RFFM.ORG

Keith Olbermann & NBC's Sunday Night Football: An Insult To NFL Viewers

NBC's Liberal Agenda:  Mixing Politics With Sports Antagonistic To Conservatives 

 

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

 

Keith Olbermann is the most strident anti-conservative on television.  I won't call him a liberal.  I won't call him a leftist and I certainly won't call him a journalist.  The truth is Olbermann hates 50% of Americans who, according to recent polling, now consider themselves conservative.  Therefore, the question begs to be asked:  Why is the host of MSNBC's "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" a part of NBC's "Sunday Night Football" coverage? 

 

Olbermann's MSNBC show--which gets whipped nightly in the ratings by Bill O'Reilly (The O'Reilly Factor--FOX News Channel)--is possibly the most biased thing going on cable news.  Olbermann makes no effort to present counterpoint on his program.  The weak effort is clearly a mechanism meant to attack not only Republicans, but conservatives on the whole. 

 

Last year, it became obvious NBC--which is owned by General Electric--was a mainstream media shill for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.  Even though the dominant media seemed to be an extension of Obama's campaign effort, NBC's coverage of the 2008 presidential election was an insult to journalistic objectivity and fairness.  In fact, GE's CEO Jeffrey R. Immelt is now being rewarded for NBC's "work" on behalf of the Obama administration.  General Electric stands to earn billions of dollars if the Cap and Trade bill [HR2454, officially titled, the "American Clean Energy and Security Act"] is passed into law.

 

In recent years, NBC, like General Electric, has been losing money as fast as the Obama administration can spend it.  The network and its MSNBC cable operation are losing propositions.  Amazingly, Olbermann also anchors MSNBC's political coverage--which is a joke of the greatest proportions, to say the least. 

 

Last year, NBC received thousands of complaints from viewers regarding the network's coverage of the NFL (National Football League).  Olbermann teamed up with the highly reputable and likeable sportscaster Bob Costas on NBC's pre-game show, providing what was supposed to be witty commentary and analysis of the NFL.  However, Olbermann wasn't witty in any sense of the word.

 

I was stunned when Olbermann returned to the Sunday Night Football line-up again this year.  Olbermann, who got his start on ESPN as an anchor for that cable sports network, evidently convinced someone that his meager talents were being wasted on sports.  He then found a niche as a news anchor and was promoted to lead MSNBC's coverage of the political world. 

 

Today, NBC is attempting to pass off Olbermann as a poor man's Howard Cosell.  The only difference is, no matter what you thought of the late Cosell, whether you loved him or hated him, he was a journalist with impeccable credentials and, though controversial, Cosell was a man who not only covered sports news, but, at times, was news himself. 

 

In contrast, Olbermann's presence on NBC's Sunday Night Football broadcast is a slap in the face to a significant segment of the network's viewing audience.  Even though it is apparent Olbermann's role as part of NBC's Sunday Night Football broadcast team has been significantly reduced this season, he still elicits a negative reaction from viewers who are aware of his position as a political hack for the Democratic Party.  Now, it would make sense if Olbermann was an astute analyst of the game of football.  However, this is hardly the case.  If Olbermann were extremely witty and added a lighter touch to the pre- and post-game coverage of the sport, I could consider giving NBC a pass for assigning him this very visible position.  Yet Olbermann is neither a knowledgeable football analyst or a person of stellar wit--like FOX's NFL Sunday humorist Frank Caliendo. 

 

I believe Olbermann's role on NBC's Sunday Night Football broadcast team represents a poke in the eye to conservatives.  Indeed, it could be nothing else because the man has little or no talent.  Olbermann is a hater to the extreme.  Are we supposed to forget Olbermann's caustic and vitriolic politics just because NBC has cast him as a sports guy?

 

My suggestion for those who love football, like I do, is simple:  Skip the pre-game and half-time show and only watch the game itself on NBC.  When my home team is playing, I'll listen to the radio until kickoff, during half-time and after the game is over.  Frankly, I don't need the aggravation which comes every time Olbermann's face is on camera and he opens his mouth. 

 

NBC's decision to bring back Olbermann is par for the course, as far as the failing network is concerned, but Keith Olbermann is far from par.  Olbermann is a triple bogey in golfing parlance and that is giving him more than he deserves. 

