MSNBC Suspends Olbermann Over Donations

Host violated network rules with donations to Democrats
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 5, 2010 1:24 PM CDT
MSNBC Suspends Olbermann Over Donations
Keith Olbermann violated NBC rules by donating to Democrats.   (Getty Images)

Is Keith Olbermann out of a job? The fiery host has been suspended indefinitely without pay, in the wake of the revelation that he donated money to three Democratic campaigns this year. (Background here.) "I became aware of Keith's political contributions late last night," said MSNBC President Phil Griffin. "Mindful of NBC News policy and standards, I have suspended him indefinitely without pay."

NBC ethics rules require anyone participating in "civic or other outside activities," including campaign donations, to clear it with Griffin first. The rules say such activities may "jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest," reports CBS. Because surely if there's one word that describes Keith Olbermann, it's "impartial." (More Keith Olbermann stories.)

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