Media, Society

FAREWELL KEITH

This evening my friend Keith Olbermann announced that he is leaving MSNBC and that Countdown will end this week. His departure will be a great disappoint for millions of viewers but I have little doubt that Keith will continue his unique brand of commentary and coverage in a different forum. I will personally miss our conversations on and off the program. Keith has been a unique voice in our society and I trust that we have not heard the last of that voice on myriad of issues confronting this nation.

I have known and worked with Keith since the 1990s and his first news show, The Big Show with Keith Olbermann. He has held a number of positions on different networks — all with equal success. The public has always connected with Keith’s wit and often wacky style. He is one of the smartest individuals I have ever known. He also genuinely cares about the issues addressed on his show.

In an age of blow-dried, robotic anchors, Keith gave the public something different and magnetic. He invented his own genre in news — a style later mimicked by others in their own programs.

Keith’s career has always been as unpredictable as his style. The public has always been drawn to him by his refusal to compromise and his fierce independence. Those characteristics that are so central to his success with viewers often led to conflicts with his respective networks. He is the ultimate lone wolf in an industry known for its pack mentality.

There are certain classics in American culture. They include the 67 Mustang, Wrigley Field, and every John Wayne film. For many news junkies, they also include Keith Olbermann. Intense, irreverent and insightful, Keith is unique. For that reason, his fans and friends will not allow him to be gone from the airways for long.

Thanks, Keith, and Godspeed.

Jonathan Turley

121 thoughts on “FAREWELL KEITH”

  1. I also browsed to find Mr. Turley after seeing him on Keiths show.. I am soooooooooo heartbroken and mad 🙁

  3. Blouise

    that’s close to how i found this blog too.

    Olbermann was a bit over the top at times but you didn’t fact check everything he said. that and he could laugh at himself from time to time.

  4. Thank you for putting into words what most of us who watch Keith were feeling. One thing I always enjoyed while watching Countdown was the fact that Keith tried to impart a little knowledge on each show.

  5. Keith Olbermann is already missed. Has Comcast struck already? We can only hope that he will end up on his feet and we will be able to continue to watch/listen to him. Maybe he can go to HBO and do a show before or after Bill Maher!

  6. It was while watching “Countdown” that I first saw Prof J. Turley. After seeing several of his appearances on “Countdown” I decided to google him and found this blog. I sat back and read for a little over a year before writing my first post.

    Somehow, and forgive this poor analogy, it’s as though Kieth set me up on a successful blind date with this blog.

    I’m both sad and glad to see him leave MSNBC. I will miss his show but I feel they, the management, were hobbling him and insulting both his and his viewers’ intelligence with their lame-brain excuses an self-justifications.

    I look forward to his next project and wish him all the best in the world.

  9. Ah, the stray comma, at a time of disbelief and sadness. So I’ll repeat it correctly:

    There are too few Keith Olbermanns.

    It’s not a surprise that Keith would pay tribute to Tim Russert at the close of his last show. It’s telling that he did so.

    We’re losing the good ones, at a time when we need them the most.

  12. “He is the ultimate lone wolf in an industry known for its pack mentality.” -Jonathan Turley

    Keith has carried me through some pretty dark days — something I’m sure that he’s done for many. He’ll be missed. I thank God for the lone wolves who love this country. We’re in deep trouble — some just don’t realize it, yet. There are too few, Keith Olbermanns.

    Thanks, Keith, for the healthcare clinics and for all the good you’ve done. We’ll be seeing you again, I trust. To echo, Professor Turley: Godspeed.

  15. I was watching the show tonight (and hadn’t been reading anything today so I didn’t know what was coming) and I was just stunned when he announced tonight was his last night. Bummer. I’ll miss his show and the Professor’s appearances on it. I can recall times when the only MSM television voice against some horrible Bush policy was his. He charged ahead first. That’s why I started to watch his show regularly. Damn.

  16. Thank you Mr. Turley for your kind words about Keith. I will miss your conversations with Keith too.

    I honestly do not know what on God’s green earth MSNBC is thinking!!!! Are they thinking?!?!?!

  17. It is difficult for me not to draw the conclusion that Keith Olbermann’s departure from MSNBC and the end of his outstanding news and commentary broadcast are directly related to President Obama’s FCC allowing the MSNBC/Comcast merger.

    His important voice will be missed.

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