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  Dan@rffm.org

NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

CNN Anchor Lou Dobbs Telling It Straight: Pro-Obama Media Worm May Be Turning

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

Lou Dobbs, a longtime anchor for CNN has recently come under fire from the left.  In 2007, Dobbs led the charge against immigration reform legislation--which, if passed, would have given amnesty to over 12 million immigrants who are living in America illegally.  More recently, the host of "Lou Dobbs Tonight" addressed questions regarding President Barack Obama's citizenship.  Dobbs was the only mainstream media type who gave attention to a story which has been simmering beneath the surface ever since Obama announced his presidential candidacy.

While watching his show the other night, I would have sworn I had the FOX NEWS channel tuned in.  Dobbs did not provide the usual stamp of approval which Obama receives from a vast majority of the left-leaning media.  The program was "fair and balanced", featuring guests from both sides of the political aisle.  This is something seldom seen on CNN, but perhaps there is reason behind the madness.

Television ratings indicate FOX News is dominating its competition.  In fact, FOX beats out CNN, MSNBC and CNBC combined.  Indeed, the numbers aren't even close.  More amazing is the fact programs like FOX's "The O'Reilly Factor" is now attracting nearly as many viewers as the "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric".  No cable news programming has ever challenged the three major networks in viewership.  For example, the CBS Evening News, anchored by Couric, attracts around six million viewers each evening.  "The O'Reilly Factor" consistently has 5.4 million viewers (and growing) who now watch Bill O'Reilly in the 7 P.M. Central time slot combined with the rebroadcast at 10 P.M.

FOX's "fair and balanced" format translates into huge dollars for the Rupert Murdoch-owned entity and other networks are surely taking notice.  Dobbs has been running against the grain of CNN's past liberal leanings and the fact his program is still on the air is a testament to a change we may soon be seeing on other networks.

I can only say, "it's about time."  During the coverage of the 2008 presidential election, the mainstream media's shameless promoting of the Obama campaign reached the level of absurdity.  Journalistic integrity flew out the window like never before.  It is safe to safe Obama would not now be President of the United States if the dominant media had covered the election with any form of objectivity.  Lou Dobbs' show is the only CNN programming that has increased in viewership.  The bottom line is:  Dobbs is making money for his network, by acting like a journalist should.

In recent years, political ideology in journalism has become blatant.  Balanced reporting in the mainstream media has become a long lost art.  Commentary has been blended into the news and this has resulted in falling ratings for the three major networks--ABC, CBS and NBC.  But cable news has taken the biggest hit in recent years with CNN losing its dominant position of leadership in television ratings.  In addition, MSNBC and CNBC have been losing propositions for General Electric (their parent company) from the beginning.

However, other CNN programming seems to be following Dobbs' lead.  Wolf Blitzer, CNN's primary news anchor, has also demonstrated a turn towards more objective coverage of the political scene.  Of course, there is the possibility Barack Obama's falling popularity in the polls may be a factor in the recent shift towards more balanced news coverage on CNN. 

One can only hope the dominant media has come to its senses regarding its charge to inform the American public, presenting the facts objectively about issues, thereby allowing the public to process information on their own.  Indeed, all journalists should follow Bill O'Reilly's mantra of "The No Spin Zone" regarding reporting on matters of social and political import.

With the need for honest and balanced coverage of issues like health care reform, government bail-outs and Cap and Trade, the time has come for a return to sanity in the mainstream press.  Lou Dobbs may be leading the way, getting back to basics.  Dobbs has come under fire from special interest groups on the left who want CNN to send Dobbs packing.  Hopefully, CNN will demonstrate common sense and the courage to stand by the one bright light who may change the fortunes of a failing news operation.

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  Dan@rffm.org

NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

O'Reilly Cheap Shots Free Republic, But He Wants To Be Liked

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director  

I don't know about anyone else, but Bill O'Reilly (O'Reilly Factor--FNC) seems to be bending over backwards to make friends with the left.  For some reason, O'Reilly took another cheap shot at conservative blogs the other day, specifically targeting the Free Republic [www.freerepublic.com].
 
However, it is obvious what the popular television host is trying to do.  By attacking blogs like the Free Republic, O'Reilly is trying to position himself as a man of reason, beyond the trappings of political partisanship.
 
Quite honestly, it is clear O'Reilly needs to do more homework before making himself look foolish.  Comparing the Free Republic with Internet sites like the Huffington Post and MoveOn.org is ridiculous.  The hate spewed forth from the left cannot be found on the Free Republic and most other conservative blogs and web sites.
 
