It is time for the annual drumroll, tah-dah and to-do as TelevisionWeek unveils its list of the 10 Most Powerful People in TV News.
With the roster comes the annual asterisk signifying that while it is painstakingly assembled, the selection and ranking process is both earnest and admittedly unscientific.
To extensive research, add backstage drama and gossip that had us tinkering and rethinking until past deadline last week, thanks to a barrage of headlines about CBS News and Katie Couric and a dribble-down-the-chin-juicy New York Times Magazine profile of MSNBC’s tin-eared Chris Matthews, who has everyone talking about him—and not in a good way. You’ll see that we have taken advantage of the political Zeitgeist to add a little more shock value than usual at the end. While most of the news players listed here are very familiar, it’s some of their key players who are new to our spotlight.
1. Steve Capus
Title: NBC News president
Tenure: 2½ years
Rank last year: 2
Why he was chosen: The NBC News ship, which last year seemed to have sprung a few worrisome leaks, is once again sailing upright and steady as she used to go. “NBC Nightly News With Brian Williams” is edging out ABC’s “World News With Charles Gibson” with more regularity. The “Today” show is once again making it look easy to be No. 1, no longer letting ABC’s “Good Morning America” see it sweat as it did during close weeks last year when “Today” would find ways to eliminate some of its more vulnerable segments from the Nielsen ratings’ scrutiny. During the first quarter of this year, “Today” led by 1.2 million viewers. MSNBC.com is the leading television news organization Web site. Perhaps most tantalizing is the success NBC News has had in this long, dramatic and lucrative political season by making MSNBC “The Place for Politics.” The cable channel may finally have found its voice—brash and brass ballsy at day’s end—and a formula that makes it a valuable platform for (and not just a way of amortizing expenses of) NBC News.
Invaluable asset: His fellow MSNBC alumnus, Phil Griffin, the NBC News senior VP in charge of both “Today” and MSNBC. Mr. Griffin has been given a lot of (tight) rope with MSNBC, whose prime-time lineup tied CNN in the key news demo of 25- to 54-year-olds in March. Even when someone at MSNBC has to apologize, the incident gets a lot of ink and the names are spelled correctly. It’s not the only recent strategy that reads like a page out of a Fox News playbook—even if the political points of view are poles apart.
Nitpicking: Chatty Kathie Lee Gifford for “Today”? Does this portend a spinoff for the fourth hour? Shouldn’t it? Sunday’s New York Times Magazine profile of Chris Matthews reveals a lot of sharp elbows, but makes clear that the man who once was a fresh face now is his own worst enemy.
2. Roger Ailes
Titles: Chairman and CEO of Fox News, Fox Business Network, Fox Television Station Group
Tenure: Launched Fox News Channel in 1996
Rank last year: 1.
Why he was chosen: Fox News Channel is making money, money, money by racking up rating$, rating$, rating$ day in, day out, year after year. The network created in his image is consistently among the 10 most-watched channels in the cable world (second-place CNN is in the low 20s and third-place MSNBC seldom even makes the Top 30). However, FNC has been oddly low-profile and sotto voce in the most portentous political year in memory despite the presence of Karl Rove in Fox News’ pundit pack.
Invaluable asset: His fierce determination to succeed makes folks reluctant to write off the Fox Business Network, which did not come out of the box six months ago showing any of the razzle-dazzle Fox News Channel displayed from the get-go. The wobbly financial sector and economy haven’t helped the channel, which was conceived as “business-friendly.” Still, Mr. Ailes and his team of senior VPs Kevin Magee and Neil Cavuto have not been able to take advantage of the Dow Jones and Co. brands News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch purchased for $6.5 billion last year.
Nitpicking: The prime-time lineup, while as popular as ever—“The O’Reilly Factor” and “Hannity & Colmes” still top the cable news ratings—seems less than potent politically this season. Except for veteran Shepard Smith, there is no next-generation breakthough talent in the Fox stable.
3. David Westin
Title: ABC News president
Tenure: 11 years
Rank last year: 4
Why he was chosen: He’s a survivor—the longest-tenured current TV news organization leader by far. He has finally established a line of succession. There’s an atmosphere of competitive confidence and stability. While “Good Morning America” and “World News” may not have the sense of momentum they had last year, they are vigorous and competitive. The revived “Nightline,” the international aspirations in which Mr. Westin has become an adroit player/booker and the growth of “This Week With George Stephanopoulos” into a consistent silver medalist in the Sunday newsmaker show competition lends ABC News a comforting air of tradition even as it digs for the pot of gold at the end of the digital rainbow that teases all news organizations.
Invaluable asset: Dave Davis, the executive VP overseeing ABC News programs, has more than lived up to his reputation as a smart, decisive executive with much-needed people skills. Add in his visibility and accessibility and you’ve got a big morale boost.
Nitpicking: Just once, could ABC hire a male correspondent who doesn’t look like a clone of Mr. Westin?
4. Tim Russert
Titles: Managing editor/moderator of “Meet the Press” and senior VP/Washington bureau chief for NBC News
Tenure: Since 1991
Rank last year: 5
Why he was chosen: If it’s an election year, it must be a particularly good one for Mr. Russert, for whom “term limits” is an alien concept. When his current 10-year contract expires in 2012, he will have been the moderator of “Meet the Press” for 21 years. He’s been the “Meet” man for more than a quarter of the 60 years that make the show the longest-running program in TV history and a veritable institution in the political capitol of the free world. His “Meet the Press” audience, often more than 4 million viewers strong before the show is even made available online, enjoys a 40% ratings lead over the closest competition, ABC’s “This Week.” It could be argued that he’s more powerful than many higher-ranked news executives.
Invaluable asset: The political-TV equivalent of “Perry Mason” moments enabled by the dogged research for which Mr. Russert and his executive producer Betsy Fischer are justly famous.
Nitpicking: Mr. Russert’s loyalty to people used to making familiar points in a familiar way can sometimes make his roundtables seem fusty, especially in a presidential campaign year like this when a woman and an African American man have changed the political landscape and the race and gender conversations forever.
5. Jim Walton/Jon Klein
Titles: CNN Worldwide president and CNN/U.S. president, respectively
Tenure: 5 years and 3½ years, respectively
Rank last year: 8
Why they were chosen: CNN/U.S. has revitalized itself by focusing on politics. Prime-time ratings, revenue, CNN.com traffic and morale are up. There will be the big test of avoiding precipitous ratings drops in between the election and the next big story, but for now, CNN can bask in the glow of having topped Fox News in the all-important news demographic of 25- to 54-year-old viewers in February for the first time in six years.
CNN’s invaluable assets: The addiction to politics of Senior VP and Washington Bureau Chief David Bohrman and political director Sam Feist is the wind beneath CNN’s politically corrected ratings wings these days.
Nitpicking: Book-ending Larry King with the youthful and vital Campbell Brown and Anderson Cooper only makes his increasing weaknesses more glaring. Yes, it’s CNN’s most-watched program, but “Larry King Live” also means there is no compatible audience flow, only prime-time whiplash for viewers. Lou Dobbs’ angry and autocratic persona also seems increasingly out of synch with what Mr. Klein says is working for CNN—passionate middle-of-the-roadness—but no one seems able or willing to temper Mr. Dobbs. “American Morning” also represents an audience challenge.
6. Keith Olbermann
Title: Host of “Countdown With Keith Olbermann”
Tenure: Five years
Rank last year: 6
Why he was chosen: Two decades into his career, he’s become an overnight success as talk TV’s first break-out liberal voice. With about 1 million viewers per night, he is MSNBC’s Goliath and so he can gleefully play David to Bill O’Reilly’s Goliath.
Invaluable asset: After blithely burning oh, so many career bridges, Mr. Olbermann seems inclined not to screw up this opportunity, which is arguably his best ever, especially since it comes with fun assignments and exposure on NBC Sports’ Sunday Night Football bench.
Nitpicking: He remains an acquired taste.
7. Bill O’Reilly
Title: Host of “The O’Reilly Factor”
Tenure: 12 years
Rank last year: none
Why he was chosen: He’s still the ratings king of the cable news world, easily bringing more than 2 million viewers into the Fox tent at the beginning of each weeknight and giving Fox a distinct advantage in reach over its competitors. If Mr. O’Reilly writes a book, it effectively debuts as a best seller.
Invaluable asset: He can say the most outrageous—and often non-doctrinaire—things with an almost straight face.
Nitpicking: His bully-boy persona doesn’t seem to frighten so many people anymore. Indeed, it can be argued his heckling has helped MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann. “The Factor” often seems more interested in reading body language than in the race for the White House.
8. Sean McManus
Titles: President of CBS News and CBS Sports
Tenure: 2½ years and 12 years, respectively
Rank last year: 7
Why he was chosen: He’s smart. He’s solid. He’s wise to the fun and frightful ways of the rollercoaster of an industry he was born into as the son of ABC Sports legend Jim McKay. His long tenure at CBS Sports made him familiar and reassuring to the CBS affiliates whose support he has needed as he made nitty-gritty moves they might otherwise resist—giving back significant time during “The Early Show” and moving ad spots to create a seamless transition from their local newscasts to the “CBS Evening News.” While the continuing ratings challenges facing the third-place “CBS Evening News With Katie Couric” made unscheduled news last week, Mr. McManus is very good at focusing on what has been accomplished and being sanguine about what hasn’t. He gambled on the volatile Shelley Ross as executive producer of third-place “The Early Show,” then made a quick change six months into her rocky tenure. His decision to assign “Evening News” executive producer Rick Kaplan to temporary double duty on “Early” was rewarded with a quick ratings lift. He’s got two of the sturdiest properties in TV news: “60 Minutes” and “48 Hours.” And he has convinced another institution, Bob Schieffer, to postpone his retirement from “Face the Nation.”
Invaluable asset: His long relationship with CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves. Mr. McManus has been a trusted member of the team. And he knows all that entails, even the stuff that’s not always pretty or fun.
Nitpicking: CBS News is the way last network to get a debate (still unconfirmed at press time). After all the Democratic candidates’ much-watched back-and-forths, the question must be asked: “What’s the diff?”
9. N.S. Bienstock
Title: Agency
Tenure: More than three decades
Rank last year: 9
Why it was chosen: Prime time in cable news would look very different if it weren’t for clients represented by the agency headed by husband-and-wife team Richard Leibner and Carole Cooper, which has different clients holding down an hour from 5 p.m. through midnight on weeknight all-news cable network lineups: Bill O’Reilly at Fox; Campbell Brown and Anderson Cooper at CNN; and Chris Matthews, David Gregory and Dan Abrams at MSNBC. MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell was added to the Bienstock stable when agent Rick Ramage joined the diverse agency late last year.
Invaluable asset: A long, star-studded history as well as a focus on the road ahead, whether it’s in hard news, soft news, documentary or reality programming.
Nitpicking: Bienstock and its clients are confronting the same realities as everyone else in an industry that is breeding smaller stars who will inevitably get smaller paychecks.
10. Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart
Titles: Comedians who have affected the country’s political dialogue
Last year’s rank: Mr. Stewart 10; Ms. Poehler and Mr. Colbert, none
Why they were chosen: “Saturday Night Live’s” Amy Poehler touched a national nerve with her portrayal of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton. During a debate with her opponent Sen. Barack Obama, the real Ms. Clinton even cited the faux Sen. Clinton’s gripe that she was being manhandled by the press, which put on kid gloves for Sen. Obama. Mr. Stewart was muted by the writers strike and then his stint as host of a kiss-and-make-up Oscars ceremony was made possible by the settling of the writers strike. But there are months to go in one of the most exciting contests in presidential campaign history and his consistent ability to do unto politics and politicians and the real journalists who cover them—Google “Tucker Carlson” and “Chris Matthews” and “Jon Stewart” and reminisce amongst yourselves—is why this fake journalist is a veteran on this list of real journalists. And his Comedy Central spawn, Mr. Colbert, recently won a Peabody Award for his “Victor/Victoria”-like turn as a satirist playing a fake cable news icon who defines over the top.
Invaluable assets: They get it.
Nitpicking: We don’t see enough of them.
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Comments (540)
To bad you couldn't get all liberal people on the list
Posted by francis james | April 14, 2008 5:54 AM
Is anyone else sick of the phrase "They get it" and the hacks that use it?
Posted by Vink | April 14, 2008 5:57 AM
You people must be crazy.... anyone who puts anyone from NBC at the top of the most powerful list of anything must be getting paid to do so! Get a clue on this list!! Not even close!! I would laugh if this wasn't serious business this year.. what a joke!
Posted by Mark M. | April 14, 2008 5:57 AM
It isn't his list, though he should have cited the source.
Reading is hard.
Posted by retro | April 14, 2008 6:00 AM
Keith Olbermann is 6th? Then the next list he's 50th?
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL This article is a joke.
Posted by Riteaidbob | April 14, 2008 6:03 AM
Keith Olbermann???? What a maroon, and dinky ratings. Guess we HAD to have him higher on the list to make the Libs feel superior. What a joke, like the rest of the Enemedia.
Posted by davecatbone | April 14, 2008 6:12 AM
"If you're 20 and not a liberal, you don't have a heart. If you're 30 and not a Conservative, you don't have a brain."
