MSNBC's Flat Tire

[H2O Man]

Years ago, before my first son was born, I worked at a job that I had come to despise. I liked most of the people that I worked with alright, and was one of the most productive cogs in the machine. But I tended to speak my mind, and would openly bend the rules that I thought were foolish. This might surprise you, but both supervision and management came to dislike me.

They went out of their way to make my time there unpleasant. And then they made it difficult for me, despite the amount of work I did, to make as much money as I had made when they liked me. One night, when I was getting ready to go out on lunch break, a dim-witted foreman started giving me shit in front of other employees, telling me that I would be doing a most unpleasant task when I returned. As I was employed at two full-time jobs at the time, I decided to end this. So I explained to this jackass that he was mistaken – that he could either do the miserable task himself. He began yelling, and so I laughed at him, and left.

Sometimes even something that starts out as a good job turns ugly. Even if you do a good job at it. Living your life with a job like that is kind of like driving a car with one flat tire. When that happens, you change the flat tire as soon as you can.

Keith Olbermann is going to be okay. He's taking time to change a flat tire. I think that most of us were aware, for a few months, that there was a leak in that tire, and it was losing air.

And all of us who enjoy his style of journalism are going to be okay, too. In fact, in time, we'll be watching him again. Just not on MSNBC.

It kind of sucks. But it will be okay.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

1. I hope you are right. Maybe he'll get the John King slot when he heads to FNC...?

[H2O Man]

3. It may be

more likely that he will have a weekly show, similar to "Real Time." I suspect he is heading to a forum where he can speak openly.

[mmonk]

24. Interesting thought.

Something like HBO is a whole different animal.

[H2O Man]

26. Yep.

A thinking person can say more there, or on one of the similar ones.

[PCIntern]

2. Excellent post...well-conceived and well-written...

and you're correct. K & a hearty R.

but still...Who TF needed this on a Friday night? I have to work tomorrow starting at 6 AM and I can't sleep...

[H2O Man]

8. It bugged me

when I first heard it. I liked the show. Got used to watching it. And guys my (our) age get kind of used to a routine.

But while some things never change -- "bosses" and bean-counters are generally annoying -- other things always change. People our age have seen this crap so many times.

[glinda]

37. It's called a "News Drop". They timed it.

[tavalon]

45. Friday news dump

Perhaps they thought we wouldn't notice. :crazy: :rofl:

[warrior1]

4. they want to shield

the public from the truth. But we found it anyway. Good luck to hoisting yourself on your own petard Comcast.

[bleever]

5. This one hurts.

I can only hope some good comes of it.

[tularetom]

6. You're probably right but I still wish KO had figuratively pissed on the boss desk

He had nothing to lose by blasting the assholes that now own MSNBC and the bigger assholes that made it possible for them to own it.

What were they going to do - fire him? He had control of the airwaves for one last hour, he could have made a memorable statement.

[lonestarnot]

12. I preferred that he pinch off a loaf, a big fat juicy turd for a shit pile.

They would have cut to commercials.

[H2O Man]

16. There's a lot

of tension there, since November. And Keith wasn't going to do anything to make things tenser for his friends there.

When he gets his new forum, he'll tell more truth than his enemies dare think. He'll get a spot where he can speak openly. And, like a rooster in the morning, once that sun comes up -- you can't keep them quiet.

[glinda]

38. But he had a lot of exposure where he was.

[tavalon]

53. Yes he did

and a pile of shit, to boot. I think he's glad to not be eating the shit sandwich anymore.

[tavalon]

46. He took the high road

I respect him for it.

I actually feel a little sorry for MSNBC. This was a profoundly stupid move caused by executive pique. Act in haste, repent in leisure.

[patricia92243]

7. thanks for the post. We all need to hear some level-headed statements right now - helps to reminds

us that it really will turn out ok - eventually

[Sonoman]

9. So very well put, H20 Man.

If only everyone had your take.

Sonoman

[shireen]

10. yes you're right

Still it feels sad.

I hope he, Dan Rather, maybe even Aaron Brown, team up to create a new progressive news and commentary network.

[Bake]

11. I hope you're right, H2OMan.

I sure as hell hope you're right!

