Contrary to rumor, Keith Olbermann is NOT moving to CNBC December 4

[Berry Cool]

Yesterday I saw a thread posted in which speculation was presented about Countdown with Keith Olbermann moving to CNBC on December 4 as a result of both an MSNBC restructuring and a revamping of CNBC.

That speculation, however, was based on outdated speculation about the fates of these networks in the wake of NBC Universal's restructuring plan prior to its formal announcement. Many rumors were flying around the TV industry then, including a rumor that both Countdown and Hardball would move to CNBC, while MSNBC would become a "taped documentaries only" channel.

These rumors should no longer be perpetuated, as it has now been announced that MSNBC is NOT becoming a "taped documentaries only" channel, and Countdown and Hardball are NOT moving to CNBC. The only changes taking place in these programs have to do with their production locations. Countdown is eventually moving to the NBC Studios at 30 Rock (Keith's already doing it from there Thursdays and Fridays), as is the control room for Hardball. Two floors of 30 Rock will eventually be revamped to accommodate MSNBC's needs. There is also obviously going to be some staffing consolidation between MSNBC and NBC.

More details here: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117952807.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

The good news? We won't need to start looking for Keith Olbermann (or Tweety) on another channel. And we can be assured that Keith isn't going anywhere.

The bad news? We won't be able to get their shows back on XM Radio, as many people were happily speculating we would if they moved to CNBC. Those of us who enjoyed listening to them back when XM still carried MSNBC will continue to be disappointed on that front. And if your cable system supplies you with CNBC at your current tier but requires you to pay extra to get MSNBC, you're still stuck paying for MSNBC if you want Keith and/or Tweety.

So, repeat: Do not look for Keith Olbermann to move to CNBC. That is all.

[ellacott]

1. Thank you for the update. n/t

[rzemanfl]

2. That will make it easier for Keith when they wise up and make

him the anchor on NBC news and Katie Couric moves from CBS to the Home Shopping Network. CBS will replace her with "Green Acres" reruns.

[papau]

9. Keith as Anchor is the only thing that'll move be back to NBC from Katie & CBS

Katie has grown better job skills very quickly over past few weeks. I was one of the first week only crowd that dropped out the 2nd week of her career as anchor and went back to PBS and other alternatives. But I started again a few weeks ago - she seems must more relaxed and the show much smoother - and she seems to have permission to chose stories that might offend advertisers or the GOP - at least on occasion. A lot different than NBC that goes way out of the way - to the point of suppression of lead stories like the yellow button vote as often as you want story - to kiss GOP ass, and ABC which seems to be off and on as to honest reporting - off more than on unfortunately.

[Berry Cool]

11. I would love that!

"Green Acres, I am theeeeere!"

[LTR]

3. For people who like to listen

Countdown has an mp3 podcast with highlights.

Here's the RSS feed:

http://podcast.msnbc.com/audio/podcast/MSNBC-Countdown.xml

Not the whole thing, not perfect, but better than nothing.

[ellacott]

5. This is a dumb question, but...

Can you download podcasts on your computer or do you have to have an Ipod?

Please excuse my ignorance.

[LTR]

7. You can download them straight

Enter the URL into a RSS reader. Or, if you have IE7 or Firefox, just click the link and the RSS page opens up. You can even bookmark it.

Then, right-click on the mp3 link, then 'save target as'. Choose folder, download, and listen in your favorite media player (WMP, Winamp, iTunes, etc.). Enjoy.

[ellacott]

8. Thank you so much

I have firefox. I will follow these directions.

Thank you again. :)

[SaveOurDemocracy]

4. Please tell me they'll be...

replacing Rita Cosby!!!?

[Clinton Crusader]

6. How 'bout the Tucker/Cosby stories? n/t

[Berry Cool]

10. We wish.

Nothing certain has been said about Tucker's or Rita's fates as yet. However, at least one NBC exec went to far as to deny rumors begun by a salivating Jossip that Tucker and Rita were both about to be shown the door. He said that Tucker was not going anywhere. I did notice, however, that he avoided talking about Rita.

In other words, there's hope.