There is reason behind O'Reilly's madness.  The man obviously has a big ego.  O'Reilly enjoys those appearances on the David Letterman Show and The View.  Like former presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, O'Reilly wants to be liked and throwing some digs at conservative groups scores points with the far left.
 
O'Reilly's motives can also be seen in his refusal to criticize Barack Obama's presidency.  Anyone with a modicum of sense understands the current President's fiscal policies are disastrous for America.  But we must remember during the run up to the presidential election, Obama appeared on the Factor and O'Reilly's stating of the obvious would make another appearance by Obama on his show unlikely.  Plus, it's nice to be invited to those parties on the swank upper east side of Manhattan and that won't happen either, if O'Reilly tells it like it is.
 
Subsequently, the Free Republic has become a boogey-man for O'Reilly.  By criticizing the blog and its contributors, he thinks this is endearing to the people he envies.  Yet, at heart, O'Reilly does envy individuals, like Rush Limbaugh, because the popular radio host doesn't care if he's invited to chat with Whoppi Goldberg or Diane Sawyer.
 
What's most important to Bill O'Reilly is Bill O'Reilly.  If I hear him "bloviate" about his book being on the New York Times best seller list one more time, I'll scream.  O'Reilly needs to get back to his original mandate, but, unfortunately, of late, the "No Spin Zone" has us all spinning.

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  Dan@rffm.org 

NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

Obama/Notre Dame Visit Outrages + Energizes: Pro-Life Cause Finally Gets Deserved MSM Notice

by Daniel T. Zanoza for Champion News.Net

It's safe to say the mainstream media is reluctant to cover the pro-life issue.  However, President Barack Obama's invitation to the University of Notre Dame--where he will give the commencement speech and receive an honorary degree--have opened doors to the pro-life movement which have never been accessible before.

During recent weeks, Notre Dame has come under a torrent of criticism from high-ranking members of the clergy, including Chicago's Francis Cardinal George and a multitude of Catholic officials who see Obama's visit to the University as a violation of church tenet.

Notre Dame by-laws state that the Board of Trustees is charged to "Ensure that the University maintains its essential character as a Catholic institution of higher learning."  The President's speech and subsequent award of an honorary degree goes against the pro-life principles as handed down from the Vatican and church hierarchy.

To date, over a quarter million people have signed an online petition protesting Obama's scheduled visit to the premier Catholic institution of higher learning.  As the date of Obama's appearance gets closer, the firestorm calling for Notre Dame officials to un-invite the U.S. President continues to gain momentum.

According to the letter accompanying the petition addressed to Father John Jenkins, President of Notre Dame ...

(Excerpt) Read more at ChampionNews.Net 

http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1812 

Illinois Family Institute's Executive Director Dave Smith to be interviewed on Dr. Laurie Roth Radio Show Today (March 5th)

Early this evening at 6 P.M. Central time, Dave Smith, Executive Director of the Illinois Family Institute (IFI), will guest on the Dr. Laurie Roth Radio Show.  Roth, a conservative radio personality, has a nationally syndicated program which can be heard on the IRN-USA Radio Network. 

Roth's interview with Smith--who is one of the most influential pro-family leaders in Illinois--will cover issues including the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the promotion of the pro-family agenda in our nation's public schools.  For example, the IFI is currently fighting for legislation that would allow students attending public schools in Illinois to observe a brief moment of silence.  IFI is one of those leading the battle against forces attempting to have the current moment of silence law stricken through the implementation of judicial activism from the bench.  This is a subject that may have national significance and Smith is an authority on the issue and others like it.

The discussion between Smith (who is a national decency expert) and Roth should be provocative and make for excellent listening.

Dr. Roth was the first journalist to detail Barack Obama's close and on-going relationship with convicted terrorist William Ayers.  Roth also writes a column for News With Views [www.newswithviews.com]. 

Those wanting to learn more about the Illinois Family Institute can go to:  www.illinoisfamily.org

The Dr. Laurie Roth show can be streamed at this link: http://www.usaradio.com/listen_live_usa2.php or go to the web site to see if the program is available in your local area: http://www.therothshow.com/listen07.htm. 

Listeners can call in to the show by dialing 1-877-999-Roth (7684).

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact: Dan@rffm.org

Huffington Post Gets Seat At Obama's So-Called Press Conference: Who's Next, O'Reilly or Limbaugh? Why Not?

by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

Like many Americans, I suffered my way through watching President Barack Obama's first so-called press conference.  I refer to it as so-called because, in actuality, it was a bit of scripted "malarkey" -- if I can borrow a term from my Irish wife.