Posted by kevin67 | April 14, 2008 6:14 AM
Keith Olbermann - relevant - LOL
How much did he pay you? Really? Have you watched him? He is a joke. If you listed him down there with Saturday Night Live, I "might" have taken your list seriously.
Posted by McGuire | April 14, 2008 6:15 AM
Keith Olbermann ahead of O'reilly?? HaHa! Olbermann isn't fit to wipe Bill's shoes. He's a partisan hack who just parrots Media Matters and MoveOn daily! He has already hit his ceiling! It's the best he can ever do, because fair-minded people don't buy his B.S. Oh, and apparently ratings, respect, financial impact, integrity, and a radio show don't count on the list of "most powerful".
Posted by The Dude | April 14, 2008 6:19 AM
The DNC called. They renewed your membership and you are now a SUPER DELEGATE! Job well done!
Posted by Your Secretary | April 14, 2008 6:20 AM
Keith Olbermann? isnt he the ugliest man in the entire world? i think hes Janet Reno's brother. nobody i know watches his garbage.
Posted by kim578 | April 14, 2008 6:22 AM
Also ....
are they so backward to not realize the relevance of the Matt Drudge and the Drudgereport????? I'm not even going to comment on the stupid list overweighting of the liberal media and their even more overweighted "power".....
Posted by Danimal | April 14, 2008 6:24 AM
You must be afraid of Rush.
Posted by schoolboardgreg | April 14, 2008 6:25 AM
They should have put Katie Couric as number 1! Give me a break. This so called report is an utter joke. Do these folks really think mainstream Americans are that stupid??? And they don't understand why nobody watches abc, cbs, nbc, etc. They will just bury their head in the sand and when they pull their heads out the audience will vanish.
Now in case some of you liberals would like to know why I would not take a Katie Couric seriously as a news source? Because I don't need to have someone talking about serious life threating issues like the middle east, border security, the economy, etc and worry if their hardoo is looking spiffy or if their mascara is running. Mainstream America does not want to watch a ditz report the news!
I could have told you Couric was not going to work.
Posted by Macon Hardy | April 14, 2008 6:26 AM
The first thing most of the people on that list do each day is look at the Drudgereport. How Matt Drudge does not rank baffles me.
How anyone at CBS ranks as influentual in news baffles me as well.
Posted by pbs | April 14, 2008 6:27 AM
When I got to Keith Olbermann, I laughed out loud. I'm still laughing. If he is powerful, then it truly shows how weak these people are.
Posted by Tom | April 14, 2008 6:28 AM
When I got to Keith Olbermann, I laughed out loud. I'm still laughing. If he is powerful, then it truly shows how weak these people are.
Posted by Tom | April 14, 2008 6:28 AM
Katie is finished as anyone important.
Posted by Ronald | April 14, 2008 6:36 AM
And Joe Klein hasn't an original thought since "legs that were a gift from God."
Posted by Ronald | April 14, 2008 6:43 AM
Damn, you all beat me to the punch!!! LOL!!
To say this Rag is a Joke would be the understatement of the century thus far!!! TV "Weak"---it should be called.... Keith Olbermann #6----BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Posted by Delaware Vol | April 14, 2008 6:47 AM
Kieth Olbermann................?
what idiot in your company chose to watch this sick schmuck?
Posted by al bedross | April 14, 2008 6:50 AM
THANKS FOR THE MORNING LAUGH!
Posted by AXE | April 14, 2008 6:53 AM
Is this bogus or what?
Drudge sets them all up every morning, Rush gets their blood pumping and Glen Beck makes blood shoot out of their eyes. Jon Stewart - Isn't he the lead singer and banjo player in the Kingston Trio? Think about it.
Keith Olderman hit his peak at Presidency in Crisis (the Lewinsky scandal). When will that come out on DVD?
Keith: The most over the top liberal news reader - IN THE WORLD!
Posted by Rick | April 14, 2008 6:53 AM
Olbermann ahead of O'Reilly????
You're a joke!
In an effort to life Olbermann, you only serve to bash yourself.
Posted by Bounce | April 14, 2008 6:54 AM
Ok, so the list is "TV" news. Drudge isn't on TV, but neither is that Beinstock Agency at number 9. If Matt Drudge decides a story is news, it leads on every newscast on every network. This list is irrelevant.
Posted by Duane | April 14, 2008 6:54 AM
Seriously Olberman? Really the who in the world thinks this guys ranks that high on any list except for maybe a list or self-righteous turds? O'Rielly kills this guy heads up everyday. Come on this list is really bad. Is this an add for NBC and NBC affiliates, or an actual list we are supposed to take serisously. It feels more like an add.
P.S.
Olberman is a bitter person that attempts to take on O'Rielly as a way to generate ratings.
Posted by Kip | April 14, 2008 6:54 AM
who ever wrote this articale is dummer than obama
Posted by john robertson | April 14, 2008 6:55 AM
I'll simply say that if I had been a member of the selection commitee for this endeavor, 80%+ of these picks would have been trashed. Keith Olberman indeed! This "man" isn't qualified to even sell dog biscuits, much less be recognized as a newsperson..
Posted by VinceB | April 14, 2008 6:56 AM
... From the same people that tell us there is no liberal bias in the media and global warming is real... are they serious?
Posted by Jeff | April 14, 2008 6:58 AM
Keith Olbermann...I can't watch that idiot when he is doing sports!
He is no powerhouse!
And the left maroons wonder why talk radio and Fox News have all the ratings.
Posted by Ted | April 14, 2008 6:59 AM
Hey any one remember when Terry Gross made O'Rielly cry? It was one of the funniest things ever. Almost as funny as reading the hyperventilations of the Drudgebots.
Posted by The Boots | April 14, 2008 7:03 AM
ROFL - Lets see where on the honesty rankings Mr. Olbermann is:
50. Keith Olbermann
He also has the smallest market share during his period, yet you claim he is #6 on your list?
Guess we can tell where you stand and it shows the "honesty" of your report here and how completely inaccurate it is.
Posted by JeffinSac | April 14, 2008 7:04 AM
ANY ratings Keith Olbermann has is based on people watching what an IDIOT he is.
Seriously. I'd say Olbermann's ratings are 1/4 serious. The other 3/4's are people in shock at what a total, shameless clown he is.
Posted by jake | April 14, 2008 7:05 AM
Hey any one remember when Terry Gross made O'Rielly cry? It was one of the funniest things ever. Almost as funny as reading the hyperventilations of the Drudgebots.
Posted by The Boots | April 14, 2008 7:08 AM
Article written by: Michele Greppi.
All I can say is, Michele, you need to get a Greppi on your sanity.
Posted by Richard | April 14, 2008 7:12 AM
You dopes just made yourselves irrelevent!!!
Posted by Dave | April 14, 2008 7:13 AM
How'd you forget about Jim Lehrer? I know he doesn't get the ratings of ABC, NBC, and FOX, but he certainly is a staple of balanced news here in the U.S. and is someone you can definitely trust.
Posted by are you kidding me? | April 14, 2008 7:13 AM
It's amazing you could put anyone from MSNBC on the list, especially Keith Olbermann.
MSNBC is the most dishonest news channel in American history. It's absolutely stunning to watch the constant flow of left-wing propaganda that is presented as news on that channel.
Between the Bush hating, Obama worshiping, and Air America hosts, there's pretty much zero chance of getting accurate information.
I guess that explains why they're consistently dead last in the ratings week after week.
Posted by Chris Jones | April 14, 2008 7:17 AM
I am a "middle of the road" on everything, idependent voter. Fox should be rated higher than all the others combined. There is a standing money reward for anyone proving they lie about a news item. Check other outlets and see if they make the same offer. I think not, remember Dan, the "I hate all Bushes man", and one should not forget how many times "60 Minutes" has fabricated stories.
Posted by Melvin McCormick | April 14, 2008 7:19 AM
Okay....now I get the whole point; but it took a while.
This is a bit like saying my hamster Timmy is the most powerful one in the box, and Buddy is second.
Binky takes a still impressive third.
Posted by Kirkpat | April 14, 2008 7:20 AM
Keith Olberman???!!!! Nobody watches him. LOL
O'reilly has like 5 times as many viewers and he's below Olberman. What a freak'n joke!
Posted by Ron | April 14, 2008 7:24 AM
What a monumnental joke this list is! Typical Libs celebrating Libs.
The thought of Bill O'Reilly coming in after the completely brainless and inept Olbermann is beyond laughable. For good left wing measure TV Week has to belittle O'Reilly after grudgingly putting him on the list while celebrating a nitwit like Olbermann.
Note to TV Week - You better zip up, your ideology is showing!
LOL!!!!!!!!!
Posted by KC | April 14, 2008 7:26 AM
Well we've certainly made the case for Drudge this morning. More people have tuned into this than 2 cycles of MSNBC.
Posted by Rick | April 14, 2008 7:26 AM
What a hoot!
I already knew about the liberal mainstream media--news AND entertainment. But having presented this ridiculous ranking, we now know you are a part of that group...as in card-carrying.
Olberman on ANY list of "news" people?!?!?!!??
Only a handful of people watch him; check the Nielsen's, by the way, it's not a million. But those are the same people who watch train wrecks and gawk at traffic smashups.
TV WEAK.
Posted by Tim Emerson | April 14, 2008 7:26 AM
Keith Olbermann as a power player? BALONEY! He's more like the clown at the dunk tank. The entire MSNBC network is a joke and anybody of right mind knows it.
This list is little more than a who's who of lefties that the authors of this proposal "wish" were powerful. I'm surprised you didn't list Bill Maher as #2.
Posted by Brent Taylor | April 14, 2008 7:27 AM
Michele Greppi makes TVWeek a JOKE.
Olbermann 6th most powerful of what? What power does this guy have?
Maybe Michele Greppi should've put him as #1 coward and fraud. Too cowardly to debate anyone that has a different opinion then his becuase he knows he'll get outdebated.
Posted by LurkerLou | April 14, 2008 7:28 AM
This list should definitely make a thrill run up the leg of Chris Matthews!
I mean MSNBC listed as a "News" organization!
The most left leaning outfit on cable shilling for the far left dems is listed as a "News" organization! ROTFLMAO!!! ROTFLMAO!!! ROTFLMAO!!! ROTFLMAO!!!
Posted by Can't Stop Laughing!!! | April 14, 2008 7:32 AM
Youve lost your minds. Olberman? you cant find a bigger drooling moron on tv.Whats he got 100k viewers nationwide? Drudge destroys every one of these idiots. He and Rush do all the prep work for every news outlet in the country. Come to terms with it.
Posted by jeff | April 14, 2008 7:33 AM
Judas H. Priest! After reading this abominable screed, one can only wonder if the authors remembered to bring their kneepads and K-Y jelly before serving up this hand job to those leftist icons (read: faux journalists) whose professional fortunes they are obviously so hell-bent on boosting!
Posted by 91201man | April 14, 2008 7:36 AM
So.....
Keith Olbermann ranks 6th as most powerful and last in the list for honesty and integrity. Interesting.
Posted by Darryl | April 14, 2008 7:38 AM
Having Olberman and O'Reilly on this list just shows people no longer can differentiate between news and opinion. News is the unvarnished and unbiased statement of facts without opinion. Once a qualitative or subjective term is used, then it no longer is news but opinion. If you are looking to Olberman, O'Reilly, or even worse, Colbert and Stewart for your news then you are in a sorry state. Accept them for what they are, either a political show with an agenda or a comedy show. Please don't think this is real news.
Posted by SteveH | April 14, 2008 7:39 AM
"If you're 20 and not a liberal, you don't have a heart. If you're 30 and not a Conservative, you don't have a brain."
And if you're 40 and still a conservative, you find happiness only in possessions that never have voice.
Posted by Steve | April 14, 2008 7:39 AM
Keith Olberman ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Are u serious??????? What a joke!!!!!
Posted by Lisa | April 14, 2008 7:41 AM
Interesting. I've always thought that a cable channel that was unabashedly conservative would be an instant ratings success. Television is about imitation of success - one show in a format does well, and the other networks immediately come up with imitations. So, for example, after "60 Minutes" was a success, next thing you have is "20/20". And so on.
That didn't happen with "Fox News" however. Despite its unarguable success, the idiots at the other networks were too stupid (or blind, or more likely blind AND stupid) to imitate. Instead they went the other way - CBS decided the problem was that they weren't liberal pro-Democrat enough, and next thing you know Katie Couric is the replacement for that old lib fossil Dan Rather. C'mon. was anyone really surprised that a liberal pro-Democrat hack like Couric bombed?
Even the newsmagazines have sought the answer to their sliding subscriptions by moving further to the left. And, fo couse, when this doesn't work they blame something else. I mean, how willfully blind can you get?
So what we have is a first in television - depsite the unarguable success of Fox News, the networks refused to follow their financial interest, and come up with something similar, preferring to stay with the old tired failed formula of lib and more lib.
