Yesterday I saw a thread posted in which speculation was presented about
Countdown with Keith Olbermann moving to CNBC on December 4 as a result of both an MSNBC restructuring and a revamping of CNBC.
That speculation, however, was based on
outdated speculation about the fates of these networks in the wake of NBC Universal's restructuring plan
prior to its formal announcement. Many rumors were flying around the TV industry then, including a rumor that both
Countdown and
Hardball would move to CNBC, while MSNBC would become a "taped documentaries only" channel.
These rumors should no longer be perpetuated, as it has now been announced that MSNBC is NOT becoming a "taped documentaries only" channel, and
Countdown and
Hardball are NOT moving to CNBC. The only changes taking place in these programs have to do with their production locations.
Countdown is eventually moving to the NBC Studios at 30 Rock (Keith's already doing it from there Thursdays and Fridays), as is the control room for
Hardball. Two floors of 30 Rock will eventually be revamped to accommodate MSNBC's needs. There is also obviously going to be some staffing consolidation between MSNBC and NBC.
More details here:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117952807.html?categoryid=14&cs=1The good news? We won't need to start looking for Keith Olbermann (or Tweety) on another channel. And we can be assured that Keith isn't going anywhere.
The bad news? We won't be able to get their shows back on XM Radio, as many people were happily speculating we would if they moved to CNBC. Those of us who enjoyed listening to them back when XM still carried MSNBC will continue to be disappointed on that front. And if your cable system supplies you with CNBC at your current tier but requires you to pay extra to get MSNBC, you're still stuck paying for MSNBC if you want Keith and/or Tweety.
So, repeat: Do not look for Keith Olbermann to move to CNBC. That is all.