KO on NBC: Let's play softball

In a phoner with reporters last week, Keith Olbermann promised that his special network version of "Countdown," which aired last night, would not be any different that any "Countdown" he does for MSNBC. But that wasn't true. My guess is that someone at NBC convinced Olbermann that for his first appearance as a newsman on the network it would be a good idea to take his hard-edged, hard-headed approach to "Countdown" and, well, soften it up a bit.

KO is a smart guy, but that was not a smart move.

I understand that audiences might be unfamiliar with Olbermann's program, and could find the full-spectrum, serious-to-silly coverage that is "Countdown's" specialty a tad disconcerting. But I felt it was unwise and, ultimately, condescending to bring on both Mo Rocca and the guy who hosts "The Soup" for separate segments. This on a night when KO was already altering his program to include a cold open (explaining to network viewers expecting to see Chris Hansen shaking down Internet sex fiends what they were about to see instead) and a football segment at the end, leading into NBC's "Football Night in America," on which Olbermann now also toils.

Rocca seemed a particularly inappropriate choice for mid-show, a time when "Countdown" is usually bearing down on some vital but overlooked story of national import. Referring to recently posted photographs of Russian president Vladimir Putin out in the wild, shirtless, Rocca joked that there was another picture of Putin in "assless chaps." Much as he did with "Smoking Gun TV" (remember that car wreck?), Rocca brought "Countdown" way down. Combine that with an extended "Oddball" segment of wacky videos, an E! promo AND a segment on football ... well, let's just say last night's "Countdown" was more like broth than soup.

During the last segment, featuring two of KO's new colleagues on "Football Night," Bob Costas was a pro as usual. But Cris Collinsworth, who has apparently never seen Olbermann's show before, felt the need to preface one of his responses with a retort to the previous segment: "Is Rush Limbaugh really the worst person in the world? Really?" KO, trying not to look irritated, shot back that he merely nominates worst people. Hey Cris, save the towel snapping for your own show, OK? They call you a "guest" for a reason -- act like one.  And buy a DVR while you're at it.

As for the host, he seemed unflappable as usual. But I wouldn't be surprised if KO didn't do some Monday morning quarterbacking of his special network "Countdown."  I hope he watches the tape of his main competition last night, "60 Minutes," on CBS. "60" had three repeat stories with new intros. In the first, Morley Safer interviewed the nurse charged with killing four seriously ill patients two years ago in a hospital in the middle of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath. Next, Scott Pelley interviewed Iraqis who are being hunted down and killed because they assisted U.S. troops during the ouster of Saddam Hussein -- and are getting no protection now from the U.S. government. And then there was a happy ending to a story about MIT's Nicholas Negroponte's crusade to give every poor child in the world a laptop computer -- as we learned after the segment, Negroponte and his erstwhile rivals at Intel Corp. are getting together to produce the low-cost PCs. There was even time for some levity at the end, as tape of two ancient Mike Wallace interviews were played: one with Brooke Astor, the other with Leona Helmsley, both of whom died last week. Andy Rooney rummaging through all the kitchen tools he no longer uses ("Harry Truman was president the last time I sliced a sponge cake") was funnier than anything Mo Rocca said.

In this rerun-weary tail end of summer, "60 Minutes" has been dominant, and Sunday's broadcast will likely finish No. 1 in the Nielsen ratings again. Hey, whaddya know, serious can sell on network TV.  It's too bad Keith Olbermann's bosses at NBC don't believe that, or they might have actually let him do his show.

Comments

[Scott H]

Aaron, I agree with you that Sunday's Countdown was a little lighter than usual, but I wasn't as upset with it as you appear to be. I thought the cold open was a great idea, and showed a bit of the unprogrammed Keith. I'm used to TiVoing the show and fast-forwarding through all the fluff, and in retrospect, it's true that probably 75% of the show was fluff on Sunday. I guess as a daily viewer this didn't bother me, since on other days it's closer to 50%, sometimes even 40%. But I guess as his broadcast network premiere, it probably sent the wrong message. I thought his save from Rocca's "assless chaps" comment was pretty good--"athlete's"--and showed that he was constantly aware that he was doing a broadcast show and not a cable one. I hope the network gives him more chances, and he can bring some more of the serious stuff into the mix.

[Scott H]

Also, as a regular viewer, it felt a bit like watching a rerun, since at least two of the news topics he covered were also covered by his fill-in (can't remember which one) on Friday's show. I guess that's the downside to doing a Sunday show--not much news is made over the weekend.

