Olbermann Rumored to be Joining Gore's Struggling TV Network
By Noel Sheppard | February 07, 2011 | 22:59
Keith Olbermann is rumored to be announcing Tuesday that he is joining Al Gore's struggling network Current TV.
The New York Times reported moments ago:
One of the people with knowledge of the plans said Mr. Olbermann would have an equity stake in Current TV. The people insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized by their employers to comment in advance of the official announcement.
On Monday a public relations agency hired by Mr. Olbermann scheduled a Tuesday morning conference call for an announcement about his next job. “He and his new partners will make an exciting announcement regarding the next chapter in his remarkable career,” the agency wrote in an e-mail.
Current TV has set up a presentation with advertisers for Wednesday afternoon in Manhattan to announce its future plans. The channel may be betting on Mr. Olbermann to put it on the cable map. The low-rated five-year-old channel needs the help. Targeting young people, it originally subsisted on YouTube-style submissions and video journalists. More recently it started producing and acquiring traditional television series, like repeats of “This American Life.”
NewsBusters readers may recall that Current has not been doing very well, and went through a large restructuring in November 2009 which included cutting more than 20 percent of its 380 total employees. This followed another layoff of 60 workers the prior year.
Talk about working your way down the ladder of success.
Odder still, the company that just finalized its purchase of NBC Universal, Comcast, owns a 10 percent equity stake in Current.
If Olbermann's departure from MSNBC had anything to do with concerns the new owners weren't going to let him get away with the nonsense he's infamous for, it seems that he may have jumped out of the fire and into the frying pan.
As for the possibility of Olbermann teaming up with Gore, it makes sense in so many ways, as it would bring together two of America's foremost purveyors of liberal propaganda.
Almost a match made in left-wing heaven.
The good news is that if this turns out to be the case, Americans will likely see far less of the former "Countdown" host as Current TV is only available in roughly 60 million homes typically in the digital tier which requires a separate receiver.
Makes it almost a metaphysical certitude his ratings will be even worse.
As such, let's hope this is indeed Olbermann's big move.
*****Update: There were more troubles at Current just eight months ago. As Reuters reported last June:
For much of the past year, Current TV has been quietly undergoing an overhaul that will change just about everything but the struggling channel's name. Current declined comment for this story.
It's a revitalization project Gore & Co. embarked on after exhausting a more lucrative possibility: selling the channel. Current's founding partner, Joel Hyatt, spent much of 2009 shopping the network with a price tag that wildly overestimated the company's worth, confirmed sources at several media firms. Current even had extensive sale talks as far back as 2007 with Google, where Gore serves as a senior advisor.
Now the focus has shifted to fixing Current, perhaps with an eye toward a sale down the road.
Is this Olbermann's interest: gaining an equity stake to assist the struggling company to succeed enough to finally be sold?
Or is there something else in play?
Hot Air's Allahpundit opined, "[I]f even one-tenth of the stories are true about what it’s like to work with him, he’ll need some equity to ensure that he doesn’t eventually get shoved out here too."
Indeed. Olbermann's been a pain in the derriere everywhere he's worked. For all we know, he's been shopping himself around for months knowing that things were coming to an end at MSNBC, and there weren't any buyers.
Could be the most arrogant person on television's only real job prospects involved him ponying up some Benjamins.
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Comments
Cash Drain
Submitted by Prowler-Getz on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:03pm.
This should drain any remaining cash from Current and drive a stake through its heart, just as Franklin's salary drove the final stake through Air America's bleeding heart.
Sorry Keith
Submitted by donabernathy on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 1:30pm.
Your format isn't new
then again they knew it was a goof
roflmao
Cash for Current
Submitted by Agnostic on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 4:05pm.
push more carbon credits - buy a tree and fund Olbermann
As a large source of hot air, Al Gore needs to keep Keith talking for the sake of the hockey stick.
Oops...
Submitted by C-townGiant on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:13pm.