Please let me digress for a moment before I get into the meat of this column.  After the alleged press conference concluded, I watched some of the talking heads analyze what Americans had just witnessed and, once more, I was settled in perplexed amazement.  Even the political commentators on the FOX News Channel (FNC) praised the newly elected president for his outstanding communication skills.  Huh?  Was I watching the same press conference they were discussing?  In contrast, I heard a man whose vernacular included the word "uh" about four times in every sentence he uttered.  It was as though the man had never given a speech before or never had to speak off the cuff.  Come to think of it, he never has.  What I learned from the press conference--and earlier subsequent interviews with Obama--is he is not a master communicator.  It is a myth which was perpetuated on the campaign trail by the dominant media where Obama dazzled sycophants who would agree with him--even if they were told the sky was green and the grass was blue.

Sometimes myths manifest themselves around an individual which have little basis in fact.  The opposite occurred during George W. Bush's presidency.  The left-leaning mainstream media constantly criticized, made fun of and derided Bush at every opportunity.  Bush spoke like an average American.  At times, he stumbled, but his message was clear.  The Harvard-educated president was never given credit for his academic achievements or his service to the nation as a jet fighter pilot in the U.S. National Guard because primarily the media disagreed with his policies.

However, when you think about it, looking back in history, the modern day mainstream media for at least the last 50 years has portrayed every Republican president as a bumbling idiot or, in the case of Richard Nixon, a "sinister mastermind".  Dwight D. Eisenhower's job was easy because he was president at a time of great American prosperity, the media tells us.  Gerald Ford was depicted as a comic-like fool.  Ronald Reagan was saddled with the image of a doddering old man who, as the media told us, let others run his administration.  George H.W. Bush was a wimp who didn't know the price of a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread, as though Barack Obama would.  During perhaps the most contentious and partisan relationship between the American media and a Republican president, Bush 43 suffered most.

So excuse me if I don't buy into the all holy and all knowing image that is being painted of Barack Obama by the dominant media.  It just doesn't fit.

But back to the press conference.  Obama took a total of 12 questions during his bit of scripted theater.  Many of his queries from near-fainting reporters were leading and simply set-ups for the answers to follow.  But near the close of the press conference, Obama shocked many watching when he called on someone from the Huffington Post.  If you're not familiar with the Huffington Post, it is one of the most liberal blogs in American cyberspace.  Some of the postings on the Huffington Post include celebrations over the deaths of conservative political figures.  The examples of the Huffington Post's irresponsibility are too numerous to list here.  Quite frankly, this supposed member of the legitimate press had about as much right to be there as a group like MoveOn.org which many agree is simply an extension of the far left wing of the Democratic Party.

The Huffington Post should not have had a seat at the press conference, let alone be included on Obama's pre-selected list of journalists he would call on.  By the way, the Huffington Post representative's question dealt with the possible prosecution of former members of the Bush administration regarding the treatment of Guantanamo Bay detainees and other terrorists interrogated by members of the U.S. intelligence community.  It was surely an overture to Obama's political far left and had no place in this forum. Therefore, Obama had to know the question was coming.  So, I have a question for the man who claims bi-partisanship is the primary goal of his presidency.  That so-called bi-partisanship will surely be made evident in the upcoming vote on a spending bill that will include the support of three Republicans out of 535 legislators.

However, let's get back to my idea for the president's next press conference.  Perhaps Obama's people can find a seat in the press corps for Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Dr. Laurie Roth, Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh.  Obama doesn't have to include all of these conservative individuals, but it would be a nice gesture to even out the slate.  Yet there is one caveat.  Obama would have to call on some of these individuals and answer their questions, perhaps with a follow-up included.  After all, he is touted to be the most bi-partisan president to come down the pike since Teddy Roosevelt, isn't he?

If there was any question how far this newly elected American leader leans to the left, it was answered on Monday, February 9th.

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact:  Dan@rffm.org

NOTE: Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

Read Zanoza's IFI Media Watch column on the Nativity Scene in IL Capitol

To read Dan Zanoza's Media Watch column for the Illinois Family Institute on the Springfield, Illinois state Capitol Nativity Scene click on:  http://www.illinoisfamily.org/news/contentview.asp?c=34164 

Zanoza writes about the mainstream media's coverage of the historic manger scene which now stands in the center of the Capitol Building Rotunda. 

