When I first read that
MSNBC had canned Keith Olbermann for contributing $7,200 to three Democratic candidates in late October, I assumed, for a moment, that the network had fired him because his contribution hadn't been enough.
As it turns out, MSNBC does not permit journalists giving money to political candidates. One would have thought that Olbermann would have been exempt from this ban on the grounds of his not being a journalist.
Though not a fan of Olbermann or MSNBC, I can't understand why MSNBC prohibits this. The Washington Post article writes,
"The revelation of Olbermann's contributions -- first reported by Politico -- means that the anchor was leading on-air coverage of races in which he had privately picked favorites."
I guess that means MSNBC doesn't allow it's anchors to vote in elections....after all, when Olbermann votes, he's privately picking favorites.
The same Washington Post piece writes,
"The policy cautions the network's journalists against taking part in activities that might create an appearance of conflict of interest."
Since when has Olbermann or any MSNBC anchor not shown bias? Is donating money to Democrats really any different than what Olbermann and his ilk do anyway?
From the New York Times via boston.com - regarding Keith Olbermann's suspension from MSNBC:
