A well-composed survey of Keith Olbermann's career as a pugnacious presence in TV journalism. The range of voices is effective and the author makes no serious compliments or concessions for Olbermann, portraying him as the outspoken polemicist his fans and critics know him to be. A look at his feisty background in sportscasting helps illustrate just how he became the character he is on 'Countdown.' This is a fair profile, and fitting given the vacuum left at NBC by the unfortunate death of Tim Russert, effectively Olbermann's foil.

A look at the changing face of television news, as embodied by the success of MSNBC's Keith Olbermann. In an era of media fragmentation, viewers are seeking out communities of like-minded people, and Olbermann - similar to Fox News' Bill O'Reilly - caters to that instinct.

Excellent article about liberal opinion news pundit Keith Olbermann, with extensive coverage of his professional background, and how he came to his current role at MSNBC. This report also sheds some light on Olbermann's style of advocacy journalism, pointing to his contention that 'neutrality in the news business is a fruitless exercise.' As someone who finds this populist genre of opinion news counterproductive, I applaud the New Yorker's willingness to expose some of his unfair practices in this piece -- even though many of their readers are likely to agree with Olbermann's views, if not his questionable use of his pulpit as a journalist.

An interesting story about a very interesting television personality.

This was a delightful read. Boyer gave this a real even pen. From the title, one already knew this was going to be some detailed scrutiny of Olbermann and Co. (and circumstances) Oddly, if you hate Olbermann, you would have to concede the article was just as fair as if you love him - or reside somewhere in the middle. It was a very well constructed critique of power ... and when someone is in a powerful position ... critiques as this are meaningful. How important this story is a matter of personal distinction. I find it fulfilling seeing the press critique the press in a meaningful manner and with style and good writing. If one is going to be hammered a bit ... might as well be hammered in style.

I forget about Olbermann at 10 o'clock news time when there's nothing to watch. An excellent New Yorker story that covers its subject in depth. Olbermann was one of the first Bush detractors at a time when the everyone in the media were falling all over themselves as willing conspirators for every evil the Bush administration could invent. Even today at MSNBC, he stands far above colleagues like Scarborough, Brzezinike, Barnicle, and anti-Democratic Matthews who are still falling all over themselves pandering to NBC's commandments--now changed to positive McCain stories.

Very informative article on "Oralies" nemesis Mr. Olbermann.

article was fair and accurate. Kieth is a little arrogant and somewhat pompous when expressing opinions. He is also unafraid to say what is true and needs to be said publicly. Take Kieth for what he is,arrogant, a little self absorbed.but usually factual. Article was informative in that it went back to his CNN and FOX years.

An excellent article about the lovely and charming Keith Olbermann. Considering the many pundits that are now out and about on the right, and all too often-extreme right, cable and non-cable, radio, what have you, Olbermann is, indeed, a breath of fresh air and, dare I say, a knight in shining armor for the rest of us!

Given all the right wing pundits spouting BS and other lies and misrepresentations Keith Olbermann is a breath of fresh air telling it exactly like it is - particularly about the real George Bush.

"Bolsheviks?" Now, that is truly wearing one's own bias on one's sleeve. I believe this was just a sliver of Olbermann's persona revealed, but it tells us nothing of what drives him, what his background in broadcast journalism has been, who K.O.really IS. I read this yesterday and was teribly disappointed in the lack of effort this writer employed within this story. Why tell us he has restless leg syndrome, anyway, unless you are attempting to portray how the man copes with it, has overcome the challenge it presents, or is somehow a better person for having faced this adversity. It simply rings terribly hollow. Boyer questions why KO told the President to shut up--but did not frame it in the proper context of Bush having tried ... More »

Good story about Olbermann. Say what you will about him,I do enjoy his bombastic delivery. Perhaps because he criticizes the people I feel should be criticized. Story was told well. He certainly pictures Olbermann as a nut and crazy. It was said too often. Not enough favorable comments to counter the negative ones.