The left-leaning cable network announced just hours before airtime on Friday that Mr. Olbermann’s show “Countdown” would be replaced with a new program called “Viewpoint” hosted by former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, beginning that night.
The sometimes volatile Mr. Olbermann came to Current in June as the centrepiece of its new prime-time initiative after a stormy eight-year stint at MSNBC – his second at that network – followed by his abrupt departure in January 2011.
Shortly after, Current announced his hiring – reportedly with a five-year, $50-million contract – as the start of an effort to transform the network’s prime-time slate into progressive talk. His official title was chief news officer, charged with providing editorial guidance for all of the network’s political news, commentary and current events programming.
In a statement, Current TV founders Al Gore and Joel Hyatt said the network was “founded on the values of respect, openness, collegiality, and loyalty to our viewers. Unfortunately these values are no longer reflected in our relationship with Keith Olbermann and we have ended it.” » | Frazier Moore | New York | The Associated Press | Saturday, March 31, 2012
