Media

So Why Is Olbermann Suspending ‘Worst Person in the World’ Segment?

Transcript via Mediaite:

The overall message that the tone needs to change, was not lost on any of us. The anger in this news hour was not an original part of it, nor was it an artifice we added to it. It was a response to a threat to this democracy posed by Mr. Bush and now by his lineal descendants. The anger happened, it will still happen, it is not for ratings and it is not ‘get angry first and find a reason later.’

But there is an institutionalization of it that may no longer be valid. That is the ‘Worse Persons in the World’ Segment. Which started, of all things, as a way of defending Tucker Carlson. Its satire and whimsy have gradually gotten lost in some anger, so in the spirit of the thing, as of right now, I am unilaterally suspending that segment with an eye towards discontinuing it. We don’t know how that works long term. We might bring it back. We might bring back something similar to it, might kill it outright, and next week we will solicit your input.

Its just that today, given the serious stuff we have to start covering tomorrow, we think its the right thing to do short term and then we will see what happens. And we’ll also see if anyone else, on tv, or radio, will do something similar.

Comments (301)

  • bobby535
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:51pm

    So by cutting this segment, I am hoping that you guys will think we have changed, and making steps towards real change, and this makes us look better than fox. I hope this will draw you to the voting booth and vote for the real change. If we lose tomorrow we will go about our normal routine.

    Report Post »  
    • bobby535
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:59pm

      …that’s what I heard…..could be wrong.

      Report Post »  
    • GetUpOnTheWheel
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:41am

      …or maybe this way he thinks he can a claim the high ground and then get even angrier and rant longer about “the others”, and spend even more time showing clips of Glenn’s show.

      I suspect one day I‘ll be able to tune into Olbermann and actually see Glenn’s whole show. Would be the best service MSNBC could possibly provide with that slot.

      Report Post » GetUpOnTheWheel  
  • KenInIL
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:50pm

    Olbie didn’t want anyone to know he won the WORST person award this week !

    Report Post »  
  • squonk1pb
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:50pm

    If an Shakespearean Jackasss falls flat on his face while doing a bit on MSNBC and no one cares to watch it …

    Just wondering.

    Report Post » squonk1pb  
  • Badler
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:50pm

    I have never tuned in to his show. I guess it is on MSNBC.

    Maybe he is trying to distance himself from himself now that the tides are changing.

    Report Post »  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:01am

      I agree. I think he‘s sensing that the wind is changing direction and he’s hauling in sail trying to cope. Sadly, though, he blamed the whole thing on Bush.

      “It was a response to a threat to this democracy posed by Mr. Bush and now by his lineal descendants.”

      Translation: Bush made me do it!!!!!!

      But at least they have recognized the anger or at the very very least, are paying lip service to it.

      And I suppose Keith would still like to have a job on Friday. When does Comcast take over?

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 3:17pm

      Just remember – the tides can always change again and if your candidates do nothing but block legislation for 2 years – trust me – 2012 and the tides will changes again! Why don’t all of you on the right try to accept winning with some grace and humbleness because the current arrogance does not look good on you. Always remember “what goes around comes around!” http://maboulette.wordpress.com

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
  • kontrarian
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:49pm

    Who cares what this she-man has to say?

    Report Post »  
  • moriarty70
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:48pm

    I gotta say I give him credit for at least listening to Stewart and making a choice. He all but gives the pair credit for this choice.

    Report Post » moriarty70  
  • neverending
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:48pm

    Who knows why that moron does anything – who even watches him???

    Report Post »  
    • AZfreeman
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 1:19am

      If a tree falls in the woods and no one is around, does it make a sound? …rf

      Report Post » AZfreeman  
  • Vie_En_Ras
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:48pm

    Did you catch the beginning of that the difference between what they do at MSNBC vs. Fox? He has the worst person bit and Glenn has dedicated segments to people doing great things around the world. Is that what he’s talking about? That difference?

    Report Post » Vie_En_Ras  
  • alcarfl
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:48pm

    Another MSNBC guy named DICK!