The question is WHY, and I just don't have the answer. Why would being pro-Democrat, and liberal be more important that making money? Why give up ratings in support of ideology? Right now Fox has the conservative side all to itself - there has NEVER been any hint of conservative programming at the big three networks. In fact they are going in the opposite direction - Not just in news, but in entertainment, - NOTHING conservative at all! Even Fox could do more - it really is objective overall - I've wondered why it doesn't go more to the right in a separate cable channel. After the success of conservative talk radio, why not build a channel around the conservative point of view? Heck, it would be a lot less risky than the nonsense that the big three networks have put together over the years.
Posted by B. Samuel Davis | April 14, 2008 7:43 AM
When I saw that Keith Olbermann made this list I knew it was crap. The guy is a joke. Just a year ago he was getting 300k viewers a night and now he is more important than Bill O’Reilly who averages 1.5 to 2 million a night? You have to be kidding me? Hey Michele Greppi! drugs are bad for you, mmmmmm kkkkkk..
Posted by xinunus | April 14, 2008 7:44 AM
What is the first thing most people with PC's do in the morning for the latest news? GO TO DRUDGE REPORT! All other morning news are way behind and over report the slightest item till it makes my eyes go purple! If I had to listen to anyone on your list for my news I would not know what is going anywhere in the world in my lifetime waiting for them to finish their long winded, over reported nonsense that really most average people don't care about! HULLO!
Posted by rosemary matter | April 14, 2008 7:46 AM
Is it me or does Keith Olbermann look like Eddie Munster? Wow he doesnt even need to dress into a Halloween costume when going to Halloween parties!
lol..
Posted by xinunus | April 14, 2008 7:51 AM
Olberman? Amy 'I have no talent' Poehler? NBC? What an absolute joke and obvious NBC promo piece. Where's Brit Hume? Anderson Cooper? Chris Matthews? Rush Limbaugh? Jeff Greenberg? Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes?
Posted by Michael | April 14, 2008 7:54 AM
Keith Olberman ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Are u serious??????? What a joke!!!!!
Posted by Lisa | April 14, 2008 7:55 AM
What a wonderful way to start a Monday...seeing all of these whiney girlymen types who have been seduced and ergo made even dumber by the likes of Hannity, Limbaugh , Oreilly, Coulter, all pathetic jokes determined to stay relevant.
Olberman by far has done more of late to give real news with real teeth particularly keeping this administration's feet in the fire and reporting on non-fluff issues. Unless you have the IQ of the average Hannity fan, it's easy to see thru the obfuscation presented by Faux ( God, Guns, and Guts fluff pieces, designed not to illuminate and challenge the viewers intellect, but moreso in order to seek compliance from its viewers and showing that they can be the equivalent of "Good Germans".
Congratulations Keith, what a breath of fresh air you have brought to Cable News, and not all the phoney hubris associated with feigned patriotic social agendizing fascists we get with Right Wing Hate radio and Faux Noise.
Posted by Ronald Reagan | April 14, 2008 7:56 AM
Does NBC own TVWeek or Crain?
Posted by Mark | April 14, 2008 7:57 AM
Rush is the most powerful person in the media. Keith could not carry his jock strap.
Posted by Robert Sailing | April 14, 2008 7:57 AM
No bias here. Read the comments below Olberman's pick and compare to that of O'Reilly's. I think putting O'Reilly on the list caused the writer of this article to bust a hemmrhoid. The only top ten list Olberman belongs on is Top Ten Turds and then he's at the top of the class.
Posted by Syd B. | April 14, 2008 7:58 AM
Olberman? Amy 'I have no talent' Poehler? NBC? What an absolute joke and obvious NBC promo piece. Where's Brit Hume? Anderson Cooper? Chris Matthews? Rush Limbaugh? Jeff Greenberg? Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes?
Posted by Michael | April 14, 2008 8:01 AM
Elvis is more powerful than Keith Olbermann and Evis is dead.
Posted by Robert Sailing | April 14, 2008 8:02 AM
Must I state the obvious? This list is irrelevant. TV news is fading fast. Where do most people get their news (under the age of 50ish I would guess) - it's the internet. Between talk radio and internet, cell phones with internet & blackberry thingies. Who has time to watch news on tv? And why bother?
Posted by mb | April 14, 2008 8:07 AM
Thank you for not putting Rush Limbaugh anywhere on this list. This out-of-touch blowhard is yesterday's memo.
As for most of the rest of the list, who the hell are these people? Corporate doo-wahs pulling the strings on the talking heads?
Posted by jesse | April 14, 2008 8:13 AM
In order to be important in the news business you must have, generate or control an audience. Screaming in the desert does not make you a significant news reporter or source of information.
Obviously the networks still have significant audiences and those who control these networks must be considered. Cable is still a small relative audience. But Rush Limbaugh has a daily audience for three hours which dwarfs the networks? Hannity is close behind and Ingraham, Levin and O'Reilly are very significant. It is readily apparent too, that all of these news sources rely heavily on the Drudge Report. To ignore this reveals that thsi is a silly effort by a mind numbed Leftist.
Who watches Olberman? Who takes him seriously?
Posted by Mike Moroney | April 14, 2008 8:16 AM
It took me two seconds to see the bias in this poll. Bill O'Reilly has three to four times the viewership of Olberman. This is consistent week in and week out.
No objective person would rate him above O'Reilly.
Your poll has no credibility.
Posted by Calie Stephens | April 14, 2008 8:17 AM
Bias?
NBC beats out fox for #1 by saying how great MSNBC is, yet when the writer explains why FOX earned the #2 spot, it goes on about how MSNBC's ratings and earnings can't hold a candle to FOX.
Posted by mark | April 14, 2008 8:21 AM
I watch Keith Olberman all the time. Only place I can get any commentary that isn't entirely skewed to the right.
Posted by Fred | April 14, 2008 8:24 AM
MenstualSNBC...'tales, told by idiots, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing".
Olberman..with his 'inadequate appendage' is nothing more than a playground loser trying to get into the game. His 3 viewers must be so proud. Abrams...not only lacks the balls...(pun intended) but his lawyerly logic doesn't hold water on most issues. He's starting to foam at the mouth like the grand daddy foamer...Chris Matthews. Hey Chris...have you cleaned up your leg after your Obasam? Tingles? Whatever!
Posted by Matt | April 14, 2008 8:24 AM
OH MY GOD!!! Could you be any more liberal? This is so laughable.
Did Keith Olberman, Dan Abrams and Chris Matthews help you put this together?
How about Air America and Nancy Pelosi?
You are a joke!!!!!
Posted by Katherine | April 14, 2008 8:27 AM
"He can say the most outrageous—and often non-doctrinaire—things with an almost straight face."
Wait, this is said of O'Reilly but not lunar resident Olberman? Some of KO's statements should be accompanied by a warning that "viewers should not try to hold these opinions."
Posted by Nigel | April 14, 2008 8:29 AM
For somebody who isn't at all powerful or relevant, Keith Olbermann sure is getting a lot of comment-time here. I thought all you guys said his show was going to canceled, but his ratings keep going up...strange. Maybe next year he'll be gone...
Posted by Fred | April 14, 2008 8:30 AM
With apologies to Crocodile Dundee: You call that a list? Here's a list:
http://www.naa.org/blog/digitaledge/1/2008/04/Nielsen-Online-Releases-Top-30-News-Sites-List-for-March.cfm
qed Drudge and Fox lovers.
Posted by Rick | April 14, 2008 8:36 AM
This list is a joke, right? Olbermann? Ha ha ha ... wait, this isn't funny. I'm amazed he draws any audience other than angry liberals. Oh, I mean "bitter" liberals.
Posted by John | April 14, 2008 8:40 AM
Olbermann and the lib media is the power solution? What was the question? Barry Obama, now you know why I believe in God, laugh at Darwinists, own guns and want the border enforced.
Posted by Small Town Bitter White Male | April 14, 2008 8:46 AM
Keith Olbermann at #6 Hahahaaaaa...So who did he have to wear a Blue Dress & assume the position for, in order to get that high up...
Posted by AMR | April 14, 2008 8:52 AM
Really? Olberman? I guess credibility is not one of your major concerns...
Posted by robert french | April 14, 2008 8:57 AM
It is so obvious that a liberal wrote this.
Posted by karen | April 14, 2008 9:07 AM
The comments on these ratings prove that conservatives live in the same cave. The Daily Show Should have been number one!
Posted by jack Doesntknwsh | April 14, 2008 9:22 AM
I can't defend KO at #6, but power is more than just ratings. The definition of power is how influential you are setting the agenda. Why should O'Reilly be 7th since his shows frequently talk about fringe issues?
Posted by David | April 14, 2008 9:22 AM
Let me get this straight, Keith gets less than 1/2 of Bill's audience, has a much thinner cross section of americans viewing him, repeatedly has to apologize for inaccuracies, but he ranks higher than Bill in your eyes?
That's absurd and shows your bias or whoever put this list together. Keith shouldn't even be in the top 25, let alone ahead of Bill.
The list was a good idea, but you'll only be laughed out now - credibility was ruined.
Posted by Jeff | April 14, 2008 9:23 AM
Keith Olbermann is the biggest jerk and joke on TV. I watch him just to laugh at all the outlandish propoganda he states as truth. He is masterful at powerfully spewing lies on a conistent basis.
Posted by Bill | April 14, 2008 9:24 AM
Homer Simpson is more powerful than Keith Olbermann. He only needs 1.8 million additional veiwers a night to beat O'Reilly. Real powerful, Keith.
Posted by killerbee | April 14, 2008 9:35 AM
Olbermann? Can you be serious? Edward R. Murrow is contorting in his grave. (You sophisticated Olbermann fans can look Murrow up in Wikipedia, no doubt one of your primary informational sources). This mama's boy has been passed around more media outlets than a cheap bottle of wine on the Bowery.
Anyone remember Kathy Griffin's "Seinfeld" episode where she turned her entire comedy routine into a demonization of Jerry? Olbermann has done the same thing to O'Reilly, which only validates Bill and makes Olbermann the ninny look small indeed. Like the old adolescent high school ploy of putting down others to make yourself look better...O'Reilly may not be the ideal newsperson, but compared to Olbermann, he seems far more honest, like him or not.
Olbermann is to news what wrestling is to legitimate sports. MSNBC has sunk so low that they even employ lightweights from Air America as analysts. Air America, for God's sake. Their audience isn't even bright enough to appreciate NPR, where most progressives go. Given the nature of this list, look for Kathie Lee to be on top next year.
Posted by greble | April 14, 2008 9:35 AM
"And if you're 40 and still a conservative, you find happiness only in possessions that never have voice."
This ill-informed stereotype is about as vapid and robotically stupid as they come!
By availing himself of the wealth of economic, marketing and democratic research Steve could easily discover for himself that the under-40 generations -- of all political stripes! -- are every bit as acquisitive as those who are "40 and still a conservative"!
Posted by 91201man | April 14, 2008 9:37 AM
I thought April Fool's day only one day a year??
Posted by QueMan | April 14, 2008 9:39 AM
Most of the people who have posted replies are either idiots or clueless. The TV news business is just that: it's a business. This list is based on the people who have been successful in TV news, whether or not they are on-air or off-air. What I mean by successful: generating ratings and revenue. That's it. It's not about whether or not you and your wife like or hate Keith Olberman. I hate to break the news to you guys, but not everyone out there shares your opinions. Guess what? Keith Olberman's program actually generates good ratings, SO this means that a lot of people out there actually like it. Get a clue people.
Also to the people who are complaining about all the liberals on the list: John McCain has already secured the Republican nomination while Obama and Clinton are in a dog-fight. Wouldn't it be obvious that you would cover a race more that isn't over as opposd to one that is over? Plus, most people out there (maybe not you guys) are so sick of George Bush that they are turned off by the Republican party altogether so the more liberal news people are getting more press. It's seems pretty clear to me.
Posted by joe | April 14, 2008 9:42 AM
To all you cons out there, what does it feel like to see your world slowly slipping away under all the black, brown, yellow and white feet marching to correct all the injustices you created?
Posted by Robert Brouillet | April 14, 2008 9:46 AM
You and your magazine is good for wrapping dead fish, period!
Keith Olbermann is lower than the belly of a snake, and as a snake it should be treated as such...dangerous!
Posted by Monsverali | April 14, 2008 9:54 AM
Olbermann over O'Reilly? I'm not a fan of either one, but I think O'Reilly crushes Olbermann with 3 times or more the viewers. And what's with ABC, NBC, and CNN ranked so high? What planet are you people on?
Posted by stop2think | April 14, 2008 9:55 AM
Someone needs to tweak the submissiobuttonthingy.
It does not flip our page as expected and we are so eager to make some funny comment that we are posting again and again and again.
Olberman. FARK is a better news source!
Posted by JK | April 14, 2008 10:06 AM
How wide a stance do Keith Olbermann's lips take when his gay master, David Brock, ejaculates his daily talking points down Olbermann's throat.
Posted by DrPaul | April 14, 2008 10:08 AM
keith olbermann, the failed sports announcer?
the hatchet man for the DNC?
this list is so phony that it makes the clintons look honest.
can't we have one honest reporter on the USA?
Posted by david petraglia | April 14, 2008 10:09 AM
I wasn't going to comment, but really....Keith Olbermann is actually a raving mental case. I wouldn't trust this man around small children or sharp objects. This must be an opportunity to bash Bush. Too bad.
