MSNBC president Phil Griffin released the following statement Friday following the news that Keith Olbermann had donated to three Democratic candidates this election cycle:
I think as someone who does news coverage he isn't allowed to contribute to campaigns as far as I can tell. It would be a conflict of interest.
Sean Hannity donates over $7000.00 to the GOP and tells his viewers who he supports ......and donated to..... on his show and gets nothing. Keith gives money on his own watch without telling anyone.......his viewers or his bosses.......and this happens??? Seriously?????
Apparently he made three (legal) contributions to democrats without getting NBC sign-off. And Olbermann and this cat Griffin have been at each other for a while.
I would suppose in an attempt to appear unbiased, MSNBC enforces a policy of their anchors not making political donations. It isn't a big deal, just news worthy.
I wasn't aware of this policy. Is it common among news networks? I think it's silly, BTW. These days, a network's political leanings are fairly obvious. Forbidding your news anchor from making a donation isn't going to change that fact. As far as Olby goes, I think he's political poison. He might have some rabid fans, but he does far more harm than good to the progressive causes that he promotes and defends.
seems like a pointless policy in this case. i don't think anyone is under the illusion Olbermann is unbiased (or even a journalist).
I imagine this was just a pretext and there is more behind the scenes, seems like he has trouble getting along with fellow employees.
I think he has a long history at all of his jobs about getting along with people. I know he's even made reference to it on his show. That probably doesn't help him when he breaks rules. I've also heard his good friend Dan Patrick comment about it too.
Isn't this like NPR firing Juan Williams? Essentially getting fired for people exercising free speech.
The difference is that Williams was making a point opposite of the comment he made. Olbermann did donate to those candidates.
Their policy isn't to not make donations to political candidates, it is to receive permission prior to doing so.
Yep! Apparently the policy is you can donate as much as you want (or is legally allowed) but must have sign-off from the network.
It is like that, but neither case has to do with exercising free speech. Both have to do with breaking the existing rules of the company.