    Report Post »  
  • SnapTie
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:48pm

    Say ti ain’t so KO KO. Maybe Comcast is finally taking hold.

    Report Post » SnapTie  
  • NE12012
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:47pm

    Change the name of the show to MELTDOWN and keep your “Worse Person” segment….loser.

    Report Post » NE12012  
    • KenInIL
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:51pm

      Awesome suggestion !!

      Wish there was a LIKE button !

      Report Post »  
    • Diane999
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:32am

      Olbermann acts as though this was his idea. I’m betting my money that you will begin seeing a ton of changes on MSNBC… who now has a new owner, let’s not forget. Comcast now has controlling interest in this cable channel. Hence new branding (Lean Forward), less tingle from Matthews, less bathtub boy hatred. Who knows, they may even eventually kick this no talent to the curb where he belongs.

      Report Post » Diane999  
  • patriotsofworkingamerica
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:46pm

    Don’t let these drones talk their way back into the darkness. I’ve noticed a renouncement of their own evils. It is not genuine. It’s as if the lib media knows they are about to get their butts handed to them and now they want to switch teams. TYPICAL. Hold all these manipulators of freedom accountable!!!!

    Report Post » patriotsofworkingamerica  
  • shastadiane
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:46pm

    He is and has always been an IDIOT……This whole broadcast is a joke. Let the chips fall where they may and see how fast these idiots change their tune…they will blame Bush as long as they can and when that fails, they will Blame someone else..even their own man BHO……only because they aren’t willing to take the heat for their own broadcasts and results and response to the comments. You guys suck! That is why your ratings are so low. You don’t have a clue as to what the real folks out here working for a living are all about. We just want to be left ALONE!…let us own our guns, worship our God, Pray to him at football games or before board meetings, raise our children as we should raise them. You people don’t have a clue. Quit with rewriting history….the founding Fathers did not have the ideals you people keep trying to put forth. My friend in China only prays that she should have our freedom there….you people don’t have have any idea of what you are talking about…not locally, or internationally…..You just have no clue…

    Report Post »  
  • Red Neckerson
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:44pm

    An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. Prov.16:27

    Report Post »  
  • Paul G
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:43pm

    SOOo? Big tough guy Olbie can’t take a little ribbing from the mean old comic….BWAAAHHH!!!

    Report Post »  
  • HillCountryPatriot
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:39pm

    Hmm? It seems someone‘s boss is concerned about their plummeting rating’s share. I betcha the execs at MSNBC see where the country is headed (to the RIGHT) and are finally coming to the realization that they better get with the program and shut this clown up. MSNBC has become a laughing stock and can’t compete with the trusted news source for most Americans–FOX NEWS. I‘m sure this was not Olbermann’s idea… I’m quite sure he was told, in no uncertain terms, to move to the CENTER or you’re out. The MSNBC knows they have to change their news model, and soon. Either way, I bet this piece of crap is gone within a few months.

    Report Post » Hill Country Patriot  
  • iyam
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:38pm

    So what he means to say is I have seen the enemy, and it is us

    Report Post » iyam  
  • RedWhiteAndTrue
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:38pm

    His whole show should be suspended on a permanent basis but if he brings back the Worst Person in the World segment, he should be the 1st one on the list followed by every other waste of humanity on that network.

    Report Post » RedWhiteAndTrue  
  • BoilitDown
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:35pm

    MSNBC management is probably sick of all the flack about Olbermann’s personal attacks. Since Keith is wrong so much and continually fabricating stories, he may have gotten his wrist smacked.
    In any case, it certainly wasn‘t Olbermann’s decision to do something that makes sense.