Bake

[The Backlash Cometh]

13. So you think he'll surface somewhere else?

[H2O Man]

17. Yeas, definitely.

Something similar to "Real Time." Maybe not HBO, but a ShowTime or similar position.

[The Backlash Cometh]

18. He has a following. If his show continues to be intelligent, we will follow.

[H2O Man]

21. Those who look

to make money from television recognize exactly that. The guy has an audience. In certain circumstances, that audience might grow.

[The Backlash Cometh]

30. I can see him reinventing himself. He may be more dangerous to the

right with a new angle that attracts viewers who are no longer happy with the other channels.

[lunatica]

14. I had the same problem in a few of my jobs

It made me realize that it isn't professionalism and being very good at your job that counts. It's the ass kissing factor. If you don't kiss the managers' asses you're eventually pushed out by the toxic environment they create for you.

The way I dealt with it was to find another job and then give notice. They hated that even more than they hated me because I really was good at my job.

I think Keith will be back. I just hope it's in a time slot that I can watch.

[H2O Man]

19. Exactly right.

The dynamics at a job are like a mobile hanging over a baby's crib. If one part moves, they all must move. Thus, many parts put all effort at being entrenched, even to the point of being willing to cut a good worker.

[tavalon]

48. I despise the ass kissing part

Hence the reason I've spent the last decade on night shift.

[H2O Man]

63. It was the one

job skill I never mastered. In fact, I never attempted to.

[eleny]

15. Amen!

Before I moved to Colorado I felt quite trapped by employer budget issues and this and that. The last transfer was to a place where the break room window looked out on a brick wall.

I did a lot of thinking and told myself there had to be something better. Then remembered how I loved it when I visited Colorado and how many jobs were available in my field. Right then and there, looking at the brick wall, I made the decision to leave. Funny how the walls can blow away in a millisecond and the weights fall off your shoulders.

Best decision I ever made. We haven't seen the last of KO.

:hi:

[genna]

20. I am still pissed about the whole thing, but I see your point.

Keith will be fine.

I'm sure we will all be fine too.

The problem I see here is the diminishing forum for liberals. Air America, no money. Out of business.

No liberal commentators on conservative radio forums because the conservatives gutted equal time for opposing views out of the law.

Most media in the same city being owned by one entity because the internet makes everything fair. Let's change the law so we only get one view point.

The one liberal voice on TV is really conservative but FOX already has locked that market down. They get one work horse like Olbermann to put their network on the map, give them direction, and get a following...then they cut him out because they think he has said too much...done too much...has threatening their right thinking reality.

It sucks BIG TIME.

[H2O Man]

23. Oh, yes, definitely.

I agree. Absolutely agree.

KO was part of the only decent line-up on cable news. But they still messed with him.

[somone]

22. Wise words, H2O Man

I think you're right - he'll be back.

[drm604]

25. It may be a while before we see him again if this article is correct.

From here: http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/olbermann-hosts-last-countdown-on-msnbc/?src=twrhp

MSNBC announced that “The Last Word” with Lawrence O’Donnell would replace “Countdown” at 8 p.m., with “The Ed Show” with Ed Schultz taking Mr. O’Donnell’s slot at 10 p.m. Mr. Olbermann did not discuss any future plans, but NBC executives said one term of his settlement will keep him from moving to another network for an extended period of time.

[H2O Man]

27. I don't think

he'd go to a network position.

[drm604]

44. What else could he do?

Online stuff like Cenk Uygur?

[tavalon]

49. Marty Rimer did it

Basement Podcast. Ended up as the all time favorite DJ in Seattle when he wasn't even on regular radio. The Mountain just crawled back to him and begged him to take his old job back. Schadenfreude - a meal best served cold.

[glinda]

39. I wonder how extended?

[Kurovski]

28. K&R for a hopeful point of view.

:-)

[nadinbrzezinski]

29. That is the small picture

the big picture is larger actually I fear.

