Keith Olbermann out at ESPN

Quelle surprise...
http://deadline.com/2015/07/keith-olbermann-espn-out-contract-not-renewed-1201472425/

 

Olbermann's show had a niche, at best. Given Colin Cowherd's recent ascension, it's not like they needed another outspoken guy, let alone one that has less of a following.

 

Olbermann and Bill Simmons enlightened, educated and entertained me even when I disagreed with them.

Not a fan of "the Herd" at all.

 

Nevertheless, he's quite popular.

I have always liked Olbermann, but there are lots of people that he simply doesn't appeal to. I hope he finds an outlet for his unique skills.

Don't know much about Simmons.

 

I loved his statement to Letterman..Soccer (futball) IS the sport of the future, and always will be.

 

Leave it to ESPN to get rid of pretty much the only person on the network worth watching. Then again, CBS pushed Murrow out. People that speak truth to power never seem to last long, but they sure shine bright for a time.

 

The Herd is a blowhard, perfect for talk radio I guess.

 

Isn't it generally understood that, whatever his skills, Olbermann is an incredibly difficult employee? ESPN may have decided, yet again, that he wasn't worth the hassle. I take no position on the man, simply because it's been nearly twenty years since I watched him regularly.

 

You're right about Cowherd, of course. Simmons founded grantland.com ... one of my favorite (but often infuriating) sites for essays about sports, music and other aspects of pop culture. ESPN fired him in May.

 

His most recent telecast at 5PM had 189,000 viewers while the His & Hers lead in had 279,000

https://twitter.com/SportsTVRatings...tw_p=embeddedtimeline&tw_w=596396271356641280

No doubt Olbermann will resort to his usual hate speech of calling anyone who disagrees with him a Heinrich Himmler type

 

Jawohl!

 

"Damn you Mister Lieberstein, Damn you to hell!"

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/countdown-with-keith-olbermann/n12348

 

Maybe he can move to Fox to call NASCAR races.

 

Olbermann is one of those polarizing people who wears out their welcome after about two years. Very few people who are worth the "headache" to keep around. Maybe a Labron James once in a lifetime employee. Olbermann or Simmons do not fit the "once in a lifetime" bill. Nice niche people to have around but not the end of the world. If Andy Rooney became untolerable to work with.....60 Minutes would have been fine without him. The reality, right or wrong, is that big entertainment media does have to "tow" a line with their content providers (for example NFL). ESPN radio, at least, are quite critical of some NFL activities. Look at our host here at SHTV. Pretty much most can get away with not agreeing. However, if you started calling Steve a "Liar"...etc..you would probably be booted. Same principal at ESPN.

 

You are correct. Exactly, how difficult is Olbermann you might ask. IIRC, he was the only (living) former ESPN Sportscenter anchor not incited back during the recent 25th anniversary week. THat says a lot about him. However, since that week, they did hire him back. I don't feel any sorry for a network that will hire him because you know exactly what you'll get with him. In about a 2-yr time period, he starts to act like a jerk, and then stomps around a bit. Within months, he has a very bitter exit. This is a recurring theme in his employment history.

Seems to be quite the narcissist .

 

I worked with him when he was at MSNBC, my first hand account: A TOTAL JERK, thinks he's some kind of god that people need to bow down to and a bit of a cry baby if things don't go his way. Good riddance, ESPN, he'll likely end up at FOX News because nobody wants to deal with him and they don't know any better...

 

He's too one-sided, I find him very annoying.

 

He's so self-righteous. The outrage meter is permanently pinned to 11 with him. He is a smart guy, and from what I understand from those who have dealt with him he will make sure you know it.

 

...... or FOX News. Now, THOSE are fights I would watch!

 

That would be a ratings bonanza.

 

How about Olbermann and O'Reilly do a cagematch show. I'd watch..........once.

 

Won't miss him at all. Difficult employee appears to be putting it mildly. He may have trouble landing a job at any of the "major" TV outlets at this point, but I'm probably wrong again - I was surprised when ESPN took him back in the first place. (one of the few times I've actually sent an email telling them what I thought of their decision)

You'd think FOX would be the last place to hire him, but see bolded point above.

 

Boy, the guy sure does get fired a lot.

Where oh where will they find another loudmouth windbag for a sports talk show? WHERE I ASK YOU?!

 

That's always been the scuttle butt. There is a big difference between enjoying what he says on TV (or radio) and actually having to work with the guy. Being a colossal pain in the a** is no way to keep a job. Trouble is, I don't think he can help it. He doesn't know any other way.

 

I believe I read someplace that his Countdown show had a staff turnover rate somewhere in the 75% range. Love most of the guy's work, but his reputation as a hygienic irrigation device of immense proportions appears to be well-earned.