    Report Post »  
    • rebel
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:02am

      it was definitely a move to nudge up to stewart. his viewers are also daily show/colbert viewers. He has to appear sane now. Especially after the “IT’S NOT OUR FAULT WE ARE SO MAD *shakes fist* DARN YOU FOX” speech he gave directly after this clip. IF you ever see his show you’ll notice a lot of double entendre used like the daily show and colbert…except stewart and colbert actually pull off comedy.
      He’s like the creepy old rockstar that no one knows who he is, but he still puts on leather pants and tries to hang with the cool kids

      Report Post » quiet little lamb  
    • vennoye
      Posted on November 3, 2010 at 10:46am

      Didn’t COMCAST just have a really hard time coming to a contract agreement with Fox?

      Report Post » vennoye  
  • djeffcoat
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:35pm

    Probably because he finally realized that it’s him!

    Report Post »  
  • 13thGenerationAmerican
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:34pm

    Read Rolling Stone if you want real journalism, otherwise stay here and paint it black.

    Report Post » 13thGenerationAmerican  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:48pm

      I enjoy a cold beer as much as the next guy….The trick is to know when to hang it up for the night. From your posts I believe you are past your limit.

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • 13thGenerationAmerican
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:51pm

      One look at you……nuf said

      Report Post » 13thGenerationAmerican  
    • Steverino
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:26am

      13th generation – Really? To judge someone strictly on a photo? You say “‘nuf said”. I could not have put it better myself.
      Go upstairs, open your Mom’s fridge, and make yourself a nice cheese sandwich. Or, better yet, have her do it for you. Say goodnight. Or, “nighty – night” if that works for you.

      Report Post »  
    • rgilfillan
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 1:22am

      Steverino – It’s a “command center.” Any guesses on where 13th stands on the legalized weed issue?

      Report Post »  
    • t00nces2
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 4:47am

      13thGenerationAmerican…. Your kidding me, right? A guy named 82nd Airborne? You probably hate mom’s and apple pie too.

      Report Post »  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 5:02am

      @13YearOldAmerican –> What a dumbass you are!

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • jimmythebullet
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:19am

      13th-
      first of all,does your mommy know you’re up this late?
      you really should have your warm milk and graham crackers then go to bed.the “little” school bus comes early.(don’t forget your helmet)

      Report Post » jimmythebullet  
    • cosette
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 8:05am

      I.Q. of 13, Have some kool ade with that cheese sandwich, and when you’re finished Bite Me!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • TAMUOne
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:30pm

      Sure. I’m going to listen to a bunch of crack smoking leftist liberals who believe reporting about other crack smoking leftist liberals is actually “news”.

      Report Post »  
  • DimmuBorgir
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:32pm

    Change your format all you want, you’re still bitter and angry the whole show.

    Report Post » DimmuBorgir  
  • patriot4evah
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:31pm

    He should have just went ahead and nominated himself as the worst person. Now that would have been a terrific ending to the segment.

    Maybe he is getting a conscience ?.. Naw…. forget it.

    Report Post »  
    • starman70
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:34am

      YEP! You are right, he might have wound up featuring himself. Do they have enough time on his program to cover himself? More than likely NOT. A 2 hour special might cover it.

      Report Post »  
  • TruthTalker
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:30pm

    Perhaps because he never gets it right?

    Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:06am

      Its just that today, given the serious stuff we have to start covering tomorrow, we think its the right thing to do short term and then we will see what happens.

      ————————
      Translation ;

      Comcast bosses have asked me to STFU . Or else….

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • RobertCA
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:15am

      So glad that I don’t watch this crap & their Tingling Syndrome .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • Pyx
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:23am

      CHEEZWHIZ said,
      quote Translation ;
      Comcast bosses have asked me to STFU . Or else… unquote

      Pyx says, LOL … good one.

      Report Post » Pyx  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 2:55am

      @cheezewhiz

      Agreed here, good one indeed.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • rebel
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 5:04am

      @ cheezwhiz
      well jsut wait till clips from MSNBC election night. i saw the line-up they have for it and i’m pretty sure the blaze will need to buy more bandwidth to cover things they say.

