Keith Olbermann blasted his former protégé Rachel Maddow for lacking “principle” after the MSNBC host reportedly signed a rich new contract to stay at the network — despite layoff fears and cratering ratings at the left-leaning cable channel.
Olbermann, who hosted the MSNBC prime time show “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” from 2003 to 2011, responded on X to journalist Jeff Jarvis’ observation that the Comcast-owned network “might have to change its identity” after parent company Comcast announced plans to spin off its cable assets.
Jarvis then wondered whether Maddow — who reportedly signed a five-year, 125-million deal last month on the heels of President-elect Donald Trump’s shocking victory — “should leave and build a new operation.”
“She just re-signed for $25m. If you think she’d do anything for principle, I’ll light a candle for you,” Olbermann replied last week.
The Post has sought comment from Maddow and MSNBC.
Industry insiders told Puck News last week that Comcast’s recently announced plans to spin off MSNBC and other cable channels has only driven up Maddow’s value since the company needs to keep her if it hopes to attract a buyer who will pay top dollar for the struggling network.
MSNBC’s ratings have tanked since Election Day. Even Maddow’s show, which is usually a viewer magnet, saw its audience plummet 41% since Nov. 5.
Maddow’s reportedly took a haircut from her $30 million a year salary, but the new deal raised eyebrows considering the other recently reported wage cuts for cable anchors — as well as the fact that she only hosts her show once a week.
Olbermann helped the little-known Maddow gain national prominence by making her a regular guest host on “Countdown” in 2008. She had been the host on left-leaning radio network Air America Radio,
Olbermann is reported to have lobbied MSNBC executives to hire Maddow full time — and is said to have paid “out of his own pocket” to keep her as a contributor.
Maddow’s popularity led to MSNBC launching “The Rachel Maddow Show” in 2008 — which has since proved to be the network’s top-rated program.
Olbermann’s tumultuous tenure at the network ended in 2011 when he was fired in the middle of a four-year, $30 million contract for making political donations to several Democratic campaigns.
In 2022, Daily Beast reported that Olbermann was in talks with NBCUniversal head honchos to return to MSNBC and take over the 8 p.m. slot in place of current host Chris Hayes — only to have Maddow step in and veto the move.
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https://nypost.com/2024/12/02/media/keith-olbermann-blasts-ex-protege-rachel-maddow-over-msnbc-deal/
