John Nichols, The Nation: Olbermann move to Current TV "also has political consequences"

[highplainsdem]

http://www.thenation.com/blog/158374/keith-olbermann-join-al-gores-current-tv

Keith Olbermann To Join Al Gore's Current TV; Creating New Cable Platform for Liberal Views

-snip-

The Olbermann/Current TV agreement comes at a time when cable and digital media outlets are scrambling to position themselves before the 2012 presidential campaign – an essential branding moment for old and new media – begins in earnest.

At the most basic level, Olbermann move is a classic old-media leap from one network to another. But it also has political consequences, as Olbermann and Gore form a potentially potent combination with the base of liberal viewers that built MSNBC into a serious media presence and that could give Current TV a leg up.

-snip-

Now, Olbermann will be back on TV. On another channel, but with Al Gore – another hero of liberals, thanks to his own rebukes of Bush-Cheney administration abuses – as a partner and potential guest.

If Current TV goes after the Olbermann fans who signed the PCCC petition and Gore enthusiasts, they make a serious play for cable viewers at a time of great churn in political coverage and commentary.

-snip-

[rocktivity]

1. My question is, will Comcast move it to basic cable

to compete with his partner station MSNBC? Wouldn't that be a conflict of interests?

:shrug:
rocktivity

[Myrina]

2. I would hope so, I'm not psyched about having to upgrade to watch ...

Especially since I don't watch enough of the 'basic' crap to justify paying the $70/mo that I do now ... I raelly wish cable channels could be purchased a la carte ... that way my $ isn't going to pay for the religous-freak channels, the hunting channels or Faux ...

[Inuca]

5. A la carte would be wonderful

for consumers, not for the providers though, so it's not going to happen anytime soon.

[quiller4]

3. It is already included in Comcast Basic cable in my area.

[Suich]

10. Lucky you!

I pay about $75 month for expanded basic and I don't get!

:hi:

[ashling]

4. My daughter doesn't even get MSNBC on her basis cable

sucks

[pacalo]

7. Does your mom have basic cable? Also, does she get Fixed News?

If a cable company offers Fixed News & not MSNBC, I'd complain about it.

Mine, which is Cox, has an "essential tv" package which includes Fixed News & MSNBC. This package is a step up from the basic package which consists of local stations. Cox doesn't carry Current-tv now, but I'm going to send in a request that they do.

[jwirr]

11. We can help KO and Al by starting to lobby for Current TV in the

basic packages. I already have it and if I didn't I would be changing plans. This is where we can make our first move.

[ashling]

12. Mom died in 1973

we didn't have cable back then

[pacalo]

13. Oops. So sorry, ashling. I meant your daughter.

[ashling]

14. That's ok. Abby has a basic package.

I'm not sure who her provider is, but they probably get FOX. She lives near Ft. Hood

[Erose999]

6. I'm thinking Comcast may be inclined to drop Current from its lineup since its competing with M$NBC

both for talent and ratings.

[highplainsdem]

8. Hope not.

[Puregonzo1188]

9. Doubt it---According to Wikipedia Comcast owns a 10% of Current TV.