Olbermann and Countdown Do Not Go Digital

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Category: Robert Dexter

Published on Tuesday, 21 June 2011 16:24

Written by Robert Dexter

This week Keith Olbermann's new show premiered on Current TV but something unfortunate happened as a result. Within the minutes and hours of the initial broadcast, the www.currenttv.com/countdown comments sections were filling up with confusion, pleas, and outrage that Current TV was not airing the TV show online or in podcast form.

During the day today, Keith Olbermann via his twitter feed has been responding to a number of disgruntled fans about why Current is not airing broadcast online. He stated via twitter:

iTunes podcast info: can't be full shows - cable carriers have us over a barrel - but there will also be web-only video

It apparently comes down to a potential violation in Current's agreement with cable carriers.  Current is only allowed to broadcast their full shows through the cable company. It has become an industry standard according the Olbermann.

In a response to a second viewer Olbermann said via twitter:

@Jazzyqt29 cable carriers won't let us. All the younger cable networks are in the same boat.

@nuklehed77 Sadly it's out of our hands. By the time Current started, the cable carriers had realized what podcasts do to their business.

Cable Companies realized that the internet would slowly strip away their need to exist. As a result, they are now using their monopoly over cable TV in an attempt to stop progress. This is unfortunate and at the same time does not surprise me at all.  This scenario does send further chills down my spine.

I'm terrified by what sinister plans Comcast has for NBC. Imagine a network and a cable company.  I guess I should not worry...the FCC did approve the merger so it has to be OK especially since the Chairwomen of FCC left that position to head up the new branch of NBC at Comcast. ;-)

America...Absolutely amazing!!

Keith Olbermann's 'Countdown' Returns On Current TV

Huffington Post

Keith Olbermann's "Countdown" is returning to television on Monday night.

The new edition of "Countdown With Keith Olbermann" debuts at 8 PM ET on Current TV, the Al Gore-run network where Olbermann settled after his acrimonious departure from MSNBC.

(Check back at 8 PM for live updates about the premiere. Click here to see where to find the show in your area.)

After leaving the network in January, Olbermann quickly signed with Current and set about remaking the tiny network.

Olbermann has beenon a lengthy publicity tour for the new edition of "Countdown," and he has not been shy about his wishes for Current TV. He wants it to become a 24-hour news and information channel, complete with robust election coverage and shows that will complement his—rather like MSNBC, his old home. The difference, Olbermann has said, is that Current is not part of a larger conglomerate or corporation

The Huffington Post Jack Mirkinson First Posted: 06/20/11 06:06 PM ET

Read more of the Huffington Post Article

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