Olbermann in stand-off with MSNBC until 7:30 last night! Being shopped to CNN

www.jedeckert.com ^ | 11-10-2010 | Jedeckert2000

[JedEckert2000]

If you read JedEckert.com, you know that our sources inside NBC have been very good at providing context and background to the always entertaining Keith Olbermann saga. And this latest news makes perfect sense as we observe the overall narrative of the self-absorbed, self-destructive, troubled TV personality.

Here's what we've been told:

• The stand-off between Keith and MSNBC execs lasted much longer than anyone on the outside knew. As of 7:30pm on Tuesday night, bitter recriminations were still flying back and forth. Keith was still demanding that the network apologize to him before he would take the anchor chair.
• MSNBC, on the other hand, made it clear that a refusal to host the show would result in an even longer, more serious suspension.
• One source has told us that the network even had another host ready to go in case Olbie stormed off to his bathtub. Does anyone know where Thomas Roberts was last night? Because we're told he was in an MSNBC greenroom.

What is at work here? Certainly, Keith has history of implosion everywhere he has worked. There would be nothing unusual about another hysterical break-up with Olbie slinking off like Gollum to his cave of self-pity. But there could be a calculated gamble going on here. Let's take a look at some more evidence:

• Comcast comes in soon, and already, Jeff Zucker has been left in the dust.
• With his greatest protector gone, Phil Griffin now needs to take control, save his own job, and assert his authority. (Don't forget the episode where Olbermann famously told The New Yorker, "Phil thinks he's my boss.")
• There has been much speculation about Comcast brass and their dislike for the rancor of venom of Countdown.
• Olbermann's audience is dwindling while at the same time, Rachel Maddow has been surging (well, surging by MSNBC standards!). She is now their break-out star. For the month of October, Maddow beat Olbermann in the "key" demo of 25-54-year-olds.

But here is where it gets interesting. Olbermann recently switched representation to ICM. So already, we know he is looking to make some changes.

Is he trying to provoke MSNBC?

Olbermann has two years left on his contract. But our same sources tell us that ICM has already been shopping him to CNN. That network will desperately be looking for another 8:00pm show after the imminent failure of Parker Spitzer. (There is nobody left at CNN or anywhere else who thinks that stinker will last even another few months.)

If he is really looking at CNN than provoking his MSNBC bosses could have the desired effect of cutting him loose. BUT, Comcast could also take him off the air and eat the two years.

Let CNN be warned

Hiring Olbermann changes their entire culture. His baggage ("How dare you, Mr. President") is enough to ruin decades building trust with their audience.

Not to mention having this creature in their midst.

[samtheman]

CNN, MSNBC... what’s the difference?

[Keith in Iowa]

Replacing Parker Spizzer with the ‘Beerman would be like trading horse* for cow* as fertilizer.

[henkster]

Olberdork to CNN, the “centrist” network? Hahahahah.....

[bigbob]

If I had a good alternative, I’d tell COMCAST just what I think of them keeping this worthless POS on the air.

[trappedincanuckistan]

Olberunist changes CNN’s entire culture?

[donna]

They should bring Michael Savage back and get an audience.

[OrioleFan]

That would be great. Put Olbie on with Wolfie and let them play off each other.

[nuconvert]

I can’t imagine CNN wanting him.
But then again, I can’t imagine why they’d want a slimeball like Eliot Spitzer.

I thought they were trying to change their image?

[Dan Nunn]

What good does replacing a mentally unfit character from the left with a mentally unfit character from the right do?

[chuckee]

Olbermann has an inflated view of himself. CNN at least makes an attempt at being serious although biased news. Maybe Nic at Night is more suitable for Olbermann’s juvenile thatrics.

[Lancey Howard]

CNN, MSNBC... what’s the difference?

My first thought EXACTLY.

[NRG1973]

Rush says that CNN is trying to rebrand itself as the “centrist” media outlet. They are advertising that Fox News is for Tea Party zealots and MSNBC is for left wing zealots and that independants/centrist should come to them for unbiased reporting. What a joke...who do they think they are kidding.

[freekitty]

He wasn’t being fired.

[ozzymandus]

And the publicity stunt continues. CNN is now trying to present itself as “centrist” (even though they bash conservatives exclusively every single night). I am hopeful that Olbermann is running out of options for his future. His history of p*ssing on everybody who’s ever given him a job may finally catch up with him. His tiny core audience of stupid leftist college kids may follow him anywhere, but his only option may be as a sidekick for Jon Stewart.

[ontap]

Don Imus once said of Olbermann he was a second rate sports announcer with some child bearing hips!!!

[ontap]

I hope CNN hires him....that ought to put them out of their misery!!!

[ontap]

He could play a cow on RFDTV!!!

[Lockbox]

CNN, MSNBC... what’s the difference?

Four instead of three letters.........

[tflabo]

Ahh there is one leftist hack bloviator salivating and chomping at the bit for OldBeermans gig—that Big Dummy Ed Schultz.