He’s Back: Olbermann Named ‘Chief News Officer’ of Current Media, Gets New Show
- Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:52pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Yesterday we reported on speculation that former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann might be joining the Al Gore-founded Current TV. Today we learn the rumors are true.
Olbermann broke the news via a Twitter message:
According to media site Mediaite, “the title comes in addition to executive producing and hosting a new nightly primetime news and commentary show at Current. Olbermann will also have an equity stake in Current Media.”
The show will debut in late spring, although the time slot and exact start date are yet to be determined.
Olbermann called the move “the most exciting venture in my career,“ while Gore called Olbermann ”a gifted thinker, an amazing talent and a powerful communicator.”
The full announcement, courtesy of Mediaite, is below:
KEITH OLBERMANN TO HOST MAJOR NEW NIGHTLY PRIMETIME NEWS AND COMMENTARY SHOW ON CURRENT TV
ICONOCLASTIC BROADCASTER JOINS CURRENT MEDIA CO-FOUNDERS
AL GORE AND JOEL HYATT, WILL ALSO SERVE AS COMPANY’S CHIEF NEWS OFFICERNEW YORK – February 8, 2011 – Keith Olbermann, the acclaimed broadcaster and writer whose verbal pyrotechnics and moral passion have outraged, informed, and dazzled viewers of “Countdown With Keith Olbermann” for the past eight years, is bringing his slashing wit, analytical eye, and distinctive commentary toCurrent Media, the Emmy® and Peabody Award-winning TV and digital media company that was founded in 2005 by Al Gore and Joel Hyatt and is now distributed in more than 75 million households around the world.
In addition to executive producing and hosting a new nightly primetime news and commentary show, Olbermann will also serve as the company’s Chief News Officer and will have an equity stake in Current Media.
The new show will air live weeknights in primetime beginning later in 2011.
“Nothing is more vital to a free America than a free media, and nothing is more vital to my concept of a free media than news produced independently of corporate interference,” said Olbermann. “In Current Media, Al Gore and Joel Hyatt have created the model truth-seeking entity. The opportunity to partner with Al, Joel and Mark Rosenthal makes this the most exciting venture in my career.”
“Keith Olbermann is a gifted thinker, an amazing talent and a powerful communicator, and having him tap Current as his new home is exciting and very much in line with the core vision we founded this network on: To engage viewers with smart, provocative and timely programming,” said Al Gore, Chairman and co-founder of Current. “In a world where there are fewer and fewer opportunities to hear truly distinct, unfettered voices on television, we are delighted to provide Keith with the independent platform and freedom that Current can, and does uniquely offer.”
“Keith Olbermann is one of our society’s most courageous talents. He speaks truth to power. He calls them as he sees them. He speaks his mind. Our society needs his kind of thoughtful analysis and commentary,” said Joel Hyatt, Executive Vice Chairman and co-founder of Current. “Keith Olbermann is not afraid of dissenters. In his long and impressive career, he has developed a massive following of intelligent, informed people who enjoy a good debate and smart conversation. We welcome Keith and we also look forward to welcoming his fans as new Current TV viewers.”
Keith Olbermann’s show will lead a programming slate on Current that includes original and acquired TV series aimed at an influential adult audience. Current features compelling stories about everyday heroes and ordinary people in extraordinary situations, and takes you to sometimes dangerous and always intriguing places. Current shines a light on controversial subjects, tackling hot issues of the day in a thoughtful and sometimes humorous way. Current engages its viewers by sparking debate and discussion, and via interactive formats that allow viewers to inform its stories.
“We’re very excited to welcome Keith Olbermann to Current,” said Mark Rosenthal, CEO, Current Media. “Current is aimed at viewers who seek authentic, thought-provoking and meaningful television and an alternative to the ‘scripted reality’ or hard news found on other non-fiction networks. Keith is one of our great provocateurs. His style and voice are perfectly aligned with the programming we’ve developed to deliver on what those viewers demand.”
