Bill Who? Olbermann Quiet On O’Reilly In September (Updated)
A staple of MSNBC’s top program, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, is the host’s frequent jabs at others in the media. The target of a lot of those jabs – FNC’s top host, Bill O’Reilly.
But if you’ve watched Countdown recently you may notice a lull in O’Reilly mentions. We checked it out, and the results are surprising.
According to TVEyes.com, O’Reilly hasn’t been mentioned on Countdown since August 27, when he was named a “Worst Person.” But that means it’s been three weeks of shows with the focus of Olbermann’s ire shifted elsewhere.
There’s two possible reasons for this. Some could say this is a calculated tampering down in criticism of the FNC host by Olbermann as part of the deal between FOX and GE. Except that the “deal” is pretty much “no deal” at this point. Also, when Olbermann was last talking about O’Reilly, it was done in the context of some very personal attacks.
The more likely reason is that O’Reilly is no longer the big rightie at FNC. Sure, he’s still the most powerful voice on the network by far, with viewership reaching more than four million many nights. But there are other targets that more accurately fit what Olbermann wants to accomplish when he goes after those on the right. While O’Reilly discussion has been silent in September, Olbermann has named Sean Hannity to the “Worst Persons” list several times, Glenn Beck has made the list a couple times, and even Lou Dobbs of CNN has made an appearance. And while Hannity beats the conservative drum and Beck plays the libertarian/’take back your country’ angle, O’Reilly is hinting at support for some very, dare we say, Democratic proposals. No one will accuse Bill O’Reilly of turning left, but the self-avowed independent is coming across much more independent recently, especially when compared to other major voices at his network.
There will come a time when Olbermann mentions O’Reilly again – and if it bothers the FNC host enough, O’Reilly will probably find an Iran/GE connection to expose. But for now, Olbermann is comfortable saving his ‘faux news’ attacks for other more accurate targets.
> Update: As Johnny Dollar noted, O’Reilly has been referenced by Olbermann this month, but has never appeared in the “Worst Persons” segment.
Here’s last night’s “Worst Persons,” featuring Beck and Dobbs:
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13 comments
m says: Maybe one of the reasons Olbermann doesn’t mention O’Reilly that much anymore is because himself and his audience simply got tired of it. He’s been doing it for a couple of years and at some point it’s too much. Besides, with Beck around, there’s much bigger fish to catch.
ImNotBlue says: One must wonder… if Olbermann didn’t spend his time talking about other media personalities, what would he spend his time talking about?
Maybe he’d have to talk to people who occasionally disagree with him… and we wouldn’t want that, now would we?
Zakk says: ImNotBlue – You are speaking the truth. Without talking about the competition, Olbermann has no show.
TruthPatrol says: olberman is the worst and his ratings reflect that. i never understood why he was consumed with giving free publicity to oreilly who completely obliterates olberman every night. in the end keith is simply annoying and not watchable for most people and the fact that he has stayed on as long as he has is an impressive feat and he should be congratulated for going down with the ship.
CaptainAmerica says: Hey Steve, you might want to correct this:
[Sure, he’s still the most powerful voice on the network by far, with viewership reaching more than four million many nights. ]
Why shortchange him so many viewers??? Either phrase it the correct way: with viewership on his first airing reaching more than 4 million many nights.
OR with viewership reaching more than 6 million many nights
Its ridiculous that Katie Couric and others have their EC/WC feeds thrown in their numbers. But shows on cable where there are numerous repeats aren’t counted by many people. Just like last night when they ran the same new episode of “It’s Always Sunny” numerous times. Like it really matters if someone caught the first one or the third one.
If you are going to say he has X number of viewers for the NIGHT then count the replays as well or spell out it is only for one airing.
I don’t think I’ve missed an episode of O’Reilly in three or four years so I’m quite familiar with his viewpoint on pretty much everything. For the first time in recent memory, O’Reilly has been irritating the hell out of me. I’ve come up with two possible reasons for this. Either O’Reilly really is tilting left since coming back from vacation, or I’m watching too much Glenn Beck. Then again, there’s no such thing as too much Glenn Beck.
JJFAHL says: It’s obvious, crazy Glenn Beck is a whole lot more fun.
Right2Center says: Ok, so Keith Oberman hates FOX. He hates Bill O’Rielly. He hates Glen Beck. Ok. I get it – alright already. His point is? So what is an hour of programing about how much Oberman personally hates the aforementioned, worth? Answer: Not much intellectually, and loads finacially (to MSNBC, of course)! What am I suppose to take away from his one hour obsessive ramblings? That I too, should hate what he hates? Naahhh, not gon’a happen, because I happen to be informed, and I am experienced as well.
Tell ya what; I want my very own one hour personal soap box on a MSNBC. There isn’t much that I really hate, not like Oberman away, but I really get peived at seeing my (and everyone”s) tax dollars going to “frequent flyers” at the hospital where I provide nursing care. I have seen millions and billions of dollars wasted – as in flushed down the toilet – by repeat non-complient, abusive “vacationing” frequent flyers. It is the best kept secret in US health care today. If Oberman had even a clue as to what takes place at my inner city hospital, he would go from a far left wack job that he is, to what he refers to as a far right, “right winger.” We would see a true convert.
Last question: How does MSNBC afford Oberman? Talk about shooting oneself in the foot!
mikesundown says: Olbermann is the blathersphere’s worst purveyor of hate. Apparently the concept of hypocrisy is lost on him, because he bleats about the lack of civility in public discourse at the same time he calls people racists, cowards and liars every night. He even called John McCain a coward. Obermann is a prime candidate for the c-word himself, since — unlike nemesis O’Reilly — he never brings on a guest who might disagree with him, preferring to stack his nightly lineup with lockstep liberals and sycophants. As a political intellect, he’s a great sports anchor.
CaptainAmerica says: Right2Center: Great point about NBC not being able to afford Olbermann!
http://www.observer.com/2009/media/nbc-universal-seeking-another-round-voluntary-buyouts-news-staff
Warren Harding was described as a “man who looked like a President.” Similarly, Keith Olbermann looks like a veteran journalist, a distinguished reporter, a respected news analyst–until he opens his mouth, and spouts endless ad hominems, most of which are directed at Bill Oreilly. Keith O’s comments aren’t merely juvenile and unprofessional–they’re disturbing. I am truly concerned for his well-being. Listen to the poor fellow. Is the man ill? Does he need professional assistance? Something seems to be amiss. What a contrast between him and NBC’s Brian Williams!
m says: It’s so interesting that every single criticism leveraged here towards Olbermann is equally applicable to Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity.
ImNotBlue says: m… when Beck, O’Reilly, and Hannity start spending time NIGHTLY to talk about the competition, play clips of them, smear and not correct the record, and stop interviewing people who disagree with them… you let me know.
Until then, Olbermann remains miles behind the pack.
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