Keith Olbermann Suspended Indefinitely After Political Contributions

[betenoire]

Originally Posted by dreadgeek

It was interesting. A couple of years ago, when BBC America started doing a nightly, hour-long newscast (which is now, sadly, down to half an hour) I was watching with my wife and she made a comment about how *different* it was. She's a decade my junior and so doesn't *remember* what TV journalism used to be--a sober, fact-driven affair. To her, it has *always* been CNN and FOX. The sight of an anchor soberly sitting at his desk and stories that lasted 5 - 10 minutes was completely and utterly foreign to her.

See, and that might be the root of why I am uncomfortable with the way in which Maddow and others deliver the news. To me, they don't read like journalists. I don't feel like I am watching the news, I feel like I am seeing some sort of an op-ed type of thing.

I grew up getting my news from the CTV and CBC (and once I was old enough to actually -care- about the news I started getting it from the BBC). Lloyd Robertson, specifically, is where my news comes from (He's with CTV). I like that I cannot tell just by watching him on the television what he THINKS. I have no idea what political party he supports in Canada. None. (Although, I suppose I could google it if I really cared to know) He's a journalist. He delivers facts - with a straight face.

I remember 15 years ago (you know, when I became old enough to actually care about the news) my friends and I all thought that CNN was a giant fiasco. We laughed at it. We didn't trust it. It didn't seem SERIOUS or NEUTRAL enough for us. I hadn't even heard of FOX news at that time (I think it was brand new? It started in the late-90s I think?) and I don't think if you had told me at 18 that there was a news network less trustworthy than CNN that I would have believed you. Little did we know, right?

So, yeah. Long post made short - I guess my issue with Maddow is that I -wish- she would be a journalist instead of a political commentator.

[Linus]

I dunno. I can understand the feeling that a commentator is going overboard but this isn't what that is. He is suspended indefinitely for doing something as simple as making a donation to 3 separate candidates, never publicizing those donations or promoting those individuals -- on a TV station that is unabashiedly left/pro-Democrat. The stickler is that he didn't tell his manager. So for this he is just shy of being fired? Really?

Olbermann did things that few, even Rachel, don't do. He started and promoted the heck out of the free health clinics that were run all over the country, particularly in New Orleans. He's not afraid of being human, correcting mistakes nor from shying away from debate with facts (he does actually list facts against those he may challenge).


All I can think is that Phil Griffin is this...

[katsarecool]

Linus, I agree. What is amzing is the petition wanting Keith to have full restitution, it is getting 20,000 to 30,000 signatures an hour. Now that is an impact!!!

[KatieStar]

Originally Posted by betenoire

So, yeah. Long post made short - I guess my issue with Maddow is that I -wish- she would be a journalist instead of a political commentator.

I have respect and admiration for her career - not to mention her academic successes. Lets not forget she's a pioneer within our community being the first openly gay American to win a Rhodes scholarship. All of that aside, even though I'm quite a fan of Ms. Maddow (I would say yes if she asked me to marry her) Unfortunately, I have to agree with this statement.

[1PlayfulFemme]

Originally Posted by KatieStar

I have respect and admiration for her career - not to mention her academic successes. Lets not forget she's a pioneer within our community being the first openly gay American to win a Rhodes scholarship. All of that aside, even though I'm quite a fan of Ms. Maddow (I would say yes if she asked me to marry her) Unfortunately, I have to agree with this statement.

Katie, Love, now...you and I both know you will not wait for her to pop the question...if the moment ever arrives that you find yourself in the company of one Ms. Maddow (So formal, aren't we??) that you will pop the question within minutes Well. That's my prediction anyway!