There goes the last three viewers of Current TV.
Seriously, does Al Gore actually take Olberdouche to be a serious journalist/pundit? If so, there goes the last shred of respectability in the fake life that is Al Gore. Since I moved to Tennessee 8 months ago, I have not heard a single positive comment about this man from any long-time Tennesseean. They hate the man down here.
ratings will war
Submitted by neutron on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 1:34am.
Keef is sure to bring part of his previous audience from MSLSD to (AC in DC) Current TV. If Keef uses the proceeds from his last few years in media as seed capital to buy into Current, betting that he is a Cable Programming Genious, then he may suck another chunk of MSLSD viewers over, at least the ones smart enough to know how to change the channel. So then Keef will put MSLSD in the tank and then lose Current viewers after the inital buzz wears off, thereby hurting both cable channels at the same time.
As for Comcast (just bought NBC Universal) owning a 10 percent equity stake in Current, they have their fingers in a lot of liberal pies. No news there.
Think about your question
Submitted by Cappmann1962 on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 9:54am.
Olbermoron is to journalism as the Goracle is to climatology. Kinda fits, doesn't it? As for Tennessee mildly disliking Algore, even though I don't have the stats at my fingertips, I'm sure is't very uncommon for a presidential candidate to lose in his home state. 'Nuff said.
Details
Submitted by Cappmann1962 on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 10:02am.
Just did some research, and here are the stats (for those who are interested):
3 candidates lost their home state and actually won election (Polk, Wilson, Nixon). 6 won their states and lost the election.
Of the remaining 29, 22 lost their home state and also lost the election (over 75%).
Double-down on global
Submitted by killa37 on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:14pm.
Double-down on global warming!!!!!
Absurd
Submitted by drydino on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:18pm.
This is like lashing together two big rocks, hoping to create a raft that will float.
Or ...
Submitted by RealVet on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 12:40pm.
Installing a screen door in a submarine...
LOL!!
Submitted by MightyMouth on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:22pm.
These two are a match made in ratings Hell! I think they ought to start their own network called: GoreTub or how about sexpuddle?
TV's leper colony
Submitted by Galvanic on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:25pm.
Gore. Olbermann. Load it up!
Gas bag N' carbon credits.
Submitted by upcountrywater on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:32pm.
new logo
O'bama 0% capital gains @4:58 and so much more.
Al Gore has a network?
Submitted by dmntd1 on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:34pm.
Al Gore has a network? And it's called Current TV? I think "HasBeen TV" works better...
We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.
Perfect!
Submitted by miss911ninja on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:37pm.
They deserve each other.
What's it going to be called?
Submitted by sergeant stogie on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:38pm.
What's it going to be called? Douche Network?
Can't wait
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:41pm.
Yes, they go together like vinegar and water.
Golby TV
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:40pm.
Globes will be warmed.
Gore will be pleased.
Olbergoebbels....
Submitted by adamsmith on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:42pm.
Everytime Olbergoebbels opens his mouth, it's the effect of Nancy Pelosi's former jet's carbon footprint. Or the equivalent of all the world's bovine population having flatulence all at the same time. These two are probably the most disingenuous bastards in public life. I've never seen two bigger propagandists who spew lies for profit all day long. Hope they're holding hands on the way to Hell.....They've done much to destroy this once great nation....
In a few years Olbermann will
Submitted by sar1 on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:57pm.
In a few years Olbermann will wear out his welcome in Current TV.
Look at his work history, he has quit or gotten fired in a blaze of controversy from most of his jobs.
Al Gores' reputation just got worse.
"Al Gores' reputation just got worse."
Submitted by CO2Maker on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 3:59pm.
Is that possible?
Now if they just make a satellite that could broadcast Current,
Submitted by SickofLibs on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 12:32am.
Olby would be 98.8% towards his goal of righteous retribution.
Maybe ol' Al is more shrewd
Submitted by profdlp on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 12:33am.