[Dave]

I am just impressed that anything like Countdown is anywhere on TV at any time - much less on NBC proper in primetime. Bravo, NBC! I applaud you! The MSM cable news has been such a right wing wasteland for so long (read: David Brock's book, "Republican Noise Machine," it is amazing and eye opening) that one minute of broadcasting anything left of "right" is an vast left-wing improvement.

[Stuart]

Because I am a daily watcher of the show I was hoping for a more balls to wall all out count down last night. Hopefully I lot of people that don't normally see his show got a chance last night to check it out. It did seem a bit weak too me but like I said being a normal viewer of the program it is hard for me to tell how the general public responded but I hope it went over well.

[SheRah]

Aaron, your assessment was on target. I like the ascerbic Olbermann wit so plentiful on cable; there were a few moments last night when he seemed to hit his usual stride. I think Countdown does a fair job of balancing the silly commentary with the serious commentary, but yet that may be what keeps it from being regarded as well as it should be for its commentary and excellent writing. Instead of regularly scheduled, gratuitious silly commentary from the likes of Mo Rocca, how about silly commentary when the story truly warrants it.

[Bookpusher]

Actually, I thought the Mo Rocca interview was fairly well done. The usually-solid Joel McHale, on the other hand, was painfully unfunny - my hand was twitching towards the remote the entire time he was on.

I wouldn't be too hard on the NBC version of "Countdown" - I'm sure Keith was under enormous pressure from the network not to be too controversial or too funny. I expect after a week or so NBC will feel comfortable enough to let him alone so he can do his thing.

[Lisa]

I couldn't believe how lame it was. He spent the vast majority of the show showing stupid pet tricks. It was all comedy routines and not enough hard-hitting news. He wasted a very good opportunity to tell the truth about this administration. I can't believe he sold out like that. I also heard his commentary re Michael Vick during the NFL show and that was another shock. I'm so disappointed in him. I can't believe he's upholding that guy and what he's done. "Punishment enough?" He tortured and killed dogs for sport. There is no punishment other than the complete loss of any future career he might have that would be suitable. And KO thinks he's still a great guy who deserves another chance? I can tell you who I hope doesn't get another chance-it's KO in primetime. He sold out. He's not who I thought he was at all.

[Jason]

Your statement, "There is no punishment other than the complete loss of any future career he might have that would be suitable," is so extreme that I doubt any media personality will ever match your standards. Sold out? I doubt he ever really bought in -- more likely you dreamed that he matched your views, and he doesn't. That's your error, not his.

[John Mauck]

I agree it was too soft but he did bring the A-team for what hard news there was. Howard Fineman and Dana Milbank are Countdown's top two guests. Craig Crawford, Jonathon Alter and Richard Wolf didn't make the cut.

[Mark Bunker]

Ar least there was no Michael Musto. Keith has to upgrade the humorous guests. Sure, you can't book Harry Shearer every night but I now fast forward through most of the "funny" people booked on the show.

Yes, it was lighter than need be but it was still Countdown and I got a Sunday fix of my favorite n newscast including a hilarious slam at Bill 'O and comedian Rush Limbaugh.

[DanOregon]

It had the feel of a "greatest hits" show. It was nice to hear, but it lacked ambition. I really hope NBC doesn't pigeon-hole Olbermannn into pseudo-commentator. I'd much rather hear him do give and take with other people on his broadcasts.

[Sam]

Totally agree with you. Mo Rocca was a regrettable choice. I was really looking forward to watching Keith tear it up on prime time. 60 seconds into Mo - I turned it off.

[jeffie]

NBC made a big mistake by giving Olbermann the week off before the NBC debut. Allison Stewart's ok, but Keith could have brought alot of his loyal viewers if he'd been there to promote the NBC Countdown episode.

[Sid]

Howard Fineman and Dana Milbank may be the NBC "A" team, but they sure broke out the hair dye for the occassion...

[Donna Halper]

In fairness to Keith, I've spent many years in broadcasting (radio, not TV) and any debut, no matter how much you prepare, can be awkward. This one was more awkward because Keith was being pulled in two different directions. Those who know and love Countdown for its progressive (and unique) political commentary don't like the comedy bits, but we put up with them because sometimes, they are a much-needed escape from the seemingly endless supply of political stories about how the Bush Administration is destroying civil liberties, accusing dissenters of being un-American, etc etc. But obviously NBC was worried that too much controversy (and being overtly critical of Bush is perceived by most networks as controversial) wouldn't be good for football viewers or for sponsors.

There are already a bunch of rightie bloggers and talk hosts who have their knickers in a twist about KO doing football (even though he has been a sportscaster for years). Clearly, NBC wanted Keith to pull some of his punches, and that's why there were three (gasp) celebrity segments. One is bad enough, but three? Yukk. Still, even a watered-down Countdown is better than none at all. If only NBC would be courageous and let Keith be Keith.

