Olbermann Suspended From MSNBC for Campaign Donations

MSNBC has had a policy in place since at least 2007 that bars "anyone working for NBC News" to make political contributions
without prior approval of the network's president.

Maybe it just means that they want to see the public reaction before they take the plunge.

Keith Olbermann, the liberal host of "Countdown" on MSNBC, has been suspended indefinitely and without pay for making political donations to three Democrats.

The network policy appears to ban such contributions. From a 2007 MSNBC.com story:

"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest. Such activities may include participation in or contributions to political campaigns 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 is a left-of-center news network. Keith Olbermann is a left-of-center anchor. News of this left-of-center donation does not appear jeopardize his standing as an liberal journalist. It reaffirms the biases we all knew he had. But does it jeopardize his standing as impartial? Phil Griffin, president of MSNBC, appears to think so.

This seems like a case of an organization's rules failing to keep up with network's strategy. MSNBC's strategy is to provide a left-of-center destination for news and analysis. The network rules, however, require the "appearance" of impartiality, vis a vis donations. One can debate the distinction between being honest about your biases and being impartial. I'm open to being convinced that there is a difference. But it's unclear how Olbermann's donation changes his audiences' views of his partiality.

Something to consider: Sean Hannity donated $5,000 to Rep. Michelle Bachmann's campaign, and he has not been suspended.

Should this be considered a violation of his first amendment rights?

Early in 1997, Olbermann was suspended for two weeks after he made an unauthorized appearance on The Daily Show on Comedy Central with then-host and former ESPN colleague Craig Kilborn. At one point in the show, he referred to Bristol, Connecticut (ESPN's headquarters), as a "'Godforsaken place." Later that year, Olbermann abruptly left ESPN under a cloud of controversy, apparently burning his bridges with the network's management; this began a long and drawn-out feud between Olbermann and ESPN. Between 1997 and 2007, incidents between the two sides included Olbermann's publishing an essay on Salon.com in November 2002, titled "Mea Culpa", in which he stated: "I couldn't handle the pressure of working in daily long-form television, and what was worse, I didn't know I couldn't handle it."

News reports are adding a couple of interesting little tidbits.

Hannity and Scarborough have both donated to campaigns. We know Fox won't suspend anyone unless the donated to the wrong campaign but will MSNBC suspend Morning Joe?

Supposedly only if Joe didn't get permission first. Before donating, employees are supposed to check with management and get permission. Joe may have followed protocol. Keith didn't.