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charlie rose

GRITtv: The F Word: Olbermann Says There's No Deal

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Keith Olbermann wrote to me apropos my F Word on Monday. Following news of a corporation-brokered truce between MSNBC and FOX, I'd written that while the two networks pose as divided - and play up social divides for ratings - they actually stand united when it comes to corporate profits. According to a New York Times report, General Electric, which owns MSNBC, reined in their host Keith Olbermann  as part of a deal to call off Bill O'Reilly's questioning of GE's business. A notable example of corporate interests trumping ratings - several commentators thought - myself included.

GRITtv: F Word: Corporate Unity at MSNBC and Fox?

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There are days when one's reminded why one works in independent media. August 1st was one of those days, when the New York Times ran a front page media story that might as well have been headlined: GE and Fox Hush Hosts For Profits. The on-air feud was good for ratings. It wasn't even bad journalism, for these kind of programs. The feud wasn't bad for ratings, but it was perceived as a potential threat to other corporate interests.  It's hard to fund and it's tempting to think there must be a better way. Wouldn't it be easier if some corporation paid the bills? Not exactly.

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