Olbermann ethics lesson, what not to do
 

A multi-million dollar salary. A platform to spew your political rhetoric. A place to bash those who oppose your view. And it is not a Fox talking head!

Msnbc TV host Keith Olbermann was suspended indefinitely on Friday for making campaign donations to three Democratic congressional candidates, apparently in violation of NBC News ethics policy.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40028929

Re: Olbermann ethics lesson, what not to do
 

Surprised he's not allowed to donate since, after all, he IS NBC's answer to Bill O, and neither are "reporters" or journalists...just opinion commentary.

I could understand, maybe...someone like Matt Lauer or Katie Couric having some kinda nuetrality stipulation in their contract...but him? And in the meantime, while Fox anchors are literally HOSTING tea-parties - not to mention the tons of money they pumped into those loonies to make them their own, an NBC commentator can't donate $2,400 to his politics. Yet, he can vote for his politics in the booth. I find it odd. If only Fox was so insistent on nuetrality and indifference with it's employees.

Re: Olbermann ethics lesson, what not to do
 

<font color=plum>LOL! Olbermann has never been neutral or indifferent on his show. As you correctly stated, his show was designed to counter Bill O'Reilly.

Olbermann has heavily criticized OTHER "reporters" for donating money to specific candidates, so it makes him appear a little hypocritical when he does it himself. Personally, I don't think Olbermann did anything wrong. He donated the standard amount most supporters do, at least on paper. There is probably a good chance he donated more OFF the record (just like every other big "supporter" does for their chosen candidate) and, again, I don't really see anything wrong with that. Olbermann has made no bones about who he supports and why.

From what I could glean in the reports I heard, the main complaint was that he did not clear his donations through his NBC bosses first, so they got caught by surprise. So it is really more a matter of Keith not following company policy correctly than any hint of actual wrong-doing. He will probably get a slap on the wrist, a few days off the air, issue the obligatory apology and then be back on the air again fairly soon.</font>

Re: Olbermann ethics lesson, what not to do
 

So...that was you agreeing with me?

Re: Olbermann ethics lesson, what not to do
 

Re: Olbermann ethics lesson, what not to do
 

Maybe I am missing something but, am I the only one who doesn't think he should even have to discolse what he legally donates off the air? He's a talking-head. As mentioned above, he makes no bones about who he supports and what he supports. The same way Hannity or Beck or Bill O don't. It would be different if he was all for the Democratic party yet donated to the McCain campaign. That would be controversial at least, but still...not illegal.

I doubt Fox has such a policy in place - that would mean they had standards. But really, what standards does this particular policy enforce or ensure? That you can scream and preach and broadcast all day about your politics on our news station, but cannot legally make a contribution of $2000 to them from your money on your own personal time. I don't get it...

Re: Olbermann ethics lesson, what not to do
 

It's too complicated for you then, move along!

Re: Olbermann ethics lesson, what not to do
 

You forgot the "If" at the start. For example: "If forming sentences are too complicated for you then, move along." :D

Re: Olbermann ethics lesson, what not to do
 

<font color=plum>In this particular situation, yes. :D</font>

Re: Olbermann ethics lesson, what not to do
 

<font color=plum>The only reason I can see for such a policy would be to avoid the appearance of any partiality or conflict of interest. However, as you mentioned earlier, this isn't Matt Lauer or Katie Couric. Olbermann has never pretended to be objective, nor was he supposed to be.

Whether we agree with the policy or not, though, is a moot point. The point is that the policy does exist and Keith decided, for whatever reason, to ignore or violate that policy. He didn't do anything illegal and I really don't think even his critics would be surprised or offended by his donations. The most difficult thing for him, I believe, will be showing the proper amount of contrition to his bosses and then delivering the obligatory public apology. Regardless, this will blow over in a day or two and he'll be back on the air within 1-2 weeks most likely. </font>