Contrary to the myth of the liberal media, more than 90% of talkers are conservative. Democracy needs people like Keith to present the other side of the story. I was hoping he'd have that opportunity last night, but am not surprised that this debut was a bit disjointed. Let's hope he gets more occasions to show his journalistic skills to a wider audience.

[Aaron]

And then Andy R., one of my emailers, sent in this dissenting view:

"I know Keith tends to populate his two-ways with only like-minded guests... it's the main reason I finally gave up several months ago on what was once a very clever and enjoyable show. But it's sad to think that he has become so accustomed to people following his script that he can't even take the slightest ribbing from a guy like Cris Collinsworth without getting visibly annoyed."

[dexx]

i never understood why he has mo rocca on. the guy is never funny or interesting. in fact, i would prefer that keith do away with the "light" stuff altogther, unless maybe to point out how the rich can do whatever they want without serious consequence.

when chris matthews is away they have a serious news person replace him. when keith is gone they replace him with that idiot from Xtra.

while i appreciate that msnbc gave keith his forum to begin with, its obvious that nbc doesnt get it.

[eb1]

Aaron:

I agree with Andy in one regard: how is it acceptable for KO to never have dissenting views on his show? Is he so used to the adulation from the Kos/Media Matters crowd (two websites that brook no opposition either) that has launched him to second place he can't handle criticism or a differing opinion?

Chris Matthews jabbed him a few months ago after one of those debates for never having differing views on his show, and he was so caught off guard he couldn't do anything more than mumble and shuffle his papers. And Collinsworth barely laid a glove on KO. CC may not watch "Countdown", and that may be a flaw of his, but when has it become a sin to Gaia not to watch Olbermann?

[Donna Halper]

I don't know which Countdown some of the other posters are watching, but Keith has absolutely had guests on who disagree with him, and sometimes even his Washington Post columnists disagree with him. Yeah sure, he prefers people who see things his way, but I don't see a lot of evidence that he pads the show with sycophants the way Faux News does...

I noticed that Broadcasting & Cable's review framed it as if Keith had failed to attract audience on his NBC debut. But a lot of affiliates didn't carry his show and it seems just about nobody did any promotion. Those of us who like him followed him over to NBC. Those who have never watched him probably found his debut confusing and awkward. I still hope he gets more chances to be himself-- as he was on MSNBC tonight, where he seemed far more relaxed.

And I am utterly mystified by why Howie Kurtz of the Washington Post said in an on-line chat on Monday that NBC made a mistake to give an hour over to someone who is a "Bush basher"-- when did Howie go to work for the Republicans? The progressive viewpoint is so seldom expressed on radio and TV that it's a joy to hear it even occasionally... Evidently Howie thinks there really is a liberal media.

[Jim Treacher]

What Andy R. said. "Guest" does not mean "underling."

[Jim Treacher]

"The progressive viewpoint is so seldom expressed on radio and TV..."

Heh!

[Rox]

It didn't help his rating any that the West Coast didn't get to see Countdown until 10 pm. Really pissed me off.

[Mark Jeffries]

Eastern 8 p.m. prime time show airing after the game happened all the time when ABC had Monday Night Football. It hasn't been noticeable for NBC, since during the regular season they're programming a pre-game show that has to air live in all time zones instead of other programming. If "Dateline" was running at 7 p.m. ET, it would've been delayed on the West Coast until after the game.

Treacher: Please tell what other "liberal" views are on broadcast television, other than Air America and Dan Rather. And please use recognized sources, not newsmax.com, NewsBusters or Loofah Felafel, Rush Vicodin or Sean Insanity's web sites.

I find Olbermann to be a part of the problem of political discourse in this country. Either you get the O'Reilly form of discourse ("Watch as I shout down the secular progressives"!) or you get the Olbermann form of discourse ("Let's only invite like minded people to come on and discuss the most bizarre conspiracy theories possible! Only people who disagree with us are "The worst people in the world"!) Plus Olbermann and O'Reilly have such wonderful personal backgrounds that they are surely the absolute best the Left and the Right have in this country. (I'll note the last sentence was sarcastic, since I'm sure you won't be able to sense that)

My own personal view is that anyone who prescribes to a political view is a sucker and an idiot. Liberals suck ass. Conservatives suck ass. Instead of spending all of your time obsessed with politics, get out of the house and get laid.

[Jim Treacher]

Please tell what other "liberal" views are on broadcast television, other than Air America and Dan Rather.

Oh, none whatsoever. Not a one.