      Report Post » quiet little lamb  
    • HillBillySam1
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:45am

      You hit the nail on the head, CHEEZWHIZ. Money talks and crappy-crap walks. The Progressives are very, very angry that we Americans have not fallen lockstep in behind our Dear Leader and the level of outrage is mirrored by the hosts on MSNBC. As fewer people view the hissy-fit shows in their line-up, the higher-ups in that outfit have figured out that sponsors don‘t pay good money for shows that people won’t watch. Capitalist stooges…..

      Report Post »  
  • booger71
    Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:28pm

    Because all the worst were libs

    Report Post » booger71  
    • MAULEMALL
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:34pm

      It’s not like anyone saw it…

      Report Post » MAULEMALL  
    • sweetbees
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:36pm

      Because he was getting calls/emails and votes in to put HIMSELF in that catagory!!!

      Report Post »  
    • w4jle
      Posted on November 1, 2010 at 11:58pm

      Now that the wind is blowing right, you think that they have figured the way to get ratings is not to attack those you want to watch? I suspect that Madcow, Slobermann and Mr. Ed will not last out the year! Once the political argument has been lost, they will return to improving the bottom line and the current lineup is antithetical to that end. The rhetoric is already softening even before 2 November.
      The folks that will really feel bad is the Media Matters folks that will return to their basements unfunded and feeling violated because they were used as tools and discarded. Even Ariana Hufington was claiming on MSNBC she is trying to be balanced. While I doubt it, I do think that the level of animus will drop several decibels until 2012.

      Report Post » w4jle  
    • WISEPENNY
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:16am

      Great summation, 4JLE. Someone needs to write a “preparing palatable crow” cookbook. These spin artists are going to be eating heaping helpings of the stuff. Lol

      Report Post »  
    • TNT1
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:47am

      Watch the other hand

      Report Post »  
    • Robert W
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:48am

      Maybe, finally hes starting to feel silly.

      Report Post »  
    • Huckabee Gingrich 12
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 1:02am

      By “anyone else” he is obviously referring to O‘Reilly’s P&P segment. It must burn him up that O’Reilly one-upped his segment and then wrote a best seller based upon it. Watch and learn, Olberman!

      Report Post » Huckabee Gingrich 12  
    • patriotwoman
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 1:20am

      “Someone needs to write a “preparing palatable crow” cookbook.”

      I do hope the White House chefs will be serving big helpings of crow instead of the Kobe beef and lobster Preznent Obama has been scarfing down at taxpayers expense. I’m sure crow tastes good sauteed with some bitter greens and vinegar.

      Report Post »  
    • rebel
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 2:32am

      very good move on his part. seems quite a few pundits took a note from stewart. BUT, sadly for Keith most of his news bits that are on the web and blogs are the World’s Worst. so that‘s another 2 viewers he’s lost bringing his viewers to the people that have to work with him and bloggers.

      Report Post » quiet little lamb  
    • rebel
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 2:58am

      ooops i jsut watched the extended clip(aka his show), he goes on to go off on FOX saying that they are looking out for the rich while MSNBC is looking out for the little people. And then his guest basically backed him up. soooooooooo he totally doesnt get it.

      Report Post » quiet little lamb  
    • 76
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 3:19am

      Or maybe he could just tone it down a bit. Something like Biggest Douche bag in the Wooorld! Then he would only have to find his two runner ups every night.

      76 (I'm offended that you're offended)  
    • AstupidAmerican
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 4:32am

      Spooky Dude told him to stand down.

      Report Post »  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 4:43am

      Gee a kinder and gentler Moron…

      Report Post »  
    • fatpatriot
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 5:11am

      Has anyone thought of the possibility that the same sponsors that were called on to boycott Glenn may be some of the same sponsors that told MSNBC to rein in this clown. There is a limited number of national news networks where national advertising can be run. If a national advertiser did not want their name associated with this assclown do you think they might stand up and say something? Just wondering…..

      Report Post »  
    • DrammyCoke
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:07am

      Who is this guy!!?!?!?! Why is this news!!!!!

      Report Post » DrammyCoke  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:32am

      Because the Republicans are going to win by a landslide and if he wants to have any relevant guests on his show he has got to tone down the rhetoric. I’m sure the winners will remember who their friends are and the bitter Olbermanns will fade into the sunset.

      Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:41am

      Keith…. you just said an AWFUL LOT of nothing!???

      Why don’t you shut your political yap on Sunday night countdown and just stick to football, since that’s what most Americans who are tuning in, are tuning in for at that hour.
      You wanna spew your baloney, do it on your own time.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • mizflame98
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:14am

      “ASTUPIDAMERICAN
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 4:32am
      Spooky Dude told him to stand down.”

      Or COMCAST did.

      Report Post » mizflame98  
    • beekeeper
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:20am

      No need to wait Keith, no one in TV or Radio will follow your lead…

      Report Post » beekeeper  
    • gobluebuckeye
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:34am

      He should just suspend his show

      Report Post » gobluebuckeye  
    • Marcobob69
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 8:15am

      Nobody watches his “show” anyways. Progressives should go back under cover, like they did the last time the American people caught on to their agenda back in the 20‘s and 30’s and even 40′s. They just refuse to accept that the majority of the people DON’T WANT TO BE SOCIALIST, OR RULED BY A SOCIALIST!!! This has always been, and I for one hope it will always be, a center-right country founded on free-market principles. The “Worst Person in the World” are usually conservatives anyways in keeping with his progressive attitude.

      Report Post »  
    • KiQuan
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 8:42am

      Before cable tv was available to us, I used to watch MSNBC…he mentioned O’Reilly so much that when I got cable I immediately tuned in and got rid of my ulcer.

      Report Post »  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:07am

      MSNBC to Matthews… Tone it down or your fired you blithering idiot.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • Eric_Cartman
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:43am

      Beck and Olbermann are probably the best examples of what Stewart describes as the broken media… Olbermann makes a small attempt to improve the problem and Beck tries to claim
      Stewart’s message is the same as his (funny).

      Report Post » Eric_Cartman  
    • Contrarian51
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:03am

      “And then his guest basically backed him up.” Rebel, that’s part of the script, every time.

      When Olbermann first came on MSNBC, I tried mightily to become a regular viewer, hoping for a vintage Sportscenter approach to news and issues. It took very little time to notice that he only “interviews” guests who will start their answers with “Well, that’s right, Keith.” I emailed him several times suggesting that he might be better served if he would occasionally bring on someone who would offer an alternative view. He never responded and clearly never intended to offer any balance. I can’t remember the last time I was aware of what was going on with his show other than reading about it at places like this.

      Report Post »  
    • elfinmagic75
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:27am

      Only thing even close to it was Pinheads and Patriots, which O’Reilly changed about 3 weeks ago to make it more of a poll of the viewers. Even O‘reilly’s original style wasn’t half as bad as this segment. Most of the time he let the audience decide for themselves. I guess Olberman has run out of Republicans to call the worst in the worl, or maybe he figured out that there can only be one worst anyways.

      Report Post »  
    • Tennessee Veteran
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 11:37am

      Maybe he got tired of himself, Maddow, and Ed Schultz always winning the title.

      Report Post » Tennessee Veteran  
    • Alvin691
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:02pm

      Saw what?

      Report Post »  
    • the_patriot
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:08pm

      He is still an ignorant communist hypocrite and doesn’t deserve to be on the air.

      Report Post »  
    • Havok
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:41pm

      Who is this guy, olbderman?
      Never heard of him.

      Report Post » Havok  
    • Beckofile
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:54pm

      “Opps…I exposed my hatred for anyone different” This is funny stuff because it looks like they are toning down on one of the rules for radicals? Maybe he will start a new segment called “The Worst Racist Of The Day”

      Report Post » Beckofile  
    • DirectlyUnPCman
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 2:52pm

      He suspended it because he realized that the worst person was himself, and no one would ever top that. What would be the point of continuing?

      Report Post » DirectlyUnPCman  
    • Robert W
      Posted on November 2, 2010 at 4:25pm

      That reminds me….Santa bring me an Uncle Ted cowboy hat for Christmas.

      Report Post »  

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