Maybe ol' Al is more shrewd than we think. I didn't even know he had a TV network until I read this. Of course, this type of publicity has its price...
Goracle
Submitted by adamsmith on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 11:42am.
His network is a real beauty. It's a Progressive overdose, all the things that make a REAL American's skin crawl....A network of lies. With Olbergoebbels having left ObamaVision, he's a perfect fit for that garbage. I think there are probably less than three hundred Marxist college students majoring in Finance going for MBAs watching that stupid crap......
New show name
Submitted by Kuso Jiji on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 12:53am.
Meltdown with Keith Olbermann
Yep. I done been here and done this...
Submitted by Dave. on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 1:26am.
...and quite some time ago, too.
-Dave
I shan't trouble myself next time, though
Submitted by Dave. on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 1:51am.
-Dave
Yo Al
Submitted by JPP on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 1:30am.
Your taking on a 50,000 pound anchor into a boat that is already awash..... Yo Al are you out there...... Hello Al..... Reality calling......
OlberGore
Submitted by sarge329 on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 1:47am.
What a combination. An egotistical, arrogant, fatheaded jerk without a shred of objectivity who blew it as a sports commentator, teaming up with a hysterical, pompous liar. The only question is: which one is which? The answer is: who cares? They deserve each other. If this doesn't blow the precarious position that PMSNBC has in the ratings war now, nothing will.
Rats running onto a sinking ship
Submitted by Vonu on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 2:23am.
Thats a new one.
Very nice
Submitted by HockeyKid on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 4:03am.
Olby, Fat Albert, and Joel Hyatt. It's hilarious to watch this Pompous Asses Club fall into a black hole of their own making. I remember Joel Hyatt's "I'm Joel Hyatt, and you have my word on it" TV ads in the '80s. I can't think of a better trio of egos to champion the loser that is Current TV. Keep dumping cash into that hole, fellas!
The name change is coming soon: Hasbeen TV.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
Wow! A sure ratings winner
Submitted by Bob K on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 7:00am.
Olby is a real glutton for ratings punishment
More Dud and Gore
Submitted by BigAlSouth on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 7:36am.
Just like the Huff-Po/AOL merger:
a dead Albatross hanging around the neck of a dead Albatross . . .
Sorta reminds me of "Monty
Submitted by johnsonl on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 10:37am.
Sorta reminds me of "Monty Python at the Hollywood Bowl"..."ALBATROSS!!...."
lost in themselves
Submitted by Catherwood on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 7:48am.
Interesting thing is both these guys think that somebody out there is listening to them; Today, I'm going to try and find one person who has heard of this cable station and one person who listens to it. Come to think of it, I'll work on that all week.
Air America
Submitted by Catherwood on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 7:49am.
Anyone reminded of Air America?
Olbermann's shrewd award gambit
Submitted by CO2Maker on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 7:52am.
By hitching his wagon to Algorithm's star, Keith the Sports Boy is bucking for a Nobel Peace Prize!
I'm trying to see the upside of this deal for KtSB. He's the supposed superstar of MSNBC, or was. Current TV is on nobody's radar or list of channels in most standard cable packages. Why doesn't KtSB sign up with Air America. Oh,oh, wait a minute, I forgot: AA failed! So then, why doesn't KtSB put 5-pound ankle weights on his legs and go for a swim in the Tennessee River?
Olbie
Submitted by RightRealDeal on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 9:05am.
Darn, and here I thought he was to become The Next Iron Chef. And I was so waiting for that.......
Next judge on Simon Cowell's
Submitted by Beukeboom on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 12:14pm.
Next judge on Simon Cowell's X-Factor for this fall?
Blocking Current
Submitted by lewbrown on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 9:12am.
When Directv added Current it was on in my house for two weeks. It stays blocked, now, and with this addition to Current I never have to revise that decision. Wouldn't it be great if we could choose the channels we wanted and only pay for those we want or like.
Uh-oh
Submitted by CO2Maker on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 9:23am.
