Some updates on Keith Olbermann
Everything is still pretty quiet, Rachel’s comments were cut short in the podcast, and everyone is digging at the story.
Watching Anderson Cooper, looks like its a political issue within MSNBC’s office structure with the Comcast take over. They are not saying its a direct link, but the Comcast takeover may have made the environment untenable for Keith or his superiors to have the editorial freedom he was used to.
However he’s back to tweeting, and hopefully we’ll see Keith, and a full explanation soon.
In the meantime, #FOK is the trending keyword on twitter. We are Friends of Keith here at No More Lost.
An ally falls, Keith you were a friend, a champion, and we want you back
It seems strange that i’m tearing up at the thought of a celebrity being forced out. But this isn’t about a celebrity, its about a friend who’s been the one glimmer of light in the dark places. I may not have been focused on the US back then, but the impression of 2001-2003 USA was one in which dissent was frowned upon, i felt sick that a country that stood up for freedom of expression was acting in an almost proto-fascist manner.
In that time someone stood up, and said No Mr President you don’t get a free ride, but due to the fact that John Stewart was a political satirist, he was not able to have the same impact as a “serious journalist”.
Keeping an eye on the American airwaves, someone stuck his head up above the sand and my first exposure was this special comment.
He risked his career, and gave voice to those who did not believe the talking points given by the Whitehouse, he challenged the cheer leading and stood up for what he felt was right.
I cannot show all his career in this article, but there is still one piece that comes to mind as one of his finest moments, a special comment on marriage equality.
I may be a brit and used to genuinely neutral coverage of the BBC, but his perspective and commentary has help make me proud to be an American, that such a voice stayed on the airwaves, who kept fighting for what was right over what was convenient or politically expedient.
In a total shocking move, apparently happening in the moments before a commercial break, Keith Olbermann was told that this would be the last show.
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Its still unclear about what caused this departure, but the Comcast takeover may have been responsible, including the firing of Jeff Zucker prior to this.
As i find out more about this travesty i’ll keep writing about it, but unless i find out otherwise MSNBC is on the censorers of voices list. I hope that Rachel Maddow being off the air tonight is a show of solidarity with this firing.
Keith, an Ally in trouble
Many of you have read about Keith Olbermann being in trouble with his bosses at MSNBC. It has come to light that he made political contributions to 3 candidates whom he’d had come on his show.
MSNBC like other news organization has rules about News people making donations to political campaigns and candidates. It should be noted that Fox News has no such rules, and the hosts often make such contributions.
Honestly I get that Keith broke the rules, and I understand their need and value, I understand that he’s been suspended without pay, I can even agree with the principle, while disliking the effect. I don’t understand why Keith made those contributions because I feel like his contributions by giving a progressive compassionate viewpoint in our news is far more effective than any donation he could make.
Yes Keith did wrong, and yes a lot of people on the right want him fired, and I’m sure people like me feel a little bit betrayed, but we need his voice, we need a compassionate voice and viewpoint like his.
He has been one of the strongest allies the LGBTQA movement has had in the mainstream media, and he’s put things into calm perspective that connects to everyone.
Keith, we need your perspective, we miss your viewpoint, do your penance as is needed and come back as soon as you can.
I hope I don’t overextend myself by saying I say this on behalf of the LGBTQA community.