About Current Media:
Current Media, the Peabody-and Emmy Award-winningtelevision and online network founded in 2005 by Al Gore and Joel Hyatt, engages viewers with smart, provocative and timely programming –stories that no one else is telling in ways that no one else is telling them. Current’s programming shines a light where others won’t dare and boldly explores important subjects — opening minds, sparking conversations and forming deep connections with its viewers. The channel’s audience is comprised of affluent, curious, social and connected adults who crave the kind of entertaining, enlightening, witty and informative programming found on Current’s TV and online properties. Current is now available via cable and satellite TV in 75 million households worldwide – 60 million households in the US – through distribution partners Comcast (Channel 107); Time Warner ; DirecTV (Channel 358 nationwide); Dish Network (Channel 196 nationwide); Verizon and AT&T. In the UK and Ireland, Current is available on BSkyB (Channel 183) and Virgin Media (Channel 155), and in Italy, Current is available on Sky Italia (Channel 130). Viewers can also find Current online at www.current.com.
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Comments (171)
KL
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:12pmHOW does Ale Gore keep winning awards? Is everyone on this planet crazy? LOL
Report Post »IM_UR_HUCKLEBERRY
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:24pmOnly 20% of Americans claim to be “Liberal” in their political beliefs and outlook.
Report Post »It just so happens that practically ALL the media, (news papers, TV news, Cable News, Hollywood, etc.), as well as the groups who hand out these awards… all happen to fall in that 20%. So… who do you think will get all the favorable attention and win all the awards?
beckwill
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:09pmCongratulations Keith, Chief News Officer for Current Media. Another opportunity to show the world how mediocre and hateful you are. Thanks for outlining where to find your show. That saves a lot of time searching for which channel to block.
Report Post »Patrick in AZ
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:09pm“Current is now available via cable and satellite TV in 75 million households worldwide”
Report Post »—————————————————————
and watched in 8 households
Lone Ranger
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:08pmSo, he moves to ANOTHER channel no one watches.
Report Post »Oldphoto678
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:08pmIf you’re gonna talk about selling your soul maybe you should take a real close look at your heroes.
Report Post »Flux
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:08pmCurrent media? What network carries it? Not that I’d watch it.
Report Post »BigPaulie
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:07pmChief News Officer??? This clown can’t comprehend the very basics of news. What a complete joke.
Report Post »DashRipRock
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:05pmHis first guest is going to be…
MAN_BEAR_PIG
Report Post »I SPY
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:04pmBoring.
Report Post »ransto62
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:03pmWho in the hell watchs current t.v……..where do you find it I got 105 channels I’ve never seen It….
Report Post »Hoosier Daddy
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:03pmCurrent TV is a station that cable and satellite companies bundle with a bunch of other worthless channels so they can “pad their resumes” and claim to offer 200 channels, etc. They throw that out there with foreign language channels, home shopping channels and dozens of music channels that few, if any, tune into. It makes their “packages” look impressive, but really it’s like stuffing a sock down the front of your pants. Not really fooling anyone. Still, the pairing of Olberdouche with Algore’s douche channel is a match made in, well…use your imagination.
Report Post »landman1
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:50pmI see! to make their packages look more impressive they add a “real” pecker like Olbermann. Gotta see that!
Report Post »NSDQ
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:03pmBringing his resounding success in media coverage to the fledgling news group, which is sure to …bankrupt it? I yes within 6 months, unless we subsidize it of course fairness is important (rollseyes)
Report Post »middleclassprophet
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:03pmYou can’t keep a good man down. Go Keith!
Report Post »beckisnuts
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:08pmHe’s nearly as cracked as Beck. Not what most would call a good man.
Report Post »IAMMADDOG
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:10pmYeah!!!!!!! Go Keith!!!!!! And keep on going as far away as possible!!!
Report Post »Gunonesis
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:34pmI wish he would come over to help me fix my broken woodchipper.
