can someone clarify for me if KO broke his contract or if he broke

[MrsBrady]

a network rule?

I see both being thrown around here - and I am trying to get some clarity for a friend.

edit: and apparently myself, as well

[Me.]

1. KO Said He Didn't Know About The Policy

So if it was in his contract it was nebulous, something general like adhering to all network policies

[MrsBrady]

3. ok so when and to whom did he say that?

and is there a story on that?

[Me.]

12. There Is

“BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Network sources tell Playbook that Keith Olbermann was suspended because he refused to deliver an on-camera mea culpa, which would have allowed him to continue anchoring “Countdown.” Olbermann told his bosses he didn't know he was barred from making campaign contributions, although he is resisting saying that publicly. Olbermann may not hold as many cards as he thinks. He makes $7 million a year and MSNBC's prime time is not as dependent on him as it was before the addition of Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell, who make considerably less.”

http://www.politico.com/playbook/1110/playbook1227.html

[elleng]

14. Ah, 'sources.'

May be true. Teaches us all something: READ THE FINE PRINT!!!

[Me.]

15. The Reason I Give This Credibility

Is because I don't think he would've done this if he knew it was verboten and KO would also know that Griffin is and has been looking to 'put him in his place'. They have a very contentious relationship.

[elleng]

4. Interesting, he said that? Where/when?

[Me.]

13. See Post #12

[elleng]

2. May be both, a rule that one doesn't contribute but can get 'waiver' if ask;

probably reflected in his contract.

[MrsBrady]

5. that's what I'm trying to clarify

does anyone know for sure?

[Ian David]

6. Even if it WAS in his contract, it's probably unenforceable. n/t

[MrsBrady]

8. that's what I mean - i'm trying to find out

does anyone know here?...

because I've seen posted a few places that it was something in his contract, not a rule at MSNBC.

That's different from what Rachel said on the air on Friday.

[GrpCaptMandrake]

7. It was apparently a policy matter

Here's the language as excerpted by ThinkProgress:

"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."

The language appears to be vague, to say the least. What's more, Greg Sargent has argued that it's questionable whether the policy even applies to someone who isn't a typical "news" person. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/11/did_olbermann_even_violate_nbc_1.html

[TreasonousBastard]

9. It's an MSNBC rule...

and might as well go to them for the rule:

<...>
MSNBC.com requires permission of the editor in chief.

"MSNBC.com employees who take part in civic or other outside activities, including participation in political campaigns or public events such as speeches, marches and political rallies, or who publicly espouse controversial positions, may find that these activities jeopardize their standing as objective journalists. MSNBC.com employees should report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain the prior approval of, the Editor in Chief or his designee.

"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. Any participation in a political campaign must be reported to the employee’s immediate manager.

"MSNBC.com employees may not be candidates for public office without the prior approval of the section Executive Producer or Editor in Chief. MSNBC.com will endeavor to arrange for an appropriate leave of absence during any such period of candidacy, if possible. In no event will any MSNBC.com employee be permitted to report during such a candidacy, without prior approval of the Editor in Chief.

"MSNBC.com employees must not make contributions on behalf of MSNBC.com to political candidates or political parties. It may be against the law."

<...>

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19178161/

(click on "show more text" at the bottom)

Keith himself, Rachel Maddow, and pretty much everyone else actually familiar with the case admits he didn't go for permission, and thereby broke the rules. Making things worse, he talked about the contributions in public. The question isn't so much about whether or not he broke the rule, but what MSNBC should be doing about it. My thought is that as embarrassing as all this is, they can't just let it slide.

Contracts are private so nobody knows what's in his, but it would be difficult to believe he had a clause allowing him to ignore this rule.

[SoCalDem]

10. At this point we will probably learn no more about it.

From Keith's vantage point, he won
From MSNBC's vantage point, they won.

Both sides probably hashed out the details, in private.

Keith's overwhelming support probably led to a very short suspension, and bolstered his gravitas, but he's on notice too, because the top-brass has him in their sights..

Part of any deal to end this sooner, rather than later, is silence from all concerned.. It will probably be reported as a minor thing, resolved over the weekend..now move ON!

[spooky3]

11. his contract is probably private - and only if he chooses to disclose terms and is allowed to do so

would you be able to get your question answered.

Some contracts say things like, "the employee agrees to follow the rules of the handbook/NBC policies/etc. which become part of this contract."