Included is a link to a video montage, produced by Dave Spencer for the Springfield State Journal-Register.  Spencer's work is outstanding.

The Mainstream Media and the Cult of Obama: A Threat to American Democracy

An Open Letter to the Washington Post by Daniel T. Zanoza

In her op-ed, "Remedying the Bias Perception" (November 16, 2008), Washington Post ombudsman Deborah Howell admitted the Washington Post's reporters (not to mention most other mainstream journalists) tilted their coverage of the presidential election in favor of Barack Obama.  I am shocked, shocked (!) that the news media effectively disenfranchised American voters.  Do they not call themselves "watchdogs of government"?

The National Review reported not long ago that journalists investigated Joe the Plumber for having the temerity to ask Obama a difficult question about his tax policies.  American voters learned about Joe the Plumber's divorce and a tax lien, but almost nothing about Obama's more radical positions that are at odds with public opinion, i.e., his positions on the Freedom of Choice Act and the Defense of Marriage Act.

Ombudsman Howell assured her readers that the news media can be expected to challenge Obama, now that the election is over, simply because "It happens in every administration."  Considering the rock-star status given to Obama, why is she so optimistic?  Obama and other leaders of the Democratic Party promise to re-enact the misnamed "Fairness Doctrine," which would have the effect of muzzling the only medium - radio talk shows - that discuss conservative and pro-family viewpoints.  Where are the mainstream media's opponents of censorship?  Given their pro-Obama tilt, it's far more reasonable to argue that America's news media will effectively become state-controlled under an Obama administration.

If the Post's journalists are sincere about wanting to correct their overt bias, they might begin by investigating Obama with the same ferocity leveled against non-Democratic Party presidential candidates.  They might honestly investigate whether the president-elect has met fundamental Constitutional requirements for the job.  Where is his original, embossed birth certificate?  Is he a natural born citizen?  If so, did he give up his citizenship when he attended school in Indonesia, a country that does not recognize dual citizenship?  At least eight lawsuits (including one before the U.S. Supreme Court) have been filed to seek answers to these questions.  Why is the national news media disinterested in the question of the president-elect's adherence to the law?  Does Obama get a pass when he flouts the Constitution?

Is it too much to expect mainstream journalists to behave like professionals, instead of far left Democrats?  Americans are hopeful, during an Obama Administration, the national news media will resume their proper role as "watchdogs of government," instead of effectively functioning as state-controlled media. 

 

Indeed, the U.S. Constitution gives special consideration to the press in their role as a check and balance on our government.  Abuse of this privilege can have dire consequences for our nation which is seen as a democratic republic.  Abandoning concepts like fairness in the media can be interpreted as a precursor to tyranny.  It's time the media took its responsibility seriously and put aside political bias for the sake of our country.

 

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact Dan@rffm.org
 
Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected.  No hyperlinks allowed.

RFFM.org's Daniel Zanoza To Guest on Nationally Syndicated Radio Show Monday, September 29th

RFFM.org's Executive Director, Daniel T. Zanoza, will be a guest on the Laurie Roth Show [www.therothshow.com] Monday evening, September 29th, from 9 - 10 P.M. Central Time.

Broadcast out of Washington state on the IRN-USA Radio Network, Roth's radio talk show is nationally syndicated and "is on a mission to examine the issues based on right and wrong, not party politics."

Zanoza founded RFFM.org over 15 years ago.  The organization was formed to encourage objectivity in the mainstream media regarding coverage of social and political issues.  RFFM.org's motto is, "In a democratic republic, good government is dependent upon an informed citizenry."  Zanoza attempts to influence the dominant press through the use of non-confrontational means. 

Laurie Roth is a hard-charging conservative radio personality.  Roth has broken many national stories, including being the first to detail the relationship between the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, Barack Obama and convicted terrorist William Ayers.  Roth also writes a column for News With Views [www.newswithviews.com].

Roth and Zanoza will talk about the presidential debates, bail-out packages and other headlines in the news.

The show can be streamed at this link: http://www.usaradio.com/listen_live_usa2.php or go to the web site to see if the program is available in your local area: http://www.therothshow.com/listen07.htm. 

Listeners can call in to the show by dialing 1-877-999-Roth (7684).

RFFM.org's Executive Director, Daniel T. Zanoza, will be a guest on the Laurie Roth Show [www.therothshow.com] Monday evening, September 29th, from 9 - 10 P.M. Central Time.

