday, because the other two shows turned me off. I figured he did one too many Ohio Fraud and one too many "Jimmy/Jeff" stories for the MSNBC Brass to tolerate.

[seito]

35. I guess you missed his coverage of Gannongate n/t

[KoKo]

40. No...I mentioned that in my post. I'm talking about LAST WEEK...

when it suddenly stopped. Did you read my post?

[seito]

42. Nope

When I saw your post I was too busy LMAO remembering that post you made after the election stating that "Keith wanted to kill us all". Do you remember that one?

Sorry, I promise I will read more carefully next time :silly:

[KoKo]

43. Ahhh...then you are guilty of "Tarring" a poster because of "One or Two"

post frustrations...so that you forever paint them with one brush stroke in one color?

You haven't been here so long to know that I sort of do "Freak Outs" every once in awhile...and they get picked up by the Right Wing Web sites as an "example of DU's Worst."

I chuckle...because no one bothers to look at the "body of one's writing, legislation, and "speaks" but attacks over a few "Very Frustrated posts.'

It's Okay.....I understand that you saw one "Vent Post" from me and ignored everything else I'd ever said....it's fine...:-)'s and :hi: to you...

One word of caution: "Don't always be so quick to judge." If you are a RWinger...then you might say: "WTF" I calls 'em as I seems 'em...and you POS KoKo01 are a "POS" and I wouldn't waste my time with a post of yours again!"
:shrug:

Edited for typo's

[seito]

45. I was joking with you koko

I just did not read your post carefully. Actually, I realized my mistake AFTER I posted my reply... but I said WTF, let me see what happens.

I honestly did enjoy your "vent" post. It goes up there with one of my most memorable DU moments. For that I thank you.

Peace? :pals:

edit: sp

[KoKo]

47. Peace!

:-)'s :hug:

[WhirlyGirl]

36. Keith dislikes covering the same story night after night, when there's...

... essentially nothing new to report.

Rest assured he's keeping up with Ohio and "Gannon" and will resurrect those stories when it's warranted. (He makes sly references to our secy of state, so you know he's thinking about Blackwell!)

[Catchawave]

67. Nancy Grace will drop off after Michael's over....

....that, and she wears a little thin after awhile.

[stray cat]

20. I would love a coffee mug that says "I get my news from Keith"

If anyone can start making them I'll be the first buyer.

[WhirlyGirl]

25. ... the operative word being NEWS.

That's a great idea! I'd buy one in a NY minute. :thumbsup:

[KoKo]

44. He's done some good stuff "Fighting against the 'Crime Syndicate." But

beware of "Hero's." They have been proven to be false when their or our, or your "Career" is at stake. Keith is no different. He works for a "Muti-National Conglomerate who has ties into the "Bush Crime Syndicate."

When one's job is at stake...one often has to "compromise." I'm not expecting Keith to go beyond that.

But, I think he was forced to "give it all up." :shrug:

[stray cat]

53. No hero worship - corporate manipulation instead.

Media corporations like any business go where the money is. If we want real news presented in a fair and balanced way, the corporations have to be convinced people will watch it. The idea is to promote good shows and show the corporations they won't go bankrupt if they don't mimic Fox news. Fox knows they make money by marketing disinformation and sleeze. Americans need to promote examples of responsible media by actually watching those kind of shows. I think "Coundown" is an excellent one to promote.

[WhirlyGirl]

54. You make a good point, dmordue, when you say...

<< Americans need to promote examples of responsible media by actually watching those kind of shows. I think "Coundown" is an excellent one to promote. >> dmordue

By the same token, the network has to do its part to help viewers LOCATE such shows it offers, via its advertising.

As you point out, it's by no means in MSNBC's interest to keep the excellence of COUNTDOWN and its host a secret!

[stray cat]

61. True - I wonder why they don't do a better job of advertising it?

I have seen more advertising lately but never any place besides on MSNBC.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

59. Countdown should get more promotion.

[gkhouston]

56. I don't know. I'm mystified by the amount of effort they spend

promoting Hardball and Scarborough Country which come across as clones of the crap you can get a lot of places, while not paying much attention to Countdown, which is unique.

Yeah, it's a bit off-kilter with the humor, but there's solid news underneath, and I like the humor and it doesn't distract me in the least from the true content of what's being said. And I LOVE to hear someone asking the TOUGH questions instead of just tossing softballs. For once, I'm not talking to the TV saying, "why isn't anybody asking about this... and this?" because someone is. And he does it without being obnoxious or whiny. Learn from that, Tweety.

[Gogi]

58. I'm just happy to listen to a news program where the host lets

his guests complete a sentence and does'nt try to manipulate what they say while thy're saying it! KO's doing just fine when he ignores some stories to rport on current events. I agree that they do too much promoting of Scarbourough Country and Matthews is just not a strong leadin to Countdown. My humble opinion is that MSNBC should lead-in to Countdown with The Abrams Report.

[RevCheesehead]

60. My gut tells me Scarborough is on the way out.

The idiot missed about half of his shows last year (during the election) because of "back problems." And Pat Buchanan actually did a better job than ol' Joe. Wouldn't be surprised to see him tossed out after these last ratings.

[Gogi]

65. That'd be okay with me cheese!

Put some actual debate shows on.

