MSNBC has suspended indefinitely without pay anchor Keith Olbermann after Politico.com reported late Thursday that he made three campaign contributions to Democratic candidates, the network president, Phil Griffin, saying in a statement Friday “I became aware of Keith’s political contribution late last night. Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay.” Olbermann made donations to the campaign of two Arizona members of Congress – Representatives Raul Grijaiva and Gabrielle Giffords, each receiving $2,400 – and Kentucky Senate candidate Jack Conway, who also received $2,400. The donation to Grijaiva came on October 28th, the same day he appeared as a guest on Countdown with Keith Olbermann. NBC News’ policy forbids employees political campaigns, considering it an obvious breach of journalistic independence to cover candidates fairly, without prejudice. Olbermann released a statement to Politico.com saying “I did not privately or publically encourage anyone else to donate to these campaigns, nor to any others in this election or any previous ones, nor have I previously donated to any political campaign at any level.”
The openly gay Thomas Roberts, formerly of CNN, tweeted late Friday that he will replace Olbermann temporarily.
Rachel Maddow weighed in on the suspension, Maddow underlining the hypocrisy of FOX News and their on-air talent, and a staggering list of donations made to Republican Party candidates by FOX.
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