Posted by Amador | April 14, 2008 10:14 AM
Let me sum this up for everyone in very simple terms. Those who compiled this list, like most memebers of the press, almost have the IQ of your average house plant. They live in a world surrounded by fellow cerebrally vacant indivuals, who work as sounding boards, echoing each others intelectually inbred ideas.
Now, lets examine some of the contents of this list. First, no one who is able to tie their own shoes, without drooling, considers George Stephanopoulos honest. For pity sake, this guy was a senior advisor during the Clinton Dark Ages.
Quote:
"With the roster comes the annual asterisk signifying that while it is painstakingly assembled, the selection and ranking process is both earnest and admittedly unscientific."
Translation:
We have painstakingly and earnestly gone out of our way to inject our liberal bias into this list. I mean seriously, we had to look under some pretty nasty rocks to dig up Olbermann.
Posted by Michael | April 14, 2008 10:15 AM
Be honest now...this survey was paid for by MSNBC, right?
All one has to do is look at the cable news ratings to see that Fox News is, far and above, the most powerful cable news outlets (combine the second AND third place networks and they still FALL SHORT of FNC).
How the President of NBC news ranks about Ailes is beyond me. How Olbermann even ranks anywhere on the list is a freakin' joke. He loses the ratings war to O'Reilly, Hannity & Colmes, Van Sustern, Shep Smith...
THIS LIST IS PATHETIC PROPAGANDA! Any idiot can see through it...
Posted by Tony Pistone | April 14, 2008 10:16 AM
Kieth Olbermann??? Just piling on, here, with the obvious. O'Reily SMOTHERS Olbermann yet you place him higher in influence. Next you'll be suggesting that "109-million Hillary" and "race-baiter Obama" are just regular folks, like the rest of us....kind of pathetic, blue-state disinformation going on. Shame on you.
Posted by the Professor | April 14, 2008 10:17 AM
I cannot believe that O'reilly is at 7! This whole piece seems to have NBC written all over it. First of all O'reilly isn't "NEWS" per se. I can also tell you that as a news consumer I don't turn to MSNBC for anything. This list is a joke. Maybe Colbert or Stewart can "report" on this list... it would be more fitting.
Posted by Ron S. | April 14, 2008 10:17 AM
Want to know Steve Capus is ahead of Roger Ailes? Because Steve Capus oversees #1 Today Show, #1 Evening News, and #1 CNBC, and MSNBC. Yes, FOX news beats MSNBC, but that;s all that Roger Ailles oversees.
Posted by joe | April 14, 2008 10:21 AM
Wait... I didn't think there was a liberal bias in the news.
Posted by Mike | April 14, 2008 10:26 AM
How many right wing idiots are demanding that Limbaugh and Drudge are to be included on this list of TV NEWS' 10 MOST POWERFUL. Maybe you don't know that 70 years ago they started putting moving pictures on fancy radios.
Posted by Rock | April 14, 2008 10:33 AM
Olbermann? He is the bottom of the barrel. No one likes him. Just a fact.
Posted by Robert | April 14, 2008 10:33 AM
I don't get it. Keith Olbermann ranks above O'Reilly? Olbermann makes no pretense of objectivity. Talk about a partisan hack. It's the same thing all the time: Bush, O'Reilly, Fox News, Bush O'Reilly, Fox News (and with that smarmy grin on his mug). One has to be a graduate of SDS to put up with his show. "Remains an acquired taste." (?) A viewer needs anesthesia to get this guy down.
What has Olbermann accomplished? His ratings are higher than Chris Matthews, and others, at MSNBC. He's the MSNBC "Goliath." Big deal. By comparison O'Reilly has made a name for himself that requires no introduction. Any network, any show, any time of day, someone mentions O'Reilly, everyone knows who O'Reilly is. Along the way, O'Reilly has made real news, and has demonstrated who the real David and Goliath are. He has exposed the NYT for its constant editorializing on its front page (how many consecutive, daily front page stories on Abu Graib? - 30?, 40?, 50?, more? He has uncovered the bizarre softness of local judges and prosecutors for pedophillia. He has exposed how the Red Cross held onto the money it raised for 9/11 victims. Surely, he has demonstrated beyond reasonable argument how the entertainment and media industry have a monumental disconnect with middle American values. O'Reilly's ratings remain in the stratosphere compared to the MSNBC "Goliath." But Olbermann is more "powerful" than O'Reilly. That's rich.
Invaluable Asset: "He (Olbermann) is inclined not to screw up this opportunity . . . ." Yeah, that's an asset alright. Ms Greppi: You were already running on lean--but with this little gem of a thought, your thesis died. Don't try so hard to prop up Mr. Olbermann. In the final analysis, he is not only much less "powerful" than Bill O'Reilly, he does not even belong on your list, and you should know it.
Posted by Libertasdon | April 14, 2008 10:45 AM
Keith Olberman!?!?!?! HA HA!!!!
Posted by Claire | April 14, 2008 10:53 AM
Plainly put, Olbermann sucks.....
Posted by Matt | April 14, 2008 10:56 AM
The only list Keith Olberman should be on is the FBI's
Posted by Mike Collins | April 14, 2008 10:58 AM
Olbermann???? HOOOOH. The guy is a hack at best.
Posted by Eric Bourgeois | April 14, 2008 10:59 AM
It is somewhat funny that the only reaon I even took the time to read about network news is by clicking on a DrudgeReport link.
I did agree however with Olberman being listed as 50th in the honesty catagory. So true.
Posted by chukmaty | April 14, 2008 11:02 AM
Other than Ailes & O'Reilly, the rest are hacks who don't deserve the title of journalist. They merely pose as such to serve up a daily dose of left wing psycho-babble. Disgusting....really.
Slam
Posted by Slam Smith | April 14, 2008 11:06 AM
What a JOKE! Keith Olbermann is an absolute joke! Look at the rankings! For a website called "TV Week" you seem to be pretty uninformed. Hannity and Colmes, even Greta rank higher than Keith Olbermann. I have quite a few liberal friends and none of them watch Keith Olbermann. I know everyone is saying Drudge should be on the list, but last time I checked Drudge wasn't on television...although it is funny that this list wouldn't have gotten a third of the hits it has if it wasn't for the DrudgeReport. TV Week, on behalf of Matt Drudge, YOU'RE WELCOME.
Posted by NObama | April 14, 2008 11:11 AM
....read this list an hour ago and am still laughing! Best joke so far this year!
Posted by Tom Messer | April 14, 2008 11:13 AM
I bet whoever "conducted" this poll wept for hours on end that David Brock and Randi Rhoads couldn't somehow be added to this list.
Posted by Tony Pistone | April 14, 2008 11:16 AM
All I've ever heard from Olbermann is venom and he rates higher than Hannity, O'Reilly, Sheperd Smith and Hume? Talk about out of touch. Y'all messed this one up!
Posted by Marc | April 14, 2008 11:18 AM
I once drove a horse and buggy. Now when and if I turn on K Olbermann, it is only to view what I saw 50 yrs ago.
Posted by HiFlyer | April 14, 2008 11:22 AM
Olbermann 50th last year and 6th this year. B S---!!
THe three stoogis Amy, Jon , John are about as stupid of a pick for anything in news. Comedians do not present the news. They make it harder for people to understand it. They are suppose to make people laugh, like you are making me do right now with this rediculous list.
Posted by Mark | April 14, 2008 11:28 AM
Who is Keith Olbermann?
Posted by Bob Schmaltz | April 14, 2008 11:29 AM
Olbermann???? You have the answer on these comments 300 to 1 (maybe 2)
Posted by Jose Jorge | April 14, 2008 11:31 AM
If you want to do a list about the most powerful people in news that is taken seriously,you know,a list that doesn't make people laugh out loud. You might not want to have Keith Olbermann listed in the top 500. Starting with NBC was bad enough but Olbemann!!! Please explain the power base.No viewers,no talent, a grating(I'm being kind) personality, a huge ego(for no apparent reason),unprofessional behavior(daily O'Reilly attacks,etc.)and did I say NO VIEWERS!!
Posted by Steven C. | April 14, 2008 11:32 AM
Keith Olbermann? He's a wanna be former sports hack! You are kidding, right? Over O'Reilly? Come on, put down the Kool Aid.
Posted by Carlyd | April 14, 2008 11:41 AM
SO MUCH RIGHT WING HATRED FOR KEITH OBERMAN. I GUESS
THE 29% SUPPORT FOR BUSH LIKES TO MAKE COMMENTS.
BRAVO FOR OBERMAN. FIRST MAJOR MEDIA FIGURE TO
CALL OUR PRESENT GOVT WHAT IT IS. FASCIST!
Posted by Frank Redfield | April 14, 2008 11:49 AM
this article is 100% full of Epic Fail
Posted by Jimmy Crackcorn | April 14, 2008 11:49 AM
This article is just another example of socialists (that's what libs really are, so let's call them that) acting exactly like a spoiled toddler. Just because they're in the minority and not getting their way, they think that screaming the loudest and insisting they're right even when the facts prove otherwise will make everything better.
Socialists can't win on the merits of their un-American ideology, so their only recourse is to beat the dead horse of their beliefs incessantly. They really think this'll make their point of view relevant.
Olbermann? Really?!! ROFL!!
Posted by Franklin | April 14, 2008 11:50 AM
Wasn't Keith Olbermann on ESPN (SportsCenter) a while back? He was "ok" as a sports anchor, but when I saw he was "all of the sudden" anchoring a political show I was like, WTF? Are you serious? Is someone at MSNBC smoking crack?
Seriously, does anyone actually watch him?
Posted by Brett | April 14, 2008 11:50 AM
MSNBC the MOST DISHONEST. Have you ever done any fact-checking on FOX..."fair and balanced" my butt. All of them are liars.
Olberman at least has the decency to exert fact control. Liberal, only in the sense that he smacks down the right-wingers on a regular basis...because, you see, they are EASY TARGETS. Absolute hypocrites every one.
Posted by hans | April 14, 2008 11:51 AM
WAIT.. I'm confused.. You guys are listing Keith Oberman and Chris Matthews in an article that's supposed to be about News?? The writer of the article obviuosly doesn't know the difference between an hour of news and an hour of some clowns opinions.
Posted by A. Functioning Brain | April 14, 2008 11:52 AM
Apparently any one of my ten fingers are more powerful than Olbermann because when his show comes on any one of them can turn the channel. Power to the finger!
Posted by killerbee | April 14, 2008 11:52 AM
Keith Olberman???? BLAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH!
Belated April Fools article?
Posted by Mark E | April 14, 2008 11:53 AM
Olberman is a loser.
Posted by Mke right | April 14, 2008 11:53 AM
Obviously this study was commissioned by George Soros. TV Week has lost any respect they might have had.
Posted by JC | April 14, 2008 11:54 AM
and by the way "franklin." if liberals are socialists, then conservatives are fascists. Yup: anti-nonconfirmist, anti-gay, anti-negro, anti-american. You sir, are Hitler-incarnate
Posted by hans | April 14, 2008 11:54 AM
I'm thinking TV Week must be run by lefties! And, BTW, how long is Olbermann's face - It looks about two feet long!
Posted by Anaguard | April 14, 2008 11:55 AM
SO MUCH RIGHT WING HATRED FOR OBERMAN. IT
SEEMS THE 29% THAT SUPPORT BUSH ARE THE ONLY ONES GETTING THROUGH!
Posted by Frank Redfield | April 14, 2008 11:58 AM
Keith who? Isn't this the old fart in the Rolling Stones?
Posted by getthebigpixel | April 14, 2008 12:01 PM
this is scary, g
God help us.
Posted by Mke right | April 14, 2008 12:01 PM
The only hot dogs I eat are turkey dogs. All others have too much fat in them including this hot dog.
Posted by thewindrunner | April 14, 2008 12:01 PM
Hans, what to you call someone who wants to redistribute wealth? What do you call someone who wants to take from the productive and give to the non-productive? This form of government has been tried many times before and has always collapsed under its own weight. You can call them what you want, but there is a word in the dictionary that describes them perfectly. I don't believe that Franklin was name-calling, but just being descriptive.
Posted by JC | April 14, 2008 12:02 PM
this is scary,
God help us.
God help us.
Posted by Mke right | April 14, 2008 12:03 PM
Ms Greppi doesn't do much fact checking. Where did she get her numbers for cable network ratings? She's way too high for MSNBC and extremely low for FOX News. Has Ms. Greppi graduated from college yet? She has a very immature view of the news.
Posted by Don | April 14, 2008 12:10 PM
Frank Redfield, you are so ignorant.
First of all, I despise the man but even I can spell "Olbermann".
Second, you show what a little mindless liberal-bot you are with your knee-jerk reference to fascism. If you had the slightest idea of what true fascism was, you wouldn't throw the term around lightly.
Third, you may have noticed plenty of dislike or even hatred for Olbermann here, but you fail to note the facts (presented repeatedly here) that Olbermann is a nobody in the cable news ratings department.
Oh, but Olbermann is a pin-headed pinko Bush-basher, so that makes him "powerful" in your eyes.
