NBC Takes Olbermann Off Sunday NFL Broadcasts
Multiple media and network television sources confirmed to me Thursday that Keith Olbermann will not appear on NBC’s Football Night In America Sunday evening NFL broadcasts this season because audience reacton to him had gone toxic.
Some members of the FNIA cast and crew were made aware of the news Monday at a preseason production meeting in New York City. Afterwards, the cast and crew adjourned to Yankee Stadium to watch the Yankees-Blue Jays game.
I’m told that NBC News officials requested the move, citing Olbermann’s weekday commitment to MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann. During the 2009 NFL season, Olbermann periodically did not appear on Friday editions of Countdown. Also, the audience hated him.
Network television sources confirmed to me that Olbermann’s departure from FNIA was not due to any conflict with cast or production crew members. I was also given no indication that Olbermann’s politics had anything to do with the move. That leaves one thing. The audience couln’t stand him.
Olbermann has hosted Countdown since 2003 and had served in varying capacities (carrying slop buckets, etc.) on FNIA since 2007.