Broadcast out of Washington state on the IRN-USA Radio Network, Roth's radio talk show is nationally syndicated and "is on a mission to examine the issues based on right and wrong, not party politics."

Zanoza founded RFFM.org over 15 years ago.  The organization was formed to encourage objectivity in the mainstream media regarding coverage of social and political issues.  RFFM.org's motto is, "In a democratic republic, good government is dependent upon an informed citizenry."  Zanoza attempts to influence the dominant press through the use of non-confrontational means. 

Laurie Roth is a hard-charging conservative radio personality.  Roth has broken many national stories, including being the first to detail the relationship between the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, Barack Obama and convicted terrorist William Ayers.  Roth also writes a column for News With Views [www.newswithviews.com].

Roth and Zanoza will talk about the presidential debates, bail-out packages and other headlines in the news.

The show can be streamed at this link: http://www.usaradio.com/listen_live_usa2.php or go to the web site to see if the program is available in your local area: http://www.therothshow.com/listen07.htm. 

Listeners can call in to the show by dialing 1-877-999-Roth (7684).

NBC Financial Woes: Keith Olbermann--Part-Time Political Hit Man, Part-Time Sports Anchor

Olbermann Helps Media Bias Thrive at NBC

 

Commentary by Daniel T. Zanoza, Executive Director

 

After the Democratic Party obtained a majority in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in 2006, some believe the mainstream media saw this as an indication the country had made a decided turn to the left.  Suddenly, what was once a clear case of media bias became a strident effort by many in the media to promote a liberal agenda.  No network was more guilty of this departure from journalistic objectivity than NBC and its sister cable outlet, MSNBC.  NBC's news division, which had been losing viewership at an alarming rate, made a decision to roll the dice and devote much of its on-air time towards Republican-bashing.

 

NBC clearly saw the 2006 vote as a mandate from the public.  MSNBC became a virtual mouthpiece for the Democratic Party and "news anchor" Keith Olbermann led the charge.  The network thought it saw an opportunity to fill a niche for some viewers, but MSNBC's management has done little to improve ratings and much to destroy the network's credibility.

 

Olbermann, who formerly worked for ESPN, took the reigns of Countdown, a primetime show which features interviews with political and social leaders primarily from the left, was supposed to challenge Bill O'Reilly and the highly popular O'Reilly Factor (FOX News Channel--FNC) in the ratings.  Unfortunately for MSNBC and Olbermann, O'Reilly's viewership increased and together both CNN and MSNBC's primetime programming at 7 P.M. do not equal that of FOX.

 

Olbermann's Countdown takes a one-sided approach to political news coverage.  Olbermann once referred to President George Bush as the "idiot in chief".  However, MSNBC surprised many television critics when it assigned Olbermann the anchor position on its coverage of the Democratic and Republican Party primaries.  Suddenly, television viewers were expected to believe Mr. Olbermann could switch from liberal attack dog to objective journalist.  It was a move that raised the eyebrows of many in the broadcast industry and jeopardized the reputation of NBC stalwarts, including Tom Brokaw, who had to share the set with the poster boy for liberal media bias.

 

But just when you thought NBC was scraping the bottom of the journalistic barrel, in 2007 Olbermann showed up on NBC's Sunday night football coverage.  Olbermann read game scores and provided his lackluster satire to an effort which was roundly dismissed by critics.

 

The move by NBC to position Olbermann in a leading role in its political and sports programming brings to question the network's financial viability.  There is no doubt each time Olbermann appears on NBC's Sunday night football telecast, many viewers are offended.  However, some see this as a continuation of failed leadership by management. 

 

Jeffrey R. Immelt, the CEO of General Electric, NBC's parent company, has come under fire in recent years.  General Electric stock has fallen precipitously under Immelt's control.  The GE CEO also took a great deal of heat when it was found his company was still doing business with Iran, even after it was learned that rogue nation was playing a significant part in supplying arms to the Iraqi insurgency which caused the deaths of many American military personnel and civilians in Iraq.  Olbermann's dual duties as a partisan political commentator and sportscaster are just another indication of poor decision-making on the part of NBC management.

 

Is Keith Olbermann so valuable to NBC that the company is willing to not only alienate those looking for honest journalism, but those who just want to enjoy a favorite American pastime as well?  Apparently so.

 

Anyone wishing to receive RFFM.org e-mails should contact: Dan@rffm.org

Comments to RFFM.org's blog which include ad hominems or personal attack will automatically be rejected. No hyperlinks allowed.