Posted by Tony Pistone | April 14, 2008 12:12 PM
Keith Olbermann? The man who labels every single Bush does wrong as a "scandal" and everyone who does things he does not like as "the worst person in the world"?
Olbermann is to journalism what Frank Burns was to surgery. To pick him for any list other than "dimwit extraordinaire" shows how out of touch this site is.
Posted by James Marsden | April 14, 2008 12:12 PM
Ms Greppi doesn't do much fact checking. Where did she get her numbers for cable network ratings? She's way too high for MSNBC and extremely low for FOX News. Has Ms. Greppi graduated from college yet? She has a very immature view of the news.
Posted by Don | April 14, 2008 12:17 PM
"anti-negro"
Wow! I haven't heard that term since black people couldn't vote.
You know that liberals are losing when they use the word "fascist" to describe anyone to the right of Barbra Streisand.
Posted by Ed Steinberg | April 14, 2008 12:17 PM
Isn't it shocking liberals still claim there isn't a media biased? This list certainly contradicts that claim.
Posted by Shawn | April 14, 2008 12:19 PM
A person who has 1 million viewers a night is MORE powerful than a person who has 2 million viewers a night?
What idiot wrote this crap?
Posted by Tom | April 14, 2008 12:19 PM
No one in TV would hire Sir Keith after his melt down in the 90's. Except MSNBC of course. The Washington DC staffer's love him. Every time I flip to his show, he is complaining about O'Reilly. O'Reilly is like a pebble in his shoe.
Posted by wallyman | April 14, 2008 12:21 PM
I like to talk about stool.
Posted by Fecal McStool | April 14, 2008 12:24 PM
Interesting. I have only watched one of these people on TV and I can't tell you who most of these guys are. Who rated these people???
Posted by M Knight | April 14, 2008 12:24 PM
Only a Liberal would place ANY significance to Keith Olbermann. Let me see...Olbermann's number 6 with a million viewers while Fox's O'Reilly is number 7 with TWICE that many cable viewers. Is that an example of the new (Liberal) math?
Signed: "Typical White Person"
Posted by R. Moody | April 14, 2008 12:24 PM
Lou Dobbs says it like it is, and he's the only one on CNN that makes any sence
Glenn Beck is a another one that says it like it is, and he's the only one that i have heard that keeps reminding the public what Omama's so-called church really stands for "Black Theology and Black Power".
Keep up the good work Glenn you'll make on the top 10 list soon.
Posted by carl Indep.Mo. | April 14, 2008 12:25 PM
HEY IDIOTS: THIS IS TV NEWS
People, the reason Drudge and Rush aren't mentioned is because this list is about TV NEWS personalities.
I know it is confusing, what with the headline explicitly pointing this out.
Posted by damon | April 14, 2008 12:29 PM
I listen to Glenn Beck. He has the same views I do although I don't always admire the same people he does. He is interesting and is funny too. He should be no.1.
Posted by Mona | April 14, 2008 12:33 PM
Frank Redfield is a dumbass.
Posted by Bob | April 14, 2008 12:33 PM
OLBERMANN? Olbermann? Thank you for including this information in your news. I needed a laugh. This list gave it to me and I am eternally grateful. HILARIOUS!
Posted by Don | April 14, 2008 12:37 PM
Olbermann, is he really doing news? I thought he auditioning for a game show. I mean how many time can he bang his head on Bush and Bill O'Reilly without receiving a response from either. Perhaps he will eventually find relevance in the real world...but again, the guy did blow a job at ESPN. What's left when he becomes unraveled on MSNBC? I guess he could do a game show on Lifetime or Oxygen.
Today's parting gifts.....Crispy hair gel and a clue...........
It is sad when a guy can't even get his on point...
In a made for TV movie about MSNBC who would play Olbermann? Vincent D'onufrio? Nope Vince has much more personality and warmth.
Posted by seth | April 14, 2008 12:37 PM
BULLSHIT.
Posted by Bob H | April 14, 2008 12:37 PM
This list was ridiculous, really.
The key word is POWERFUL and Keith Olbermann was 6th.
He me be good to some, but powerful?
O'Reilly reaches 2 times the viewers as Olbie.
Michele Greppi are you familiar with the meaning of powerful?
Anyway the news is full of liberals, he has not made any big leap.
Plus Glenn Beck is better than all of them.
Oh, but he is a self described conservative. No chance of making this list.
Posted by Craig Cady | April 14, 2008 12:38 PM
Glenn Beck is an American hero in my book!! Everybody should watch or listen or read his work!!.
Posted by Captain Steve | April 14, 2008 12:38 PM
Let's see, this is TV week's list - about the most powerful people in TV News.
Do you see why MATT DRUDGE (internet) didn't make the TV LIST? Come on people, if you're going to insult the Libs intelligence, or lack thereof, show some of your own.
Posted by Mike | April 14, 2008 12:40 PM
Olbermann delivers the Countdown with humor, style, and balls. It's not so much "liberal" as it is direct and factual rebuttal to the drivel -- which is usually (by the statistics) presented by Righties. I guess opposing the "facts" as delivered by such luminaries as Falafel/loofah/Oh,/Really? means to most posters here that he lies.
I think not.
Posted by KO fan | April 14, 2008 12:46 PM
Glenn Beck should be Number 1 everywhere!!! He's the brighest, funniest and most honest voice on television, bar none!!
If Glenn's not on, I'm not watching!
Posted by Bette Turnbull | April 14, 2008 12:48 PM
Who is watching the ones who made the list?
Not I. I watch Glenn Beck, I can't stand Bill O'Reilly..however I do like the chick he has had fill in for him a few times, Michelle Malkin.
I also watch Red Eye at night. I must be one of a few with these viewing habits. I don't think I am a total oddity I am a mother, a wife, and a Nurse.
Posted by Noel | April 14, 2008 12:48 PM
Oh please tell me more about Keith's "meltdown." I've never heard of this before!
Personally I like "Hannity & Colmes" and I don't see either on the top 10. Shame!
Posted by Brett | April 14, 2008 12:48 PM
Keith Olberman? TV’s first break-out liberal voice?
Hatred oozes from Olberman's pores.
Liberal voice....hatred. Synonyms?
And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
Ah, you don’t believe
We’re on the eve
of destruction.
Posted by Dan | April 14, 2008 12:49 PM
Who has time to watch all these guys? I watch O'Reilly and Hannity on Fox News. I have seen enough of some of the others to know that I'm not in the least bit interested in watching them on a regular basis. I do watch Glen Beck during Hannity commercials. I never watch network news or MSNBC. Sometimes I flip over to CNN for a few seconds during Fox commercials.
Posted by James A. Webster | April 14, 2008 12:50 PM
What happened to AMERICA'S truth detector ...Rush Limbaugh no where to be found on the either list
Posted by alan w white | April 14, 2008 12:58 PM
keith olbermann sucks muslim dicks.
Posted by camel jockey | April 14, 2008 1:03 PM
Yikes! Keith Olberman in the top 10?! Does anyone watch his show? People, at least try to put together a somewhat realistic list. As you have it now, you've made it irrelevant.
Posted by Sir Antony | April 14, 2008 1:04 PM
You have got to be kidding me, Obermann over O'Reilly. The only people who watch Obermann are the hate Bush crowd and they don't amount to a hill of beans.
Posted by richard casey | April 14, 2008 1:13 PM
Why are there no conservativies on this list. How do you list the most powerfull news people and not include Limbaugh. He has more listeners then 7 or the people on this list COMBINED. These lists are done by lib's and have no credibility.
Posted by c.c. kewis | April 14, 2008 1:14 PM
damon,
Where can I see NS Bienstock on TV news? More people hear Rush's name on TV news than see KO. Drudge writes the script for all of them.
As for KO. Obviously his career is in the dumper after today's rants. He's smart. He's talented. He could replace Chevy Chase on the SNL news. But only because Chevy hasn't been there for 20 years. Or he could take his popsicle puppets and do a Fred Rogers bit. How about an update special on "Monica Today"? Or Ron Burgundy's weatherman?
Today has been Keith's biggest press day - EVER. Sad isn't it.
Posted by Rick | April 14, 2008 1:20 PM
What a load of horse manure!!! The author of this story is not even the slightest bit objective. At least pretend to be a journalist.
Posted by Marc | April 14, 2008 1:20 PM
Let's see, this is TV week's list - about the most powerful people in TV News.
Do you see why MATT DRUDGE (internet) didn't make the TV LIST? Come on people, if you're going to insult the Libs intelligence, or lack thereof, show some of your own.
Posted by Mike | April 14, 2008 1:21 PM
Tony Pistone,
Follow Mr.Bush right to the bitter end, fortunately
it will soon be over for him and the 29% who support him.
I do know what fascism is. I was around during Hitler and
Mussolini. Olbermann has over one million viewers a night,
one of the stars of MSNBC.
Posted by Frank Redfield | April 14, 2008 1:22 PM
Old bermann is the worst man in the world. He was a mediocre sportscaster...now a pathetic liberal shill.
Posted by Art | April 14, 2008 1:22 PM
I see lots and lots of responses in disapproval of this article. Obviously no one except Ms. Greppi and a few liberal news people "gets it."
Posted by Rick | April 14, 2008 1:25 PM
Glen Beck should be "numero uno"!!!!! Who did this list!!!!
Posted by Vicki | April 14, 2008 1:25 PM
This whole article is a sham. O'reilly "is" the most influencial news commentator in the business. It must have killed you to even recognize him. Long live the fair and balanced. You know periodically I check on other stations just to see if there is an improvement. I watched Tim Russert (I like him) last weekend. He had on 2 men representing the same liberal view point. Is that fair and balanced? Fox always has both sides as much as you hate to acknowledge. You wonder why no one watches your liberal stations... that is why. I would like to see my view point represented.
Posted by kodiak bear | April 14, 2008 1:27 PM
keith olbermann? I challenge to tell me what station he is even on!
Posted by Ray | April 14, 2008 1:30 PM
I agree with the comments on Glenn Beck. He is one of the few who's comments are rarely 'over the top'. Intelligent, witty, and believable. By the way, Limbaugh and Drudge are NOT TV news people. That doesn't seem too complicated now, does it?
Posted by JC | April 14, 2008 1:31 PM
I've never even heard of TV Week, and now I know why. It is another irrelevant publication that is totally out of touch with the American people.
Posted by L. Johnson | April 14, 2008 1:32 PM
Rolling in my grave....rolling in my grave....roll
Posted by E R Murrow | April 14, 2008 1:32 PM
Frank redfield
O'Reilley has twice as many viewers!
Posted by Ray | April 14, 2008 1:33 PM
I'm curious to see if they would add radio personalties to the list if they would have the nerve to list El Rushbo. Not to take away from Glenn & Sean, but what a bunch of spineless jellyfish! Maybe Poehler, Colbert & Stewart get it, but I don't think whoever made this list does!
Posted by Kel | April 14, 2008 1:33 PM
This is from "The Onion," right?
Posted by William F. Naegele | April 14, 2008 1:33 PM
And don't ding me for using 'who's' instead of 'whose'. I goofed.
Posted by JC | April 14, 2008 1:34 PM
Olbermann is a liberal pundit. I wouldn't classify his show as "news". Neither would I classify O'Reilly's show as "news". What is sad is how many losers ascribe themselves to one polarized view or another. The truth is always somewhere in the middle.
Posted by jhinsi274 | April 14, 2008 1:39 PM
I've heard of TV news. My parents have told me stories about it. Seems that long ago there was actually serious news reporting that was distinct and separate from the entertainment part of programming.
Now it is just an extension of the networks' reality shows. Hard to tell where one reality show leaves off and the CBS News with Katie Couric begins.
Sad to see an industry dying that doesn't even know it's dying.
On a related topic, how is the Studebaker Corporation doing? I wonder what their '09 models will look like...
Posted by Young Whippersnapper | April 14, 2008 1:44 PM
What is TV Weekly? Who works there? How old are they? Average age 12? Silly list. Sorry that I wasted my time reading it.
Posted by E. Dish | April 14, 2008 1:45 PM
Credibility = ZERO for this ridiculous article.
Keith Olbermann ahead of Bill O'Reilly? You HAVE to be kidding, or extreme biased idiots. Either way, TVWEEK will NOT be considered remotely legitimate.
Laughable is one thing, but this is just plain STUPID!!!
Posted by Steve W | April 14, 2008 1:46 PM
Let's assume that Fox is Right and everyone else is Left. If you put together the ratings of CBS, NBC, ABC, MSNBC, CNN, CNNHN, etc., who's winning now?
Also, if everyone with a PC looked to Drudge first thing in the morning, his numbers would be even larger than they are now. Don't forget -- and he quickly acknowledges this -- that the number he posts is page views, not unique viewers. So if you subtract from his 20 million daily hits the number of radio talkshow hosts who hit the refresh button every two minutes for three hours a day so they can get their scripts . . . and then subtract all the dittoheads who fell asleep with their finger twitching on the Enter key again, you're not looking at that huge a number.
Posted by jim metesky | April 14, 2008 1:47 PM
Who in the hell is Olberman?
Posted by kinky | April 14, 2008 1:52 PM
Keith Olberman!!!!! The most inane moron to ever appear on TV and you feel he is the 6th most powerful???