Yes, keith has walked out of contracts before... but I smell something much larger than that... and it has to do with the zeigeist and the nature of the media. It just had a different feeling and entering into yet another stage in the closing of the American Mind, to use Bloom's bad analogy. (Yes he is a RW and Neocon, but his book is a good picture of what Neocons are and how they think)

Me, back to the radio... will consider canceling my TV cable... will talk about that with hubby, since at times he does watch it at odd hours of the night.

[tavalon]

50. Netflix and computer

I've been TV teat free for over a decade. Can't imagine going back. The commercials make me want to yank my brain out and eat it.

[hobbit709]

31. As I tpld somebody once, "you can't fire me because I've walked off better jobs than this.

Or as my wife said when they dumped her after 32 years and they wanted her to go out the back door "I came in the front door and I'm walking OUT the front door"

[Buns_of_Fire]

58. Your wife and I may be related...

I used almost the exact words as I was leaving a job where my immediate "manager" became a real ass to everyone under him. (My resignation letter to his boss even stated, "I don't know what his problem is, but I have no intention of it becoming my problem." Hey, why leave a perfectly good bridge unburnt?))

Keith's going to be okay. He'll probably resurface, badder than ever, when the time is right (and the non-compete clause expires).

[Irishonly]

32. Thanks

I have watched Keith on my computer for several years. We cut out satellite and/or cable several years ago. I am very sad to know I will not be starting my mornings watching him. He is a beacon of light.

[tulsakatz]

33. excellent comment!

...that's a really good way of looking at it. Sometimes when you've worked at the same job for awhile, you begin to think you'll always be there.....whether or not that's a good idea. It does take some wisdom to see that fact.

It was very shocking to hear him say tonight would be his last show. Honestly, I kept expecting him to make some kind of joke out of it.......like Countdown would end but he would be starting a new show on MSNBC. Sadly, that was not the case. However, I'm sure we'll see him somewhere else soon....

[maxpower]

34. Once again H2O man

You are always a voice of reason and understanding. I am thankful that you are part of this DU family. Your posts are always well thought out and direct. You are a treasure.

Peace always,
Max



P.S.
Go Bears

[Tatiana]

35. This is such horribly shocking news. And on a News Dump Friday, no less.

I hope you're right, H20Man.

I think Keith needs encouragement from all of us, to let him know that his hard work, his passion, and his commitment were worth it.

He has looked tired to me for a long time, less purposeful than 2 or 3 years ago. Maybe it was just time.

But this is a really shitty way to end MSNBC's flagship program.

[Me.]

36. It Will Be Interesting To See How The Numbers Shake Out

The corporate boys like Larry O. He's more like them and knows how to play the 'game'. I'm betting that because they can identify with him, they think he can breeze into KO's seat, no problem. It's supreme arrogance on their part and I hope the number tell the story. KO brought MSNBC forward and they seem to have forgotten. KO was my fav and a substitute isn't going to do it for me.

[craigmatic]

41. I agree. It just goes to show you that corporate America hates the left.

O'reiely , hanity, and beck all still have shows but good quality journalism like Olbermann's gets pushed off the air. MSNBC is going to expearience a serious ratings slump in the wake of this shit. I feel sorry for Rachel and O'Donnel because it's not fair that they have to sufer for this but make no mistake about it they're going to feel the pinch too.

[tavalon]

51. I like Lawrence O'Donnell

Which is why I want to know if he had any part in this. If so, I don't care how much I like him, I will not watch him. I don't watch Tweety because of Donohue (and a million other things, but).

[Me.]

67. I Doubt He Was A Part Of The Planning

But at some point they had to tell him a coup s'etat was ongoing. His show is doing well but I partially attribute that to the Maddow lead-in, who had a KO lead-in. Lawrence is doing well but he's no KO. Heck maybe KO will go back to doing football. He liked the Sunday night gig but MSNBC made him stop.

[craigmatic]

40. Looking back on it I think he knew this before hand. Just look at how many days off he took.

[burrowowl]

42. Hope you are right.

but I am

:grr:

[Honeycombe8]

43. Where would we be watching him? CNN? no. Fox? NO. MSNBC/NBC? no.

Those are the major cable networks.

End of story.

[tavalon]

52. HBO

Well, I would be watching on the net, but I don't have Cable. TV free for over a decade and I'm not going back now!

