The news of Keith Olbermann's exit from Current is just a few hours
old, yet I am not shocked by what may or may not have happened. One
thing seems sure at this point: It was a mutual agreement by both
parties.
Television is a nasty, complicated, tension-filled, egocentric
business. What you see on the screen comes from endless hours of
careful planning, politicking and gallons of caffeine. Doing a nightly
show is like being stuck on a treadmill going 10 miles an hour with no
off switch. In the best of times, things run smoothly with an occasional
bump here and there. Other times it can seem like falling down a
bottomless well. You need all the support from your network and studio
to get you through the slog.
Keith Olbermann is a gifted journalist and broadcaster, with a deep
respect for those who blazed a trail in broadcast news before him. He is
also what's known as "high maintenance" venting his excess steam at
others, most notably management at the network. This is not a good mix,
which I know firsthand.
I was a successful writer/executive producer of network sitcoms for
about 20 years. I had a partner who had total disdain for network
executives and would fight with them at the drop of a hat. Our
partnership worked so well because he was the front man, the more
personable of the two who could deal with actors, and I was the more
political and business oriented, working behind the scenes with the
network, agents and the studio.
The more successful we got, the more volatile my partner became. He
picked fights with anyone in authority. After a long day (and night) at
the studio I would come home and my real work would begin, answering the
calls left on my machine from the bigwigs who my partner had pissed off
that day. I'd apologize, soothe their egos, tell them that he didn't
mean what he said and promise that I'd rein him in.
Soon it became clear that studios and networks didn't want the
headache of having him around. Finally the bottom fell out when we were
fired from a show that we ourselves had created. Even though we were
still very high in the Hollywood creative world's eyes, the constant
tension and volatility my partner brought to the table just wasn't worth
it anymore.
Keith Olbermann reminds me of my old partner. Talented and profitable
but at an enormous psychological price. There just comes a time when
both sides tire of the battle. Apparently Olbermann expected too much
from Current, which basically is a startup in the news cycle biz.
Technical glitches happen during the shake out period, which may last
for a year or so. I'm sure Olbermann knew what he was getting into, but
still when it happens on air, it's not the most secure feeling. However,
taking as many absent days as Olbermann did defiantly has a detrimental
effect on the staff and viewers. Recently I was starting to tune out Countdown
and watch MSNBC during that hour because of Keith's spotty attendance
record. Also bailing on the network during its primary coverage sent way
too may wrong signals to everyone.
Was management right for clamping down so hard on KO? Yes and No. Was
Olbermann right for trying to embarrass management in public? No, but
he couldn't help it. Like my former partner that's who he is. A divorce
was inevitable.
Will this signal the end of Current? No. To be honest, I actually enjoyed Cenk Uygur, Jennifer Granholm and the other Young Turk's
coverage of the primaries. Plus now the network is broadcasting in the
mornings with live feeds from Bill Press and Stephanie Miller's AM radio
shows. I think Elliot Spitzer is a fine replacement for Olbermann.
Forget his appearances on the overly produced show he had on CNN.
Instead, watch his numerous pieces in Bill Maher. Spitzer is excellent. I
have no doubt Current will find its mojo.
As for Olbermann, I don't know where he goes next. It's a shame because he was the preeminent newscaster on the air for the last five years. His talent is too huge to keep hidden away. Media is changing and perhaps he will find another platform. I'll definitely follow him as a viewer or reader. Although it hurts now, I think both will end up on their feet as long as this doesn't become a death cage match in court.
As for Olbermann, I don't know where he goes next. It's a shame because he was the preeminent newscaster on the air for the last five years. His talent is too huge to keep hidden away. Media is changing and perhaps he will find another platform. I'll definitely follow him as a viewer or reader. Although it hurts now, I think both will end up on their feet as long as this doesn't become a death cage match in court.
Just remember, they might call it news, but at the end of the day it's really just show biz.
Source : huffingtonpost.com
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