He is all ego and no substance.
Posted by Jim Stickann | April 14, 2008 1:52 PM
HA! Who in the hell wrote this a staff writer for Pravda? The "gleeful" Olbermann an aquired taste(Presumably like oysters and caviar in the writers eyes I presume)? I thought that guy was duking it out with Nancy Gracefor third place?
Posted by Ed Y. | April 14, 2008 1:53 PM
Keith Olberman is all ego and no substance.
Posted by Jim Stickann | April 14, 2008 1:53 PM
LOL...The best part of this ridiculous article is getting to read all the great posts made...
The article - a joke; the posts - spot on. Thanks for the grins
Posted by Kevin Venner | April 14, 2008 1:54 PM
Glen,please put Keith Olbermann on your show.I have no idea who he is.
Posted by Ginny | April 14, 2008 1:58 PM
Keith Olbermann at Number 6? You must be joking. He's great in sports, but I think putting him in TV news' 10 most powerful is a stretch. Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes have much better ratings--why aren't they rated on this list? Frankly, I'd rate Dan Rather higher, and I'm not even a Rather fan.
Posted by Richard Z | April 14, 2008 2:05 PM
I polled some dogs about their opinions of cats. Ya'll want the results to run as breaking news tonight?
The rats say they've had it. They're JUMPING!!
Posted by Poll Man | April 14, 2008 2:07 PM
Seems like whoever wrote this is either jealous or terribly hypocritical...It cracks me up to read praise followed by a slam in the same paragraph. I would suppose FNC is popular with viewers because it is the only differing opinion on all of Television.
Posted by Dave | April 14, 2008 2:10 PM
I noticed the execs were well represented. That makes sense - they MUST be the ones selecting which, and then taking the pay-off checks. If there wasn't such a long history of bias in the entertainment industry, including the news segment, we may have had a better selection of candidates since the 60s - both parties. Whoever accepts the morsels of current events explained then enhanced with the personal opinion of a biased commentator is doing themself a diservice. The value of a popularity contest amongst those same commentators and their payola-accepting bosses is as honest and accurate as their drivel. To create a more complete picture I believe it should be opened up to include all TV personalities, or all media. If all TV, Leno and Letterman would be ahead of all the off-air news gumbies, and many of those on cable. If all media, National Enquirer may pass a surprising number of the high priced network help.
Posted by Berferd T | April 14, 2008 2:10 PM
Tony Pistone,
If Olberman was a "nobody" in the ratings, then the show wouldn't be on TV. No ratings = being cancelled and his show is still on the air.
The bottom line is this: TV Week & TVweek.com are meant for people who work in the TV business (like me). Not for a bunch of random people (who have absolutely no clue about the business side of television) who got the link from a right-wing website.
Posted by joe | April 14, 2008 2:11 PM
As so many others have been so quick to notice, this article is rediculously unscientific and effectively propagandistic. In an attempt to inflate the reputation of his "ultra-left wing favorites" all the author has succeeded in doing is hurting the reputation and credibility of this "news" feed.
Ahem, your liberal bias is showing. I'm only left wondering who got the check from Soros for this one?
Posted by Bill C | April 14, 2008 2:20 PM
The tv news version of the academy awards. Insiders patting each other on the butt to the amusement of absolutely noone but each other. Lift the stupid bar up one more notch; but of course it'll go up again tomorrow.
Posted by NCMike | April 14, 2008 2:20 PM
Olberman is the worse--I would take Mr. O'rielly or Mr. Beck anytime. Who does these write ups? Were they on something. We have NBC blocked, as it is the very worst.
Posted by Dawn | April 14, 2008 2:21 PM
Olbermann is 6? This article is a joke written by liberal losers who have believe their dreams are reality.
Posted by JJ | April 14, 2008 2:22 PM
Tony Pistone,
If Olberman was a "nobody" in the ratings, then the show wouldn't be on TV. No ratings = being cancelled and his show is still on the air.
The bottom line is this: TV Week & TVweek.com are meant for people who work in the TV business (like me). Not for a bunch of random people (who have absolutely no clue about the business side of television) who got the link from a right-wing website.
Posted by joe | April 14, 2008 2:23 PM
Herr Obermann over Irish O'Reilly? C'mon - even Governor Rendell asked if the supercilious, self-righteous, insufferable, idealogue, traitor lunatic Olbermann was being paid by Obambi. O'Reilly's demographics area broad spectrum audience. Olbermann's audience consist of the Daily Kos Kids, Moveon.org and Code Pink. Oh, and Little Georgie Soros.
Posted by harry flashman | April 14, 2008 2:23 PM
Frank Redfield, do you read? Because nowhere in my postings did I defend George Bush. Stay on topic or shut up, brainstem!
I realize that you're just used to bashing Bush as a knee-jerk response to anything political, but some of us are a bit more refined than the run-of-the-mill liberal hatemonger.
Olbermann has 1 million viewers? Only on select nights. O'Reilly currently gets well more than double that ON A BAD NIGHT!
Posted by Tony Pistone | April 14, 2008 2:26 PM
If Keith Olbermann is your acquired taste, it is a sure thing you have no taste. For NBC to be put #1 in a year they have been third place in cable news and passed by Charlie on ABC on network news tells you whoever wrote this probably is a total left-wing anarchist out of touch with America.
Posted by Karen | April 14, 2008 2:27 PM
joe, you work in the tv business like I work for the Hillary campaign. And yes, Olbermann is a ratings nobody. Primo time slot, abyssmal ratings. What do you call that? Success?
jhinsi274 had said, "What is sad is how many losers ascribe themselves to one polarized view or another. The truth is always somewhere in the middle."
Yeah! All-inclusive statements are ALWAYS wrong! Uhhh...wait..."always somewhere in the middle" is an all-inclusive statement too...
Uh, and so was my statement about all-inclusive statements.
OH NO! Parody-parodox overload!
Posted by Tony Pistone | April 14, 2008 2:35 PM
Ha, Ha, Ha, Haw!
Ha, Ha, Ha, Haw!
Ha, Ha, Ha, Haw!
Ha, Ha, Ha, Haw!
This is really an Onion Production, right?? ( http://www.theonion.com) Nobody would place KO on any list that they wanted viewed as serious.
Posted by B1 | April 14, 2008 2:40 PM
What?!?!? No Glenn Beck???? Hello- 3rd most listened to radio show in America!
KEITH OLBERMANN!!! What a freaking joke. It's too bad they couldn't fit ALL the liberals on TV.
Posted by Kylie | April 14, 2008 2:40 PM
Wow, no one here much likes Keith Olbermann! That's OK, neither do I. Pay attention MSNBC...
After almost 30 years working in TV news, I have a few ideas to share.
It's no surprise to any of you that TV news is increasingly NOT relevant. The greed and political agendas of the named "powerful" news executives are the collective genius behind giving Paris Hilton and other news celebrities top billing. Instead of spending resources to cover important news stories that can make us more informed and enlightened citizens, these executives are digging a deep hole that some news organizations will never get out of. They attract smaller audiences every year and continue to lose the trust of people that really care about current events.
There are still some bona-fide journalists out there who feel a responsibility to serve the public good by covering relevant issues and news events. There are very few of those people on this lame list and most of their bosses won't support them in doing things right.
You people that take a minute to comment on issues have a powerful individual and collective voice. You are journalists in your own right and your thoughts and words have much more relevancy than most of what these powerful people in the media do.
The drive-by media is dead or dying. Long live alternative news media!
Posted by Steve B. | April 14, 2008 2:46 PM
Orielly's outrageous but Obermann's not, what a joke. How can you pay any attention to a list with Obermann higher than the ratings leader of cable news? Carefull your liberal tilt is showing !!!
LoL DKB
Posted by DK Bateman | April 14, 2008 2:48 PM
This list is a complete joke.
Posted by Nalamin | April 14, 2008 2:51 PM
Brit Hume should be at the top of the list.
Posted by JOHN A HEMMER | April 14, 2008 2:52 PM
Joe- your post was exactly evidence of what most of the posting folks are saying. That the media thinks we are all too stupid to know what is good for us, so the "news" will tell us what is best...and shove it lovingly down our dumb little throats. And that the main stream media is liberally biased - or those right wing websites wouldn't be such a prickly thorn in your tender side.
What you mean is that Sports Illustrated isn't meant for someone who doesn't play in the NBA. And the WSJ is not for the guy who runs a tractor shop in small town USA. I for one read the professional journals of industry that has an impact on me. It gives me some intellectual insight. I think a lot of folks do that. And when a website that is as highly regarded as Drudge points me to something I usually go there..knowing that Drudge trusts I can make an intelligent informed decision about what I am reading.
So...Joe...as a peon I am guessing my opinion, which could float or sink a network news program just by picking up the clicker, just doesn't matter to you media types. Especially if it has a conservative skew to it. Guess what - I effect ratings too....
You son, are an arrogant son of gun...and have not yet learned not to bite the hand that feeds you. Hence your career, as meteoric as it may be in your simple mind, has a downward trajectory....get your chute boy. You are flaming out.
Posted by Nan | April 14, 2008 2:55 PM
Have enjoyed the comments, I was depressed after viewing the list but now have had my laugh for the day. It doesn't matter if left or right, if it's not fair and balanced reporting it has no credibility to me as a listener/viewer, so figure out where those on the list are coming from and our choices are very limited. I wasn't surprised by the ratings as even good liberal friends of mine acknowledge the media is in their corner, however you try to slant it.
Posted by Barb | April 14, 2008 3:03 PM
For all the Olbermann defenders, can you name a single Fox News personality who doesn't beat Olbermann?
Sure, there are a few...so let's up the ante...
Can you name a single Fox News personality with an evening time-slot who doesn't beat Olbermann in the ratings?
IT WAS A TRICK QUESTION! Shep, Hume, O'Reilly, Hannity & Colmes, and Gretta ALL beat that ratings nobody!
Posted by Tony Pistone | April 14, 2008 3:06 PM
THIS IS ALL BECAUSE FOX NEWS HAS SUPPASSED ALL OF THE OTHER NETWORKS AND CABLE NEWS AND IN POLS IT SHOWS MORE PEOPLE TRUST FOX THAN ANY OTHER CHANNEL ! I SAY THEY ARE THE FACTS, NOW FIND A WAY TO DEAL WITH IT.
Posted by LINDA | April 14, 2008 3:08 PM
I think the majority of the comments capture the essence of the list...and it strangely reeks of dog vomit...or more precisely, liberal dog vomit.
Posted by Notsurprised | April 14, 2008 3:08 PM
I can now say, "I've seen it all". Good grief! This has got to be the most rigged list ever. I'm surprised Algore isn't on the list.
Posted by Lucy | April 14, 2008 3:10 PM
Funny, I would think ratings are the only valid measure of "power." Anything else is subjective.
Posted by Double | April 14, 2008 3:14 PM
WOW!!! Your list is such a farce. I agree with all who have posted their opinions. Why BILL O'REILLY didn't make #1 We'll never know. Yes, the people who made this list, with the exception of O'Reilly, MUST have paid someone. So sorry, SO SAD.
Posted by Tracy Rogers | April 14, 2008 3:16 PM
Tony Pistone,
Not a Bush supporter, certainly sounded like a ditto-head to me.
"Olbermann is a pinko Bush basher." Does that mean you don't
necessarily support 1. lying to get a country into war(the very
worst thing a president can do]
2. Secrete detension and torture.
3. Destruction of the constitution. No habeus corpus left.
4. A country that spies on it's own citizens.
Incidently, these things are part of the definition of fascism! I
see there are quite a few comments now in support of Olberman,
because he has been the most vocal in pointing these things out.
Which side are you on?
Posted by Frank Redfield | April 14, 2008 3:17 PM
This list is comedy at its finest.
Keith Olberman doesn't even do "news."
And no mention of Glenn Beck.
Outrageous.
Posted by Jim Benson | April 14, 2008 3:25 PM
Michele Greppi
She doesn't "Get It"
Posted by bsquare | April 14, 2008 3:33 PM
can't stop laughing.....help....can't....stop....laughing!!!!!
Posted by mouthbreather | April 14, 2008 3:35 PM
I quit watching Sportscenter because of Olbermann and, apparently, both people that watched MSNBC have quit because of him. All these people have had it wrong all this time - I didn't know that relevance, ratings, substance, or really anything else mattered. Was this a DailyKos poll or something? Way to shred whatever remaining credibility you might have had. Thanks for the entertainment.
Posted by Jason | April 14, 2008 3:40 PM
And you wonder why middle America distrust you!!!!
Posted by Ed Corbett | April 14, 2008 3:45 PM
I don't know where the author of this "list" got her information, but PLEASE, how does she get off putting Keith "I love socialism" Olberman ahead of Bill O'Reilly?
Oh and Mr. Redfield, Mr. Bush didn't lie to the country about WMD's, the Democrats voted in favor of his actions, or did you "forget" that process. And what does "secrete" mean? Do you mean "secret"? Learn how to spell or get off with your inane observations about the President. Do you even know what habeus corpus means?
As to what side I'm on, I'm on the side of less federal government intervention, and more states rights.
