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MSNBC fired Keith Olbermann for making financial contributions to democratic political candidates. They said that these gifts violated their company policy regarding the impartiality of their news people.
Here is a summary of MSNBC’s stated policy on such matters, as reported by Philly.com:
According to a 2007 summary on MSNBC.com, parent company NBC warns each staff member to avoid activities that “could jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest.”
(Pardon me while I regain my composure: This fit of uncontrolled, maniacal laughter has given me the hiccups.)
Impartiality? Really??? Has anyone in MSNBC management ever even watched Olbermann’s “news” show? Are they complete, utter idiots? Or are they just hypocrites willing to throw their cash cow under the bus in order to maintain the illusion (one that no one in the universe is fooled by) of impartiality?
Explaining the network’s move, MSNBC president Phil Griffin said, “I became aware of Keith’s political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay.”
Policy and standards? What a crock! This is nothing but face-saving and posturing by a heartless corporation. They hired Olbermann because of his incredible ability to present a solid, well-delivered, thoughtful, liberal slant on the news.
Look, I am a conservative. I disagree with Olbermann on just about every political issue, but his firing is total bunk. Had he never made a finanacial contribution to a single candidate, he would have still been in violation of MSNBC’s so-called “impartial journalist” standard.
Keith Olbermann has never, for one single minute been impartial, or even pretended to be. Olbermann is to the left and to leftist MSNBC what Bill O’Reilly is to the right and conservative Fox News. Anybody who knows anything knows that.
And anybody who is buying what MSNBC is selling in this Keith Olbermann firing, please see me about a bridge. I am sure I can find one to sell you.
Footnote:
Olbermann, MSNBC’s formerly impartial newsman (wink, wink), once famously said, “Reagan’s dead, and he was a lousy president.”
Well, Mr. Olbermann, MSNBC president Phil Griffin is alive and well. What kind of president is he?