Report Post »blazebird
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 2:42pmGunonesis after the woodchipper we get out the tar and feathers.
Report Post »troyvar
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:02pmThe more he talks, the more marginally left and centrist voters will be turned off and leave that side of the aisle.
Report Post »troyvar
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:08pmI just checked and my cable provider doesn’t carry that channel. Thank you, very much.
Report Post »smallstuff7
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:45pmDoes anyone, left, right, middle, or in China, want to pay more money in a sick economy for an obscure channel that is dedicated to convincing viewers to support paying higher taxes to control climate? Anyone except extravagant politicians, that is, who probably can get it as a tax write-off.
Report Post »randy
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:02pmHear that? Sounds like me and most of America throwing up.
Report Post »wildjnet
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:02pmMaybe Keith and Gore can go get frontal massages after their noses stop smelling of each others poo. Hehehehee.
Report Post »Quote
“About Current Media:
Current Media, the Peabody-and Emmy Award-winningtelevision and online network founded in 2005 by Al Gore and Joel Hyatt, engages viewers with smart, provocative and timely programming –stories that no one else is telling in ways that no one else is telling them.”….ITS CUZ THEY ARE MAKING UP THEIR OWN ISSUES. Sheesh..silly silly men.
trolltrainer
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:00pmAl Gore has a TV channel? ROFLMAO…
Report Post »beckisnuts
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:09pmWhy shouldn’t he since he invented the medium. lol
Report Post »Rogue
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:18pmHopefully he uses all green technology to put out the signal. That would give him about a 3-block radius.
Report Post »Ken
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:27pmI thought he “was” a medium?
Report Post »Ken
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:29pmHmm…maybe Olberwoman and Van Jones can “tag team” on the new show! Bwahahahaha!!!
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:00pmOh well. It’s good to see that there is a job for absolutely anyone if they are willing to sell their souls. He is definitely in like minded company.
Report Post »Country
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:59pmThat is the best place for him.
Report Post »1TrueOne55
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:02pmHe can be their correspondent in North Korea.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:59pmI thought it couldn’t be done but, Olbermann has actually found a more insignificant network to work for.
Report Post »Spawnomite
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:28pmTelemundo is always hiring.
Report Post »LLATPOH
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:58pmOh, can’t wait! I’m sure ratings will skyrocket. …snicker…
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:04pmCome on, both people that watched him on MSNBC will tune in!
Report Post »Kpax
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:23pmI looked it up. In prime time the viewership of Current TV is 23,000. In other words no one watches it.
Report Post »Idaho Kirk
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:58pmAir America rides again! This is going to be a riot to watch this trainwreck. I might even like this more than watching MSNBS circling the drain.
Report Post »knotaclu
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:57pmHerrrrrrrrrrres Johnny…….
Report Post »1TrueOne55
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:01pmHe is going to need Rachel Maddow for that one… LMAO
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 4:46pmWay to go Olberman, No seriously, way to go, just don’t pass go nor collect $200, just keep going and remember to text while you’re walking.
Report Post »ldpeters
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:55pmThis must be some sort of a terrible nightmare.
But on the other hand, it is written: Those who fail to learn from history are condemened to relive it
Caveat Emptor!
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:54pmThey deserve each other.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:59pmAl Gore founded TV, the only place KO could find work. They all take care of each other while ripping the rest of us off. I still think AL should be brought up on charges of perpetrating a fraud on the public with his GW BS and fined whatever he made off of it.
Report Post »TexasCommonSense
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 12:59pmI‘m sure he’ll be paid in carbon credits.
Report Post »So
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:01pmOlbermann, you are no sir. Idiot.
Report Post »SmokinBugsy
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:02pm2 Wrights make an airplane and 2 Wrongly guided people make Current TV!
Report Post »leftiesaredangerous
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:05pmDid you really think this lying dirtbag would go away? Nope. Like pond scum, he just keeps coming back.
