This just in on Keith's exit......

[a kennedy]

Here's how it went down. Sources familiar with the situation tell us that Olbermann's agent recently went to NBC complaining that Keith -- who has the most popular show on MSNBC -- was underpaid at $7 million per year. NBC execs told Olbermann's agent they would not cough up anymore money.

Network execs were well aware that Comcast wanted Keith gone because he was "a loose cannon that could not be controlled." It became clear to both sides that Olbermann's days were numbered and they began negotiating an exit.

We're told the exit deal wasn't completed until just before airtime Friday night.

Under the deal, sources say Olbermann will get money but cannot appear on television for a certain period time -- we don't know how long.

Our sources say Olbermann will, however, reappear soon with a presence on the Internet.


http://www.tmz.com/2011/01/22/keith-olbermann-msnbc-countdown-comcast-cable-news-network-nbc-universal-secret-deal/

[SidDithers]

1. So he wasn't purged because of his liberal views...

but because he wanted more money?

Interesting.

Sid

[WinkyDink]

2. There is a second paragraph you might re-read.

[jillan]

10. "Loose cannon" that is how he was portrayed in my paper today, with an added adjective -

LIBERAL Loose cannon....

says it all.

[leveymg]

26. I don't like the way this is being spun - makes it seem like KO was being greedy, not politics.

Pure BS. Not buying it.

[jwirr]

27. A loose cannon is how they would portray Edward R. Morrow today.

I take it as a compliment. They of course did not mean it that way. Cannot be controlled. That says it all.

[BobbyBoring]

3. His Agent

wanted more $$

[SidDithers]

24. The agent represents Keith and Keith's views...nt

Sid

[jillan]

5. If that is the case - the executives made a HUGE mistake. If they didn't want to pay him that much,

they could have counter-offered and found an acceptable amount to KEEP the person that makes them relevant.

[emulatorloo]

14. I think Keith was sick of working there. To me he seemed relaxed and relieved even last night.

Sounds like the management there was giving him a lot of shit (the suspension etc)

[bdamomma]

37. whats that saying

when one door closes another opens, I will follow Keith whatever media he chooses. I am sure Keith will not be off the scene.

[Kurovski]

16. Oh Sid.

How you do carry-on so. :D

[James48]

4. I still like White House Press Secretary better.

That would be an excellent job for Keith, even if it doesn't pay as well.

He'd be doing the nation a great service if he took the Press Secretary position.

[dragonlady]

12. That wouldn't be Keith's style

The press secretary says exactly what the POTUS and his advisors want him to say. Being articulate and quick on the uptake are virtues, but not being opinionated out loud.

[madinmaryland]

35. I'm sure he won't, but it would be fun to see him smack down to Fox "reporters"

and the other douchebags who call themselves "journalists"

Yeah. That definitely brings a smile to my face!

[Kurovski]

20. There's a better chance of him becoming my husband.

I can't imagine that either scenario would be a consideration.

[davidwparker]

38. Why do you think KO would want to spin Obama's

crap? Would that make Obama seem like less of a sellout?

[Raine]

40. KO has been a thorne in Obama's side. Obama would never

have one of the "professional left" to speak for him. KO is a proud liberal something this Democratic administration has thrown under the bus time and time again.

[emulatorloo]

6. thanks. To me it sounds like Olbermann wasn't happy and wanted out.

And who could blame him.

[grasswire]

9. come on

Do you believe every rumor that is just "sources say"?

[emulatorloo]

18. I beleive a door has opened for KO, he is going to end up someplace that appreciates him.

[grasswire]

7. I don't believe it.

Bogus.

Keith is a man who gave away money to charity. David Shuster said last night on CNN that Keith is not in it for money, and doesn't need it.

[The Backlash Cometh]

11. Let's see what he comes up with.

I don't get the impression that Mr. Olbermann is the kind of person that will be anyone's lapdog. He saw the writing on the wall, and he knows he has a big enough following that whatever he decides to tackle next will get a fair shot at success. Maybe he's looking for a place where he doesn't have to worry about being censored?

[senseandsensibility]

22. Is David Shuster on CNN now?

I guess I missed the memo. Is he a regular?

[grasswire]

29. he was talking to Anderson Cooper...

...via audio link about KO.

[blogslut]

30. He provided on-the-phone commentary

...on last night's AC360 segment about Keith's departure. I don't think he's on CNN's payroll. He was just providing knowledgeable insight.

Howard Kurtz, on the other hand, is a CNN employee and was there to toss fecal matter all over the whole damned thing.

Good old CNN.

[delightfulstar]

36. Now, if KO and Shuster were hired by CNN...

I'd watch them again. They were good, back in the day. Cooper is stale, Wolf is ego-bloated, and the rest of it is just boring. They need a kick in the backside over there.

[The Backlash Cometh]

8. A presence on the Internet!

Finally! Someone is making an effort to come to us, instead of the other way around.

[emulatorloo]

Yeah that is very EXCITING!

[Odin2005]

13. "reappear soon with a presence on the Internet. " OH GOD PLEASE!!!

[Dogmudgeon]

15. So I don't have to pack a bag for a long stay at Auschwitz USA after all?

--d!

[Kurovski]

23. Not until they get the internet in a vise-grip.

Then you might want to go underground. ;-)

[Matariki]

17. He could do kick ass INDEPENDENT news on the internet

Not needing money and not being controlled by corporate news. Could be a good thing.

[jwirr]

28. Real News comes to mind. I cannot wait.

[Matariki]

34. Perhaps he'll revolutionize live news media - and tv news will go the way of newsprint.

Could be a great business opportunity really.

[otohara]

19. Oh, So Keith Is The Greedy One

so greedy, he pushed himself right out of a job, knowing he could get fired, knowing they were still fuming over the donations and his remark about "all the drama" and knowing the "non-compete clause" in his contract would prevent him from working at a different network for a year or so. Blah, blah, blah

I'm not buying it.

Comcast/MSNBC spin machine in action.

[emulatorloo]

21. That is not what the article says.

[davidwparker]

39. You would think that this happening soon after he was

indefinitely suspended and then reinstated would be enough for people to "clue in."

The gullibility of people is just astounding.

[highplainsdem]

25. This contradicts TMZ's previous story blaming Comcast for his firing.

http://www.tmz.com/2011/01/21/keith-olbermann-fired-comcast-countdown-msnbc-contract-cable-news-network-pay-or-play/

[Shagbark Hickory]

31. Maybe he'll end up on TBS, along with Conan.

[Bluenorthwest]

32. Cable is an underpaid backwater. Basic is no place for anyone

but absolute beginners. The money sucks, there is NO audience and not much growth. He's well rid of it.

[WCGreen]

33. Why bother putting quotes around a statement if it isn't a quote...

Where is the source for this Loose Cannon quote other than TMZ.

It's sloppy journalism.