[pauliedee]

70. I Hate Scarborough and Buchanon

I Hate Scarborough and Buchanon...total swiftboat loving sleazeballs...Joe is the OJ Simpson of the political world...got away with murder in his office in Florida....poor girl had her head bashed in .....NO LIE!!! I hope his back breaks

[WhirlyGirl]

64. gk, I was saying that very thing...

... in my very own livingroom the other night:

Keith asks the questions *I* would ask if I had the guest in front of me -- plus he considers the IMPLICATIONS of what people answer and asks the NEXT LOGICAL QUESTION.

IOW, his followups aren't inane non sequiturs such as other hosts often ask.

This is a trait Keith shares w/ only one other interviewer I know of, and that's C-SPAN's Brian Lamb. Nice company to be in.

----------
<< I LOVE to hear someone asking the TOUGH questions instead of just tossing softballs. For once, I'm not talking to the TV saying, "why isn't anybody asking about this... and this?" because someone is. And he does it without being obnoxious or whiny. >> gkhouston

[Miami Liberal]

57. Kick for Keef

:kick:

[Clark2008]

66. Well, we all know I've been promoting it!

I did get some info back from the NBC shop, however, but it doesn't really tell me anything.

Your inquiry has reached one of NBC's affiliates, ShopNBC. ShopNBC is one of the nation's leading home shopping retailers. While we can answer your questions regarding select NBC products that we currently offer on our website, www.shopnbc.com, we are unable to address your email regarding NBC products that we do not offer at this time.

NBC has scheduled release dates for certain shows, merchandise, special programs, series, and reports. Not all NBC shows, movies, programs, etc., will be available for purchase. Unfortunately, the release dates are not given in advance. When the item is released, it will be available at http://nbcstore.shopnbc.com/nbcstore/?ciid=11235.

We thank you for your interest in NBC products. Please check ShopNBC.com periodically for the latest NBC releases

Thank you for contacting ShopNBC. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions or concerns.


Regards,

Christina R
Customer Service Representative
ShopNBC

So, I'm trying - but I need your support!

I'm still awaiting word on the picture for the "I Get My News From Keith" mugs and will be posting the new bumpber sticker, "OLBERMANN: Real News - Not Faux News" soon.

[Catchawave]

68. Imus has a mug !?!

http://nbcstore.shopnbc.com/depts/?ciid=&deptid=40&storeid=2

Grrrrrr.

I'll be dropping them a note too :) Will you be selling your items on CafePress? Let me know when your bumper sticker's available!

[greenmutha]

71. Not only a mug, but a hat and a tee too! WTF?

I wrote them the other day and got the same reply as Clark2008. "We can't tell you about stuff we don't make."

Well, no sh*t sherlock! I'm asking you TO MAKE THE STUFF AND I'LL BUY IT!

/rant off

[WhirlyGirl]

72. You're doing great, Clark!

Who've you contacted so far at MSNBC? Anyone in Marketing? I think that's your target because they probably co-ordinate all the promotional materials, licensing of their creative, etc.

I have a name for you (plus e-mail & phone #) if you haven't already gone that route.

Let me know if there's any way I can be of help.

-- WhirlyG

[WhirlyGirl]

73. Yo, Clark -- did you see the above?

[T Town Jake]

75. Honest question: Why don't you take this up with MSNBC...

...directly?

A few postings here by his devout groupies are not going to change that network's advertising strategy as regards Olberman, after all.

Seriously, do you need an e-mail address to carry forward this crusade? Here ya go:

[e-mail]

Good luck.

[WhirlyGirl]

76. We have, we are, and I believe it's having an effect.

The latest promos include Countdown among the network's news programs rather than setting it apart as some sort of "vacation" from serious current events, as earlier spots seemed be suggesting.

And Monica Novotny got a heavy story to cover last night, for once.

We just need to keep them focused now on KO's special gifts -- his perception of the essential aspects of a story, as well as his writing and delivery.

[gkhouston]

77. yes, it's nice to see it promoted as a news show

instead of the "third cousin who's shy a couple of chromosomes and that's why we keep him locked away in the attic" (which is pretty much what I think of Scarborough Country), but puh-leeze, every time they tell me I'm getting my news "Olbermann style" I think I'm ordering food at a restaurant.

And your comments up-thread about him thinking on his feet and responding to what his guests say instead of blindly plowing through a prepared list of questions or personal rant list are extremely apt. Why bother interviewing someone if you're going to treat them as a cardboard cut-out? Why not just do Puppet Theatre and eliminate all pretense?

[WhirlyGirl]

78. LOL! I'd have a hard time choosing which observation I liked best, gk...

... seeing as how they're all right on the money... but the one about ordering food is definitely near the top. <g>

Oysters a la Olbermann.
With... mmmmmmmm.... Daytona water.

[fromBrooklyn]

79. you mean the fact that he's not

a bought and sold government shill?

Three more of those on TV and maybe things would start to climb up out of the gutter.

[gkhouston]

80. when did the news get so %&*#(! STUPID?

I got really sick and totally bogged down at work for several years and stopped following the news closely. Checked back in recently and it's gone straight down the crapper. When did the collective castration of the media take place?

[WhirlyGirl]

81. The change accompanied all the recent media mergers.

[Shopaholic]

82. I bet they bust the bank promoting the new Tucker Carlson

fiasco to be but they won't pony up to promote Keith-the entire damn budget seems to be spent on Chris fucking Matthews.

[gkhouston]

83. makes you wonder

who Chris is fucking.