It’s been a quiet period for Keith Olbermann as he’s been without a television outlet since leaving ESPN2 and his “Olbermann” show last summer. But late last year, we told you that K.O. met with NBC News President Andy Lack about a possible return to news and MSNBC. But rather than being an anchor of his own show, it would be more of a commentary role.
According to the New York Post, Olbermann turned down Lack because they couldn’t come together on a figure:
Olbermann had declined an earlier offer in December to return, in part because of the small salary involved.
The Post story cites a source saying MSNBC wants to get K.O. back to the negotiating table. MSNBC has been experiencing ratings trouble in this election season, trailing rivals CNN and Fox News and seeing lower numbers than 2012 when it had more viewers.
So as MSNBC tries to forge ahead and re-establish its identity as a breaking news network rather than a partisan channel, it finds that it still needs eyeballs and bringing back a familiar name who has had a big hand in its history, not once, but twice, might help.
For now, Olbermann remains active on his Twitter account, commenting on the political happenings and every once in a while tweeping about sports.
Will he return to news or just remain on the sidelines? It appears he’s in no hurry to get back on TV and let the chips fall where they may.
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About Ken Fang
Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.
He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.
Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.