Statement from Phil Griffin, President of MSNBC:
Too bad it wasn't his juvenile antics reporting the outcome of Tuesday's midterms. Or was it? It seems Olby donated to Dems in violation of NBC ethic's rules:I became aware of Keith’s political contributions late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay.
So what does this mean? NBC has rules regarding employees donating to political campaigns, discouraging it and impressing that it’s a “a breach of journalistic independence to contribute to the candidates they cover.” Here’s a key part of that policy: “You should report any such potential conflicts in advance to, and obtain prior approval of, the President of NBC News or his designee.”NBC has ethics rules, who knew? This seems like a convenient loophole to sack the overpaid prima donna who embarrasses an embarrassment of a network. Olbermann's violations of journalistic independence would fill volumes. Was his last minute donation to Dems the real reason for his dismissal? I doubt it.
Hillbuzz has an interesting theory on Olby's suspension and it has nothing to do with political donations.
Also blogging:
Chris Wysocki The words "impartial journalist" and "MSNBC" do not belong in the same sentence. In the comments notes at least Olby is *honest* in that he puts his money where his mouth is.
The Other McCain shocked, as am I, MSNBC and NBC had an ethics policy
Nice Deb has a nice twitter round up of reactions and more
Ed Morrissey has the background and delivers the "Captain Louis Renault Award for his shock, shock! at finding that Olbermann may have jeopardized his standing as an impartial journalist."
The Lonely Conservative weighs in as well.
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