Sounds like you're a secret supporter of Net Nootrality or the "new and improved" Fareness Doctrine. <g>
I get it. Keith the Sports Boy's moving to Current is a way to make people demand pick-and-choose cable packages, which means more gubmint pressure on cable companies and Big Television greedmongers. Keith is laying down a sacrifice bunt. He's takign one for the team.
It's the camel's nose under the tent.
The Titanic has a new
Submitted by richflanj on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 9:38am.
The Titanic has a new captain. That will solve the problem........ (sarc)
Keith's World, Keith's World, Party Time, Excellent
Submitted by Free Thinker on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 10:09am.
Hilarious. I am picturing something resembling Wayne's World. What is Current TV? I checked and it isn't even available on my cable network. Party on Al, Party on Keith. Global warming, evil conservatives, schwiiing!
Anyone know of the percentage
Submitted by Beukeboom on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 12:13pm.
Anyone know of the percentage of the country has "Current TV" as an option on their cable system? The website lists it available on satellite.
FT
Submitted by Tugboat Phil on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 1:37pm.
I can only tell you what I saw when it first came on to Direct TV. It was a bunch of leftie, Youtube style videos by libtards, with libtard commentary in between. We blocked it the first day, after watching for about 10 minutes.
When did Brylcreem come back?
Submitted by SickofLibs on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 10:09am.
.
Having been fired as much as
Submitted by johnsonl on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 10:34am.
Having been fired as much as he has, Queef has actually made a smart move-buy a stake in his own network! He can't be fired or told what he can't say. It's the perfect platform to for ranting. In the meantime, money will be flushed down the crapper by all concerned while at least a few liberals will be employed to run the cameras, answer the phone, sweep the floor and give massages (happy ending extra!).
Well, the "network" (and I
Submitted by Beukeboom on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 12:12pm.
Well, the "network" (and I use that term loosely) may go the way of Air America. Apparently it's already having financial issues.
Is it true....
Submitted by Forbus on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 10:58am.
that the Erich Segal book "Love Story" was based on Al and Keith?
LMAO
Submitted by wth on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 11:10am.
Where all the losers go to die.
LOLbermann becoming more
Submitted by wiwf on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 11:21am.
LOLbermann becoming more irrelevant every day!
Current TV = extreme
Submitted by Beukeboom on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 12:10pm.
Current TV = extreme obscurity
Just for laughs, here are some of the shows "aired" on Current TV (and no, I didn't make any of these up -- this is what is listed on their website):
50 Greatest Viral Videos
Base Jumping: 20 Seconds of Joy
Long Way Around
Illegal to be Gay?
World's Biggest Gangs
Kill It, Cook It, Eat It
Cooking in the Danger Zone
What Did I Do Last Night?
Infomania
Bar Karma
And most of these shows repeat several times during the week. Not even a full schedule.
I wonder if this will go the way of Air America?
And how many cable outlets actually carry this obscure "network"?
Timing? Hmmmm...
Submitted by CO2Maker on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 3:52pm.
Keith the Sports Boy announces this big deal with Algorithm's stealth network only two weeks after he abruptly left MSNBC? This was a done deal a loooooong time ago. What's with MSNBC? No non-compete clause in KtSB's contract? Geez, how amateur is that?
Outstanding!
Submitted by RealVet on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 12:35pm.
Outstanding. This oughta cut the number of viewers in half (down to around 20).
where else...
Submitted by Patriot II on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 12:52pm.
is a bold face lying s.o.b. going to go to work except with another bold face lying s.o.b.???
So Basically
Submitted by donabernathy on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 1:23pm.
Keith will sit on a couch and point a camcorder at himself... preform his verbal masterbation and just...ah..err....watch himself.
Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha
roflmao
Really big news
Submitted by rpeeler42 on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 1:33pm.
Gore and Olbermann deserve each other. Neither has any integrity or common sense.
Tipper is fortunate to be free of the dumb,conceited bastard