It is telling that competing networks are leading with Olbermann's firing. I

[Ninga]

think if they didn't respect his talent and ratings they wouldn't have bothered.

NBC stuck a shiv through the core of MSNBC's viewership. The network will suffer fallout.

But in the end, those of us who valued Keith's intellect, passion, and masterful use of the English language will feel the void the most.

I am so sorry that I will no longer be able to check in with him anymore.

I really like him.

:cry:

[northoftheborder]

1. Each of them knows he or she could be next. If KO is dispensable, then anyone is.

[RKP5637]

5. That's what I think too. KO is only the beginning. I have a feeling Comcast

wants to compete with Fox type programming.

[glinda]

6. They are in bed with Faux. All for the same end.

[Ninga]

8. Everyone is dispensable, no doubt. But I cannot picture a situation in which

CNN gives Anderson an unexpected boot out the door.

[barbiegeek]

17. Anderson is VERY jealous of Keith--IMHO

[MrsBrady]

2. we are feeling it too, here....

husband has gone into man-cave mode.

he can hardly speak...very upset.

I would be having more wine if not for my upper respiratory infection.

I don't know what we are going to do with our evenings at 7pm. I know that sounds silly, but we lived for 7pm.

[RKP5637]

9. I was not always there for 7, but those nights I was I knew he would be there. n/t

[grasswire]

3. tears here, too

And on one hand, this is proof of his power and talent. He scared the bejabbers out off the suits.

Maybe he could run for Congress.

[blogslut]

4. Well...

I think in reference to the news coverage, there's a certain amount of Schadenfreud combined with the surprise of the announcement to be considered.

[2Design]

7. local cbs network stated it as He was gotten rid of and the ap

story is just as controversial or liberal combative

[barbiegeek]

18. can you post

[Ninga]

10. Who is going to read us our Friday Thurber story? So sad.

:cry:

[bdamomma]

11. I really looked forward to Keith reading Thurber.

I hope Keith resurfaces.

[jeff47]

12. One does not negotiate an end to a contract when one 'fires' a media figure.

You just refuse to put them on the air, like MSNBC did to Schuster. You definitely don't change a 2-year contract into a 1-year non-compete in your end-the-contract negotiations.

So I'm not so sure NBC fired Olbermann. I would guess it has to do with Comcast. Not that they fired him either, but the Comcast merger means Zucker's out at NBC. I suspect Olbermann didn't like the new executives and wanted out. Makes sense with the ending of the contract/negotiations. A few sources have claimed the negotiations have been going on for a while now, which would not happen if they were 'firing' him.

We'll have to see what comes out as the story develops.

[Ninga]

14. The end result is the same though isn't it? Keith retires to a quiet life of

writing a book or blogging and we???? Yes we have Rachel et al....but Keith's passion and ability to call us to arms in support of those who need so much is incomparable.

[jeff47]

16. No, the result is quite different

In that a 1-year non-compete means Olbermann can go on another network just as the 2012 elections really get going instead of after they are over. Assuming he wants to.

[Ruby the Liberal]

13. I usually come home from work, switch on MSNBC and jump on the computer while half-listening.

Was thinking the other week that the quiet might be a nice change. Not to mention what it is likely doing to my blood pressure to listen to 4+ hours of politics a night.

Mindless stuff and I couldn't tell you 5 things I learned last week as they all end up blending into one.

I love Rachel, but think I will take a break from the nightly MSNBC-a-thons for a while.

My best to Cenk - and best wishes to him in the 6pm slot. Well deserved.

[AC_Mem]

15. OMG I'm just reading this!

I watch him faithfully every night and tonight for some reason, I didn't watch him so I didn't know!

After what happened when he was suspended months ago; the outpouring of support - how could they think that doing this would not create outrage?

Or is this delayed retaliation?

I'm going to have to boycott MSNBC again. Sorry Rachel, Ed, Lawrence.

Annette