Posted by Carl Chappell | April 14, 2008 3:51 PM
comical...Bill O’Reilly 7th? number 7 in most powerful and Number one in ratings...makes no sense...This article is more of someones liberal pipe dream.
Posted by scott | April 14, 2008 3:54 PM
As far as we are concern there is no other news or talk show host better than Glenn Beck. Those liberal broadcasters their A... is up their heads.
Posted by alice | April 14, 2008 3:55 PM
Actually, there is a conservative side to "Liberal Mouth's" on these God forsaken networks and his name is Glenn Beck. Takin' what they're givin' cause he's working for a livin'! AND, Glenn Beck is, to me personally, the only thing worth watching on CNN! Keith Olbermann should be serving Glenn refreshments rather than having his own show!! The so-called "list" is a wish list, not a real list. And most people here agree!
Posted by Brian | April 14, 2008 3:58 PM
Frank Redfield
What would any other politician (John Kerry, Al "Green" Gore) have done with the same information that our administration had prior to LIBERATION of Iraq? Was the U.N. Lying about all the other reasons to oust that A-hole who KILLED hundreds of thousands of people? Your ilk are morons and america haters, period. You're the kind of people that think there was a conspiracy on 9/11. I'd love to hear what you call torture compared to cutting off someones head!! What do you have to hide anyway? Who cares if a couple phone calls are tapped. Trials for the detainees in Guantanimo? sure. Let's just set them free? Is that your option wise guy?
I suggest you read "Liberal Fascism" by Jonah Golberg to get a real idea of fascism!! Dude!!
Posted by Tim | April 14, 2008 4:00 PM
Kieth O. is powerful all right. He has the power to make most people quickly flip past any channel he shows up on. On his MSNBC show, he is a slobbering, mad dog, lib hack who has nothing to say that makes any sense. We alredy know he hates G. Bush, does he have anything else to say? Based on his MSNBC show, I always tune him out when he shows up on his sports spot also. The only reason to put him on is to make the libs in the MSM feel good. It certainly is not to attract viewers.
Posted by nolie | April 14, 2008 4:00 PM
damon: It's not just about TV news or why would an 'agency' be listed?
I wasn't even going to write as it all has been accurately stated many times over.
But I couldn't help but notice that conservatives and moderates critiqued the article and its author. While liberals viciously attacked all groups but their own and verbally decimated the viewers and listeners of Rush, Hannity, Orielly, etc. Uncalled for, hatefull, venomous, immature.
Posted by CJC | April 14, 2008 4:01 PM
As a scientist, the thing I notice about recurring top-ten-lists is progress of the listees. Keith Olbermann is stuck at number 6 while O'Reilly has jumped onto the list at 7 from being unlisted. I would say that is progress.
Olbermann is as much a bully as OReilly just in liberal form. But liberals don't see it that way. Olbermann is also a bitter man with a limited career. Tick-tock Keith, your days are numbered.
Posted by Steve | April 14, 2008 4:04 PM
Olber-Dork on any list for best news people is a rip-off and a damn shame!! Doesn't anybody remember he used to work for Fox. He rips Fox every night because he was probably fired from Fox and has a grudge against them. What Glenn Beck or Hannity and Colomes? Beck gives us the true story and how to read past the cover of it. Olbermann doesn't know how present anything original but get it from Media Matters. Oh and Rachel Maddow couldn't get a porn star off.
Posted by Jesse | April 14, 2008 4:04 PM
LOL over Keith Olbermann.
This list is a joke, no Glenn Beck, no Lou Dobbs and Rush should be number one on the list!
BS period.
Posted by saavedra | April 14, 2008 4:06 PM
Olbermann is referred to as an "acquired taste." Right, like that $100/cup animal dung coffee: It's overpriced, appeals to elitists, hard to stomach, and full of you-know-what!
BTW, Redfield, you left out Bush's secret detention scheme.
Posted by You'reKidding | April 14, 2008 4:07 PM
As usual the people get it right - Olbermann is a complete fcuking moron, and anyone who does not realize that instantly has no reason to be should not try to speak for the people.
PS - next time try a scientific poll.
Posted by Jamesh | April 14, 2008 4:08 PM
Put olbermenn and matthews together and what do you have ?? A drool fest and about 250,000
nightly viewers between the 2 of them--these viewers are other morons who love a good drool-fest.i'll betcha the pseudo ronald reagan [above]drools along with them every night.hey ronald don't shame the good name of our best president ever.
p.s. you libs always try to impress us with your big words coming out of you pea sized brains
Posted by chaz | April 14, 2008 4:10 PM
The RNC/Faux Noise Channel is current having secret meetings to replace Loufa Oreilly with Simon Cowell of American Idol fame.
Using wingnut logic, a contradiction in terms,they have determined that American Idol is the highest rated show on TV and thusly means, in their mind, that quantity outweighs quality.
Post after post reflects this message; " but but but Bill Oreilly has more viewers", blah blah blah, ad nauseum.
Thank you again Wingnuts and Rednecks, for proving once again that you as a collective haven't got the brains God gave a billygoat.
While Keith Olberman has Iraq War Veterans on his show, giving them an outlet to speak freely without the restraints of " Yew iz eether with us or agin us" mentality shown on Faux Noise Channel, Bill Oreilly and PeeWee Hannity are discussing Lapel pins.
Get my point?
Posted by OXY RUSH CONTIN | April 14, 2008 4:10 PM
As usual the people get it right - Olbermann is a complete fcuking moron, and anyone who does not realize that has no right to speak for the people.
PS - next time try a scientific poll. Or just check the prime time ratings.
Posted by Jamesh | April 14, 2008 4:10 PM
This is the best you could do? Anyone from NBC and Kunt Oldermouth in the top ten? Obviously someone got some payola.
Posted by wtf? | April 14, 2008 4:11 PM
OXY RUSH CONTIN
Oberman is really great. He sure does give both sides of the spectrum. Drink your Kool Aid...oh and your Prius is ready to pick up!!
Posted by Tim | April 14, 2008 4:13 PM
This proves once and for all to me, from both the list produced by TV Week and the comments (which have made my day), that liberals lack any ability to recognize reality. The Olbermann supporters of the world are drinking their own homebrewed hemlock. Our domestic oil production and heavy industry jobs of mainly the north east and midwest as well as many Union jobs were lost forever because of the environmentalist movement and not the greed of CEOs. Yet the employees of these industries are big democrat bloc voters who cannot see that they are mutually destructive to each other and nutbaskets like Olbermann who couldn't pour piss out of a boot with the instructions written the bottom of the heel can only manfacture venom for the Hale-Boppers of the left and keep them voting democrat. It must really suck to be you if you're a liberal and willing buy into Olbermans's conspiracy theories consisting of hate, bigotry, sexism and homophobia.
Posted by ACJ | April 14, 2008 4:14 PM
Joe,
A bunch of random people?
No Joe, many of these people are viewers of a VERY popular show on CNN Headline News. If you really work on the sales side of the television industry then you should be taking notes.
If you spent as much time trying to really understand your audience then you would know why Glenn Beck is so popular. It's because he takes names and kicks ass!
These people do have a clue about what they want to watch on television. So Joe, get a clue and pay pay attention. Maybe you could be as successful as the programming executive at Time Warner that stuck his neck out and got Glenn on the air with complete freedom to tell the truth.
Posted by Steve B. | April 14, 2008 4:16 PM
Oxy,
Consider your loss a "moral victory," k?
And besides, god didn't give the billygoat a brain. It developed over billions of years, just like yours did. Didn't you learn anything in public school? Is it possible to have learned in a public school?
Posted by Wingnut | April 14, 2008 4:16 PM
Lou Dobbs should be on the top of the list.
Posted by Gerald W. Meixner | April 14, 2008 4:25 PM
Where in the world is Glenn Beck.............he
beats out many of your list!!!!
Posted by Burkie | April 14, 2008 4:27 PM
Oh Noooooo, "them thar librul meedeeuh types" is at it again... a "Fauz Nooze Uhlert moment below"
Check out this hayseed below;
Tim: OXY RUSH CONTIN
Oberman is really great. He sure does give both sides of the spectrum. Drink your Kool Aid...oh and your Prius is ready to pick up!!
Posted by Tim | April 14, 2008 4:13 PM
Uhhh right Timmy...is that why members of Ailes staff formerly worked for a Thrice Married Drug Abuser who "borrows" another mans' Viagra' staff??
Fair and balanced??? Timmy...put down the crack pipe, get a GED...and learn to use critical analysis over feeble thinking brought on by having Radio comedians control your thinking and ability to think on your own.
Posted by OXY RUSH CONTIN | April 14, 2008 4:31 PM
Since fox is the sole channel that is NOT almost uniformly liberal Ailes is obviously the most powerful as the other power is so divided so your first two picks must be incorrect.
And to pick Keith Olbermann. I almost thought that was meant to be funny. Olbermann is without doubt the most abusive, idiotic, unfair, and moronic pundit alive. All he ever does is make ad hominem attacks. My favorite is his saying we barely live in a Democracy and then calling Bush again and again and again a moron and evil. He is creepy and stupid.
Lee tabin
Posted by lee tabin | April 14, 2008 4:33 PM
Keith Olbermann will soon loose his dentures while flapping those lips with lies and nothing but negative comments about the everyone that makes sense. Folks, when it happens, it will be the only thing that's worth watching > tee-hee.
Posted by Vee Mateo | April 14, 2008 4:37 PM
Keith Olbermann will soon loose his dentures while flapping those lips with lies and nothing but negative comments about everyone that makes sense. Folks, when it happens, it will be the only thing that's worth watching > tee-hee.
Posted by Vee Mateo | April 14, 2008 4:38 PM
You put K.O. on the list to find out how many people would respond, didn't you? KO means, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 YOUR OUT!
mammawbaby
Posted by Betty S. Thomas | April 14, 2008 4:38 PM
What a load of crap ! Who made this list and what did it cost to win , place and show . The BIG FIX was in on this one and that's for certain. Who ever is responsible should be Bull S___t boarded ! BS Boarding is like water boarding only with the same stuff they are trying to sell as truth . WOW !
Posted by Scott | April 14, 2008 4:39 PM
"Vink: Is anyone else sick of the phrase 'They get it' and the hacks that use it?"
I, for one, sure am! Kudos to you, Vink, for bringing that up!
Posted by 91201man | April 14, 2008 4:41 PM
This ranking is so bad it is "RANK" in fact very rank.In fact very very rank. As a society we are obviously LOST!
Posted by jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj | April 14, 2008 4:45 PM
NBC----Ge, Ge, GE, who makes light bulbs, costly light bulbs. Money in the bank.What company has a network cable to push them to big bucks.
Light bulbs!!!
I bought those Light bulbs years ago to save money. They cost more and didn't last long.
Keith Olberman, didn't he used to be in sports and is now in a mental nut house ????
Posted by jim | April 14, 2008 4:46 PM
This ranking is so bad it is "RANK" in fact very rank.In fact very very rank. As a society we are obviously LOST!
Posted by jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj | April 14, 2008 4:46 PM
This ranking is so bad it is "RANK" in fact very rank.In fact very very rank. As a society we are obviously LOST!
Posted by jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj | April 14, 2008 4:46 PM
Is anyone else baffled at how many people are hell-bent on discrediting Keith Olbermann? Apparently, no one cares that Stephen Colbert is out there proving how truly ridiculous right-wing talking heads sound. Not that they need Colbert's help.
Posted by Jake | April 14, 2008 4:46 PM
Who cares what you right wing white boys think. We'll see who gets the last laugh when President Obama sends out the Reparations checks. We'll buy Fox News and replace O'riledup with Jessie J
Posted by Hillery get out | April 14, 2008 4:48 PM
Were does she find these rateings, Disneyland?
God bless Fox and Roger Ailes. I waited 30 years for the truth to be told.
Posted by Ted Harrison | April 14, 2008 4:49 PM
Olbermann? Hack sports, Hack MSNBC, Hack list. Fire the guy who wrote this stuff. Keith's nickname is DICK.
Posted by Johnnie Twenties | April 14, 2008 4:51 PM
I think Hinnity and Clones and Greta are the best of all.
Posted by flo | April 14, 2008 4:51 PM
Olbermann? Hack sports, Hack MSNBC, Hack list. Fire the guy who wrote this stuff. Keith's nickname is DICK.
Posted by Johnnie Twenties | April 14, 2008 4:51 PM
Olbermann? Hack sports, Hack MSNBC, Hack list. Fire the guy who wrote this stuff. Keith's nickname is DICK.
Posted by Johnnie Twenties | April 14, 2008 4:54 PM
I think Hinnity and Clones and Greta are the best of all.
Posted by flo | April 14, 2008 4:54 PM
Olbermann? Hack sports, Hack MSNBC, Hack list. Fire the guy who wrote this stuff. Keith's nickname is DICK.
Posted by Johnnie Twenties | April 14, 2008 4:54 PM
Olbermann? Hack sports, Hack MSNBC, Hack list. Fire the guy who wrote this stuff. Keith's nickname is DICK.