Report Post »The good news is Gore will flush his money down the toilet helping to fund an entity that will be unable to sustain itself in the fair market.
beckisnuts
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:06pmMaybe Glenn can get a show there too when Fox sends him packing.
Time’s Joe Klein: “Prominent Republicans” Have Complained to Murdoch, Ailes About Beck
February 05, 2011 3:01 pm ET by Eric Boehlert
Noting that conservative pundit Bill Kristol has called out Glenn Beck for his Egypt “hysteria,” Time‘s Joe Klein posted this on the magazine’s blog today [emphasis added]:
This is not unimportant. Kristol lies very close to the throbbing heart of the Fox News sensibility. And I’ve heard, from more than a couple of conservative sources, that prominent Republicans have approached Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes about the potential embarrassment that the paranoid-messianic rodeo clown may bring upon their brand. The speculation is that Beck is on thin ice. His ratings are dropping, too–which, in the end, is a good part of what this is all about. But I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a mirror-Olbermann situation soon.
Report Post »IM_UR_HUCKLEBERRY
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:07pmYeah, but I bet Olberfreak won’t give up his day job as “Barney Frank’s Gynecologist.”
Report Post »Creestof
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:08pm“One of the people with knowledge of the plans said Mr. Olbermann would have an equity stake in Current TV.”
So, doesn’t that mean is a partial owner? So he gave HIMSELF a title. Wow…I’m impressed. If you will excuse me no, I am going back to my couch where I am the Emperor of CowHide!
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:09pmSomehow, I‘m glad I don’t have this station on my cable line-up… Just sayin’.
Report Post »BMartin1776
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:11pmCurrent TV?? Whats that? Oh wait is it some mess that will go the way of Air America and then blame conservatives for its failure? See Keithy couldnt play by the rules and ot canned now he is with the biggest liar in the world to spread their drivel to all 3 ppl that watch the channel!
Oh btw if radicals like Sharpton have their way Current will either get pulled off the air or have to show the other side of the story… hahaha just saying!
http://www.savingtherepublic.com
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:12pmMuch rejoicing in WH today …woooohoooooo
Report Post »SnapTie
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:12pmOlbermann will bring civil discourse to current TV,what Rosie O’Donnell does for swimsuit modeling.
Report Post »Rogue
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:15pmOne small step for Keith… one giant leap into obscurity.
Beckisnuts – linking an article snippet from Time doesn’t lend you any credibility. The author is a writer for Media Matters and Huffington Post. ssshhh… maybe no one will notice…….
Report Post »PimpHandOfGod
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:18pmSounds like “Broadcast News” meets “Brokeback Mountain.”
Report Post »SnapTie
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:26pmhttp://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/the-scoreboard-sunday-february-6_b51998 Beckisnuts. Becks numbers beat Msnbc,CNN and HLN combined.Becks numbers beat anything on MSNBC prime timers by more that double.
Report Post »SnapTie
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:31pmhttp://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/the-scoreboard-friday-february-4_b51951 Sorry hit wrong button
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:35pmHow much stimulus $$ did ALGORE get? Can SOMEONE in the media find out? I will have to see if I am also paying for this on my cable bill .. may need to reduce the number of channels on my plan.
Report Post »MAULEMALL
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 2:13pmIm gonna pray…
Report Post »booger71
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 2:44pmOne of many gripping Current TV shows
Is it illegal to be Gay?
Report Post »mt_mike
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 2:46pmwho has current tv?
Report Post »i had to google it.
good. my cable does not carry it….
chazman
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 2:52pmMay Keith and Al hang themselves out to dry … quickly!
Report Post »Kpax
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:10pmI have Comcast and Current TV is on channel 107 (had to go check) but I have never watched it and don’t know anyone who has. Just because it‘s part of Comcast’s line up does not mean anyone watches it.
Report Post »beckisnuts
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:11pmRouge, it‘s Beck’s credibility that’s rapidly eroding and that is the point of the article. It’s no surprise at all that in your usual state of confusion you were unable to grasp that simple fact. Off you go.
