[DrCeshing]

LA Times:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/show...donations.html

"Countdown" host Keith Olbermann has been suspended from MSNBC over recent donations he made to three Democratic candidates.

The website Politico called the cable network Thursday night and began asking about the contributions of $2,400 apiece to Democratic Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona and Democratic Senate candidate Jack Conway in Kentucky. Conway lost, while Grijalva has declared victory; votes in the Gifford race are still being counted.

"I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night," MSNBC President Phil Griffin said Friday in a statement. "Mindful of MSNBC's News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay."

In a statement, Olbermann said he had made the Arizona contributions on Oct. 28 after a discussion with a friend about that state's politics. "I did not privately or publicly encourage anyone to donate to these campaigns nor to any others in this election or any previous ones, nor have I previously donated to any political campaign at any level," the host said.

Newsgathering organizations generally frown on journalists openly supporting political candidates or causes, but Olbermann's partisanship — on full display in "Countdown" — has gotten MSNBC in trouble in the past. Although he anchored the network's election coverage Tuesday, critics complained about his lack of objectivity back in 2008, when he was temporarily replaced by David Gregory. Meanwhile, Fox News' corporate parent News Corp donated $1 million to Republican campaigns this in year's election. Obviously, nobody at News Corp got suspended for that, though board members expressed great concern over the matter, forcing a showdown between the board and Murdoch at the latest board meeting.

[UHlVExs7]

MSNBC would be within their rights if Olbermann signed a contract which explicitly prohibited contributions or contributions without disclosure. Ethically, journalists should disclose to the public if they interview someone to whom they've contributed money. Without any of those circumstances, then I don't have a problem with an individual making political contributions.

[nabsgood]

True, DES, although I can also understand why MS and others would want such a stipulation.

I think it shows also the differences in ethics between the two networks. Whether you want to consider the contribution rules fair or not at MS (and I do), they are punishing perhaps their strongest personality. Over in FOXworld though, hey, if you want to use your show to promote your gold ventures without disclosure, knock yourself out! and when you are found out, well, whatever.

[MackBranon]

I honestly haven't seen Olbermann's show in quite a while. Maddow and O'Donnell are a great back-to-back block. Smart analysis and solid reporting.

[Vodonaeva]

Really, to me this seems like an excuse to get rid of him for low ratings, big contract or something.





I'm shocked that Keith gave money to some liberal Candidates. It is not like we didn't know he supported in those races. On the other hand if he gave money to one of the candidates in say a Dem primary and didn't disclose that I might see a possible conflict of interest. Like if he owned Pepsi stock and was constantly bashing Coca Cola.

[Allbrunette]

Olbermann has the highest-rated show on the network and signed a four-year contract in late 2008, specifically to keep him on board through the 2012 presidential election cycle, according to company announcements at the time.

More analysis shows that Joe Scarborough and Pat Buchanan both donated to Republican candidates this election cycle, ostensibly in violation of the same prohibition that got Olbermann suspended.

Sean Hannity also contributed to specific Republican candidates that he covered in this year's elections, but Fox News says they have no policy against such a thing.

[ballerturfali]

Highest rated show on MSNBC? Would be considered a low ratings flop on FOX, right? Maybe the top brass has a little buyers remorse?

Do you expect integrity and consistency from a liberal network? Just look at NPR's firing of Juan Williams, but not a word about the vile pronouncements of Nina Totenberg (sp?) or the vast array of Liberal Opinions offered over the years by Cokie Roberts.

[2swasseneons]

According to an AP report, this is an NBC News policy. The Washington Post reports that the policy states in part that when making a "contribution to political campaigns, political action committees or groups that espouse controversial positions. You should report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain prior approval of, the president of NBC News or his designee." MSNBC.com itself reported on 143 journalists who made contributions from 2004 to 2008.

So it would seem the problem is that Olbermann did not seek permission in advance. As Richard pointed out, though, there is a question whether this policy has been adminstered fairly.

I don't think anyone would argue that Olbermann is left-leaning in his opinions, just as no one would argue that others at Fox News are right-leaning. Both networks as entities have donated money to candidates; however, the difference as I see it is that Fox employs people who actively endorse and encourage viewers to donate to specific candidates. I've not seen that on MSNBC. Further, Fox employs people who make appearances to raise money for GOP organizations and PACs. I've not seen seen that on MSNBC either.

[Marinausa]

From Phil Griffin, President of MSNBC:
After several days of deliberation and discussion, I have determined that suspending Keith through and including Monday night’s program is an appropriate punishment for his violation of our policy. We look forward to having him back on the air Tuesday night.