Keith Olbermann Demands Huge Raise, MSNBC

OLBY PLAYS HARDBALL

Attends Franken School Of Economics







In this consolidating media environment, is a perennial also- ran like MSNBC's Keith Olbermann really in a strong position to demand a huge raise?

After word emerged today of his hardball tactics in attempting to secure a whopping 400% pay increase, we'll apparently soon find out just how much the networks think he's worth.

Reportedly, if MSNBC can't reach a new deal with the O'Reilly- obsessed cable talker, CNN may very well be interested in him. Towing the mainstream media's line sure has its monetary advantages!

From Broadcasting and Cable:

MSNBC's Olbermann Seeks Big Raise

By J. Max Robins -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/18/2006 3:54:00 AM


Olbermann and MSNBC are knocking heads over a new contract. The controversial host of Countdown With Keith Olbermann is said to be seeking "north of $4 million" a year, according to an industry source, to re-up on his pact that comes due in April. That would represent roughly a four-fold increase over his current deal, believed to be in the $1 million-per-year range.

Olbermann is looking for such a big pay raise because Countdown has been on fire, playing a big part in the current audience uptick at the network. In the key 25-54 demo, its ratings are up 25% year-to-date and an astounding 75% so far in the fourth quarter.

But MSNBC brass may have their hands tied on how much they can pony up for Olbermann. MSNBC parent NBC Universal has mandated $750 million worth of budget cuts across all divisions, and this is hardly a politic time to hand out a gargantuan raise. Meanwhile, CNN may have interest.

A big hat tip goes to NRO's Media Blog for this item, meanwhile, OlbermannWatch has it covered from every angle.


So what motived our friend Olby to make such a whopper of a demand? We think it may be a result of his time spent studying at the highly- regarded Franken School of Economics, where he learned the following:


No matter how low the ratings, you're worth more, baby, more!

Ditto when it comes to the revenues.

Remember: no matter how many support staffers are having their heads chopped off, it's all about you! Sacked support staffers mean more room in the budget for your bloated paycheck.


To see how this one plays out, stay tuned for more.

Dogs: David A Lunde

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