Report Post »beckisnuts
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:17pmSnapti, Beck’s numbers have fallen off considerably from last year, which bodes ill for him in spite of your efforts to obfuscate that point. Coupled with the fact that he’s being more widely recognized as a fraud and a crackpot, even from his own quarter, and Glennis the Menace finds himself with some real worries to deal with, rather than the imagined ones he saddles his audience with each day.
Report Post »Curator_JDR
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:18pmEverybody on MSNBC should be demoted to webcasts like Olbermann. However he wants to paint the situation, Keith is still putting lipstick on a pig.
See Keith hooked up to Soros’ brainwashing machine in this very funny web satire: http://www.marcrubin.com/hairmerica.ivnu
Report Post »SnapTie
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:24pmhttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB125383160812639013.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLTopStoriestarget=“_new” Yes Albert Global Warming Gore took stimulus money.
Report Post »SnapTie
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:32pmbeckisnuts: http://www.businessinsider.com/henry-blodget-fox-newss-700-million-man-2010-1 Don’t believe Fox has a problem,all other do.
Report Post »beckisnuts
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:40pmsnapti, no one said Fox had a problem. Your statement does not alter the fact that Beck’s numbers are down a considerable amount from last year.
Report Post »NeoFan
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 3:58pmHAHAHA! Gone the way of Dan Blather. You cant get much more irrelevant than incoherent tv.
Report Post »The implosion of the lib media is so much fun to watch.
ProgessiveFail
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 4:08pmBeckisnuts,
Report Post »It‘s nice that you are so concerned with Beck’s numbers, but I think he will be ok. Don’t loose any sleep over it. We all appreciate your concern though.
Rogue
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 4:23pmBeckisnuts – I understand the point of the article you copied, but it is total BS. This article and others from the Left wing media are based on comparisons to previous ratings. Many recent stories point to Beck losing considerable viewers in January compared to last year’s numbers. Last year at this time, rating for all news programs were up due to ongoing healthcare debates, and Beck was at #1 in his time slot. This January, news was slow and the influx from November elections was dying down again. Oh, but Beck was at the top of his time slot again. News ratings fluctuate based on the actual news that is happening. Take a look at the decline in viewership of the rest of Beck’s competition during those same periods – everyone in news goes through the same cycles. If you are so convinced that Beck is doomed because his ratings fell, you might not want to look at his ratings the last couple of weeks… you might get a little queasy looking at the huge numbers coming back.
Report Post »weeblewacker1
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 4:46pmwow! just a little while ago,i posted a little thing about something unreal is going to happen,that starts with keith leaving msnbc! i got it from a insider that his leaving was part one,part two,keith gets new job,three is yet to come,mind me it’s going to make head-lines everywhere! like i said:i wll not post what is comming,i due not want anybody to loose there job over my big mouth.it will be the talk of the internet for a longggg time! and no,i am not happy about whats gonna happen. just saying…..
Report Post »DisillusionedDaily
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:14pmOlberman: you better do more research before you starts your rants. Just spouting off and insulting other people without a viable counter argument will not draw an audience. If you do well, maybe you can get a Nobel prize of your very own. If not, I’m sure Al will let you polish his!
Report Post »Intellectual Honesty
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 8:44pmWhat does Glenn always say?
“Question with boldness even the very existence of God himself.”
I think this venue ought to provide an excellent platform for Keith to question with boldness all sorts of important things. I‘m also certain he’ll heed Glenn’s advice to “do your own homework!”
Sounds like a prescription right from Glenn’s lips; you must not blame Keith for taking to heart such sage wisdom.
Report Post »smallstuff7
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 9:26pmTwo haughty mouths that spew continuous error will build a house of lies, divided against itself. Please let us know when it falls and hope that few enter in before it caves.
Report Post »I CHOOSE THE RED PILL MR PRESIDENT
Posted on February 9, 2011 at 2:33amWhat’s Current TV??
Report Post »