Political giving not unusual on cable

[dkf]

By KENNETH P. VOGEL | 11/5/10 7:36 PM EDT

A search of campaign finance records shows that MSNBC host Keith Olbermann is hardly the only cable news host who has written a check for a candidate in recent years.

With the distinction between journalism and punditry increasingly blurring, a number of overtly political cable stars such as Mike Huckabee and Sean Hannity of Fox News and Joe Scarborough — like Olbermann, a host at MSNBC — have made campaign donations, as have many political commentators who don’t have their own shows.

MSNBC, which suspended the liberal Olbermann after POLITICO revealed he had contributed to three Democratic campaigns this past cycle, apparently condoned Scarborough’s maximum $4,200 contribution to the Oregon congressional race of close friend Derrick Kitts in 2006, when Scarborough was host of the evening show "Scarborough Country."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1110/44768.html

[Warpy]

1. That's why the contribution is just an excuse for something else

Olberman isn't the easiest guy in the world to work with. I think he likely mooned the boss, at least metaphorically.

I won't smell a Comcast conspiracy until and unless the rest of the centrist lineup after dark is canned.

[KharmaTrain]

2. As Usual The Point Is Missed...

Ths suspension was based on Keith donating without notifying the network he was doing so that was in violation of his contract. Supposedly Joey had notified the network. What other networks do is of no consequence either as Keith doesn't work for them, he does for MSNBC. From the surface it appears his bosses didn't find out until an outside source brought it to their attention...also not a cool move on Keith's part.

The silence from both parties is driving people here crazy and thus the void is filled with speculation. I suspect we'll get more information tomorrow and some kind of resolution. Bottom line is if the network had violated his contract you better believe Keith would have his agent and or lawyer raising hell, this time the shoe is on the other foot. When you sign something, you better know what you're signing and then live up to its terms. If we get to a point where contracts and agreements can be breached then our union movement is really screwed.

[dkf]

3. My company asked me just last year to report every political donation I had ever made

To a government official, entity or party with dates. It didn't even specify since date of hire. I suppose because I wasn't able to detail this exactly I violated my contract? Some requests are overly excessive. It sure did work on me though. Since then I stopped giving because I frankly do not want my firm keeping tabs on me.

[KharmaTrain]

4. There's A Difference

Is this a new company policy or an old one that they're cracking down on? Also, are all employees contracted? Seems people don't understand how specific the services contracts on Keith's level are. Almost everyone in that network has a contract and each one is written differently; negotiated by agents that can run pages long in outlining what a employee can and cannot do and what protections he/she has. It could be there was a communications screw up...we'll find out one way or the other when one or both parties talk. Also, Keith is probably a member of AFTRA and if he's been treated unfairly, you'll be hearing from them..or should be.

The deal is being a high profile prime time personality makes him a valuable property to the network...who, in turn pay him a nice paycheck (I saw $7 million per year). He accepts the money, the security and the exposure and in return he has to adhear to network standards. People get suspendended regularly but MSNBC has invested a lot into its primetime line-up and into Olberman's show in specific and serves all parties best interests to resolve difficulties and move ahead.

[dkf]

5. Does signing off that you've read and will adhere to company policy count as a contract?

Probably so. And it is a new policy for us.

[KharmaTrain]

6. Do You Have A Unon?

From my years of working in management (which I hated), my boss would say "my way or the highway...don't like the policy, you're free to work elsewhere". And that was 25 years ago. If you sign a memo or other official communication, it can be construed as a condition of employ. Remember, it took over 50 years of civil strife and the rise of the unions to force just basic rights of safety, working hours and minimum wage on employers, they have a lot of latitude beyond.

If you have a question about this, may I suggest you call your state Department of Employment and see if this is a violation of discrimination laws.

[dkf]

7. Can't do much about it...it is what it is.

I'm just glad I have a job.

[KharmaTrain]

8. I Can Relate...

I worked at a place where the boss was a bigwig in the local GOTB. Every election he'd wear buttons all over the place but no employee was allowed to do the same. Just like you, I needed the job and gritted my teeth when he'd walk past with his big Raygun button and go back to work. Politics in the workplace never mix.

Cheers...