MSNBC president Phil Griffin confirmed today that Countdown host Keith Olbermann has been suspended without pay for donating to the campaigns of three Democrats.
Keith Olbermann acknowledged donating the $2400 maximum to Arizona Reps. Raul Grijalva and Gabrielle Giffords on the same day Grijalva appeared on his show and to Rand Paul challenger Jack Conway. The donations violate MSNBC policy, which prevents journalists from making political donations.
MSNBC has journalistic independence policies for their employees that are standard within much of the industry and Olbermann himself has called out Fox News for not having such a policy. As likable as Keith Olbermann is, he broke the rules. As such he not only should be suspended, but dismissed. While his program plays out like left-leaning infotainment, it is hosted by a credible network with rules consistent with the news world.
Keith Olbermann knew the rules when he signed on the dotted line. If he did not like the standards of MSNBC, he could have been a sports guy or selected one of the networks that give hosts free reign. His decision to break the rules and then try to offer justification has put NBC in a place where they must fire or reassign him.
Personally, I enjoy Keith Olbermann. While I don't always agree with him, his writing style, wit, and baritone voice make him worth paying attention to. He's intelligent and thoughtful and gives his guests the chance to speak. However, my affinity for Keith Olbermann the entertainer cannot disguise my dismay at his actions. Keith Olbermann intentionally disregarded the standards set before him and as such should be hunting for a new place of employment.
Sometimes the writing on the wall originates from your own quill.
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