[slay]

54. With 14 million dollars and a ton of fans - why not do a TYT style internet show - where he

CAN'T be silenced. More and more people get their news from the net and with all the smart phone apps could use that too - now would be the perfect time to REALLY challenge power, if he wants. I'd pay to see that. :evilgrin:

*on edit - maybe him and Bill Moyers and Dan Rather - Noam Chompsky and Ralph Nader stopping by etc. Now that would be something.

[H2O Man]

61. Perhaps your options

are actually that limited. But that's you, and your story.

Have you ever heard of HBO? Showtime? Or any of the other non-network options?

[Swamp Rat]

47. k&r

[Enthusiast]

55. I was never worried about Keith personally.

It was the act of removing a voice alternative to that of the 'official' story.

[a la izquierda]

56. I love this OP and you're absolutely right...

my husband worked for a woman who once begged him for over an hour not to quit. He stayed on a few more months, through Christmas (at which point he did all the working and the owner did nothing). Finally, he had enough and put in his notice: three weeks in advance of when he really wanted to leave. He gave her three weeks. And she fired him two days later.

My husband never went to college, but I've always told him to do what makes him happy, and not to settle for some shit job because it pays the bills. Life is too short to be miserable at your job.

[Major Hogwash]

57. And their flat tire is the LEFT front tire!

In case they have a hard time figuring out why their car is going lumpty-lumpty-bumpty.

Yeah, you're right.
As usual.

But, damn, a year without Keith is gonna feel like a year without . . beer.

[bdamomma]

59. Keith is too good to hold down

I am optimistically cautious he will come back in some media outlet, Comcast sucks!

[malaise]

60. Nice post

KO was never comfortable after that suspension. With Zucker out, KO had no one to watch his back.

[H2O Man]

62. That's true.

The place was willing to pay a huge amount to get rid of Keith. It'll be more costly than they anticipated.

[DemReadingDU]

64. Spouse said that Keith knows what he's doing

He helped Rachel and O'Donnell get their own shows, Schultz and now Cenk.

Perhaps the conservatives should fear Keith more now that he isn't constrained by the network. I'm confident Keith will turn up somewhere where he will be happier to do what he likes to do best.

[Octafish]

65. From your keyboard to HBO's new season schedule.

From my perspective: The guy did more than rock the boat -- he scared the Establishment. Perhaps a network will pick him up, when his post-partum "agreement" allows, but I have my doubts. Some ideas, like the truth, are just too frightening for the police state.

[LibDemAlways]

66. "Lean forward" quickly turned into "Bend Over." I agree that Keith will

personally be fine. However, it's what this represents that is frightening and appalling.

I remember arguing with a CBS employee friend during the Bush era about conservative bias in the news. His take was that programming is ratings driven and all the suits really cared about was advertising dollars. It was pretty evident when the CBS honchos forced Rather out that he was wrong. Now in Keith's case ideology has again trumped the almighty dollar. The bastards at Comcast know viewers will tune out. They know they'll lose plenty of revenue. But it's more important to them to keep a liberal voice off the air. Who deliberately flattens a tire and then proudly drives around on it? That's what these guys are doing and it's chilling.

[pacalo]

68. Nice story, but losing Keith is like being in a desert with no oasis in sight.

Sure, there's Rachel, Lawrence, & Ed, but Keith was DA MAN. I liked his classy spunk: the only commentator during the 24/7 media blitz against Bill Clinton to say, no more will I participate in this free-for-all. The first commentator to bring truth to news among nothing but a Bush-cheerleading media atmosphere. The FIRST one during the "kick-ass-take-their-gas" phase.

And, if not for Keith's huge success & likeability, there would be no Rachel, Lawrence, or Ed on MSNBC. I wonder if even they get that; I sure hope so. It was Keith's "loose cannon" aura that we admired about him. That's his integrity talking.

It won't be the same in my home without Keith. Because of him, my husband became very much interested in what I had been trying to tell him in the early days of Bush. He now gets it -- because of Keith.

[Left coast liberal]

69. Very nice analogy. Thanks! NT

[myrna minx]

70. Thank you. n/t