Posted by Johnnie Twenties | April 14, 2008 4:55 PM
Ohh...that's too funny. Your article had some credibility until
1) Keith Olbermann appeared in 6th place
2) Bill O'reilly follows Olbermann!? yeah right! I'm not a big O'reilly fan, but I know he's way more powerful than Olbermann. Who in the heck is Olbermann anyways!? If it wasn't for fact of him saying retarded comments every now and then, I wouldn't know him.
3) Olbermann gets 1 million viewers!? hahaah .. you gotta be kidding! The viewership for MSNBC doesn't even reach 500k!
Obviously this article was written by a huge Keith Olbermann fan!
regards,
Abe
Posted by Abe | April 14, 2008 4:55 PM
Olbermann? Hack sports, Hack MSNBC, Hack list. Fire the guy who wrote this stuff. Keith's nickname is DICK.
Posted by Johnnie Twenties | April 14, 2008 4:55 PM
Here's another vote for this list as a joke.
Olbermann ahead of O'Reilly pretty much says it all. By no objective means can that decision be justified. Such is the way with modern typical TV "news" types.
Posted by Scott | April 14, 2008 4:56 PM
Olbermann? Hack sports, Hack MSNBC, Hack list. Fire the guy who wrote this stuff. Keith's nickname is DICK.
Posted by Johnnie Twenties | April 14, 2008 4:56 PM
Olbermann? Hack sports, Hack MSNBC, Hack list. Fire the guy who wrote this stuff. Keith's nickname is DICK.
Posted by Johnnie Twenties | April 14, 2008 4:57 PM
I guess the world, outside of the Lib media, doesn't think much of Mr. Olberman. What does he do anyway?
Posted by RON | April 14, 2008 4:57 PM
Here's another vote for this list as a joke.
Olbermann ahead of O'Reilly pretty much says it all. By no objective means can that decision be justified. Such is the way with modern typical TV "news" types.
Posted by Scott in Indy | April 14, 2008 4:58 PM
I have really enjoyed reading these comments. I agree with those who say "where is Glenn Beck"?
And I am amazed at how many comments there are about radio and internet news perosnalities not being on the list. You should read carefully before you comment. It is "TV" people.
And yes, the list is a complete joke. I am still laughing. Keith Olbermann and liberal comedians...how scary that there are people in this world who form their opinions by watching them!! That isn't the news, it's a spoof.
Posted by delilahj | April 14, 2008 5:02 PM
"Frank Redfield: SO MUCH RIGHT WING HATRED FOR KEITH OBERMAN. I GUESS THE 29% SUPPORT FOR BUSH LIKES TO MAKE COMMENTS. BRAVO FOR OBERMAN. FIRST MAJOR MEDIA FIGURE TO CALL OUR PRESENT GOVT WHAT IT IS. FASCIST!"
Listen up, Kool-aid man!
At the very least you might want to consider the possibility that your credibility could be enhanced by correctly spelling your boy's name!
It's spelled O-L-B-E-R-M-A-N-N!
(Memo to conservatives: Never underestimate the rack and ruin that America's public education has wrought on the body politic -- particularly with respect to the young and those on the left!)
Posted by 91201man | April 14, 2008 5:03 PM
THIS IS PURE CRAP!! Glenn Beck should be at least in the Top 5! He is the only person I completely trust in the news and one of the only people ballsy enough to say proudly over and over again that he is a conservative! Thank you Glenn and keep it up!
Keith Olbermann in a nobody. He is so far left and full of hatred I can feel it radiating out of the televison screen. I only occasionally tune in to laugh at his ridiculous hair.
Posted by Emily M. | April 14, 2008 5:06 PM
THIS IS PURE CRAP!! Glenn Beck should be at least in the Top 5! He is the only person I completely trust in the news and one of the only people ballsy enough to say proudly over and over again that he is a conservative! Thank you Glenn and keep it up!
Keith Olbermann in a nobody. He is so far left and full of hatred I can feel it radiating out of the televison screen. I only occasionally tune in to laugh at his ridiculous hair.
Posted by Emily M. | April 14, 2008 5:07 PM
Keith Olbermann? What? Did Professor Irwin Corey die?
Posted by Jimmie Two Times | April 14, 2008 5:07 PM
I think most on the list are liberals, which makes their intelligence and integrity questionable. Most of the major news outlets have been disgraced after being exposed for biased practices and no one serious would waste their time on a polically retarded hack like Keith Olbermann.[sp?] I am afraid the heady old days when liberal loons controlled the media are quite finished.
Posted by Dana in Texas | April 14, 2008 5:14 PM
Unfortunately, this is a TV top 10. (not radio, not internet)
The real top ten people of power in the news are not limited to television. (hence the reason that Matt Drudge (whose site is a tremendous compiler of news from a myriad of sources) and Rush Limbaugh (who's "limited" to a radio audience that is large and quite influential) are not on the list.)
Also, if other personalities were eligible, a few others (notably Sean Hannity and Mark Levin) could make the top 10 overall list for influence in the news. Now, if only Hannity's TV shows were as popular as his radio program...
Posted by Bill | April 14, 2008 5:16 PM
I think most on the list are liberals, which makes their intelligence and integrity questionable. Most of the major news outlets have been disgraced after being exposed for biased practices and no one serious would waste their time on a polically retarded hack like Keith Olbermann.[sp?] I am afraid the heady old days when liberal loons controlled the media are quite finished.
Posted by Dana in Texas | April 14, 2008 5:21 PM
I went to a Yankees baseball game, and most of the people in the stands were Yankee fans. Ergo, most of the people who like baseball are Yankee fans.
I saw a DNC-sponsored debate, and most of the people in the audience were liberal democrats. Ergo, most of the people who will vote are democrats.
I watched CNN a while back and heard nothing but negative stories about Bush and the Republicans. Ergo, all stories about Bush and the Republicans must be negative.
I saw an Obama rally on TV and most of the audience was black. Ergo, most of the people who support Obama are black... no wait, this one is actually true.
Posted by Bill | April 14, 2008 5:27 PM
THE PERSON WHO MADE UP THIS, 10 MOST POWERFUL, SHOULD BE SENT TO WESTOVER SHOE IA. TO WRITE ARTICLES TO THE CORN FIELDS . THE MINUTE KEITH OLBERMANN MADE ANYTHING ON THIS LIST WE KNEW THAT THIS LIST WAS A JOKE, OR THE WRITER WAS AN ESCAPEE FROM A MENTAL HOSPITAL.
Posted by charles | April 14, 2008 5:30 PM
This list is obviously quite left wing biased, it's disgusting. Perfect example of distorted, liberal "news" coverage.
I'm surprised Katie Couric, the most liberal female "journalist" in the world, wasn't at the top of the list.
If this list was in anyway middle of the road, Rush would definitely be on here, without a doubt in my mind.
Of course not, because he is much too serious and honest for the libs to handle.
All in all, this list really made my day. Thank you for the GREAT laugh!
Posted by SmitingLibsEvryDay | April 14, 2008 5:32 PM
"Frank Redfield: SO MUCH RIGHT WING HATRED FOR KEITH OBERMAN. I GUESS THE 29% SUPPORT FOR BUSH LIKES TO MAKE COMMENTS. BRAVO FOR OBERMAN. FIRST MAJOR MEDIA FIGURE TO CALL OUR PRESENT GOVT WHAT IT IS. FASCIST!"
I rest my case about liberal lunatics.
Posted by Dana in Texas | April 14, 2008 5:35 PM
WHAT A CROCK. This must be a list from bizarro world...right? It's a joke...right? Perhaps this is proof of irrelevance...at least for the dolt that put the list together. The only redeeming part was the humor...Olbermann...now that's funny.
Posted by Leif W. Jensen | April 14, 2008 5:41 PM
Geeeze what is this some kind of communist site?
Kieth oberman!!! Please! Why is Glen Beck not on this list?
Independant and free is what America stands for. Wake up and smell the coffee Komrads!!!
Posted by Greg Georgeson | April 14, 2008 6:03 PM
Olbermann? TV's first breakout lib voice? At long last, a lone liberal amongst a sea of right wing conspirators. Gimme a break. Pathetic!
Posted by Mark B. | April 14, 2008 6:03 PM
Simply put:
To borrow from Joe Piscopo's SNL send-up of Frank Sinatra a few years back:
Guys like O'Reilly, Hannity, Hume, Rush, Levin and Beck have pieces of guys like Olbermann and Matthews in their stool!
Posted by 91201man | April 14, 2008 6:18 PM
WOW!!!
Your article about the most powerful me in TV news has two major flaws.
1) You confuse news (amazingly including those behind the scenes) and opinion personalities into one confused mosaic.
2) Your overwhelming liberal bias shines brightly in the (hit)piece. alomst going supernova by the way.
Perhaps a sublte jab would have been more effective as opposed to an apparent "look what I did" attempt at entry into a club I for one want no part of.
Take a long, and perhaps scary, look in the proverbial mirror.....it may be tough at first but if you have an honest bone in your body you have to admit a slight (ahem) skew to the FAR left.
You must feel good about living up to your commitment in college to use your soapbox to achieve your goal of social justice as opposed to actually reporting the news.
Honestly, the piece is laughable...but I would be remiss were I not to acknowledge a Thank You is due if for no other reason than providing yet another reminder of precisely where the majority of the media resides - and that place is also know as the land of intellectual dishonesty.
Hidey-ho folks, herein lives proof of those that have swallowed the hook, line, and sinker.
Posted by Joel | April 14, 2008 6:21 PM
To KO fan:
" ... Falafel/loofah/ ..."?
Huh? Care to run that by us again ... along with a translation?
Posted by 91201man | April 14, 2008 6:23 PM
Guess what? Radio killed the video star!!! The best educated and highest earning demographic DOESN'T WATCH ABS, NBS, CBS- We listen to RUSH, SEAN and GLENN! Put your conventional wisdom in an enema and insert!
Posted by nolan | April 14, 2008 6:28 PM
Where is Glenn Beck? By far the smartest and most common sense personality on TV. Everything that guy says is gold. Keith O is the world's biggest idiot and Bill O is just to harsh. Go Glenn beck!!!!
Posted by Go_Brewers | April 14, 2008 6:28 PM
Where is Glenn beck on this list? He is by far the smartest and most common sense guy on the tube. Everything he says is gold. Keith O is the world's biggest idiot and Bill O is just too harsh. Go Glenn Beck!!!
Posted by Go_Brewers | April 14, 2008 6:30 PM
Reading this ridiculous list of "powerful" news people was 10 minutes of my life I will never get back. What drugs is this author doing anyway? The most powerful people in news are the ones that are watched by the most people, that's where their power comes from. The two most credible commentators on TV today in my book are Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck. I don't waste my time listening to Keith Olbermann's drivel. I pity the advertisers that waste money buying commercial time on MSNBC, because nobody's watching!!!!
Posted by Dreamcatcher | April 14, 2008 6:36 PM
This list is absolutely idiotic. "Most Powerful"? In what way? They mixed apples and oranges. To be a powerful news president or producer is one thing, but to be a spokesperson such as that idiot Olberman, or O'Reilly, Shawn Hannity, or Glenn Beck is another thing entirely. No one knows who those presidents, chairpersons, or CEOs are; they are not powerful in a direct way; they just make it possible for others to voice their opinions. No one is actually listening to them personally. On CNN we have both left-wingers and conservatives, so what does that say about the executives being powerful? They just give those guys opportunities to make them money, and they don't care what they say as long as it doesn't get too out of control.
Without the Glenn Becks, Shawn Hannitys, Bill O'Reillys, and even the Keith Overbearingman, no one is exposed to anything in a powerful way.
Oh, yeah, why wasn't Oprah mentioned? She is a powerful voice to all the housewives, teenagers, left-wing "liberals", and other easily-influenced people.
Posted by Ross | April 14, 2008 6:36 PM
"Hillery get out" wrote:
"Who cares what you right wing white boys think. We'll see who gets the last laugh when President Obama sends out the Reparations checks. We'll buy Fox News and replace O'riledup with Jessie J
Posted by Hillery get out | April 14, 2008 4:48PM"
Clear proof that passing test-scores on English literacy, American History, American Civ and Western Civ should be prerequisites for voting.
Disclaimer: I'm not an Obamaniac.
And one other thing, the afore-mentioned admonition applies to "hans", "Frank Redfield", and "KO fan".
Posted by 91201man | April 14, 2008 6:46 PM
WHOEVER CAME UP WITH THIS LIST IS A FREAKING IDIOT! WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ROGER AILES! RUSH LIMBAUGH SHOULD HAVE BEEN #1 FOLLOWED BY SEAN HANNITY THEN BILL OREILLY! OH MY ACHING BACK!!!!
Posted by Eyvonne Meyer Jonestown, Pennsylvania | April 14, 2008 6:51 PM
Keith Olbermann? You must be delusional.
Posted by Timothy Ritter | April 14, 2008 7:09 PM
Who is Keith Oberman? You are right that this list is not scientific, it's bias is overwhelming!
Posted by Tony M | April 14, 2008 7:14 PM
Where is Lou Dobbs?? This man takes his job to heart in taking up for the middle class. This man should be president !!!!!
Posted by Ron | April 14, 2008 7:19 PM
YES, 29% OF BUSH SUPPORTERS FAR OUTNUMBER THE OLBERMAN SUPPORTERS. ESPECIALLY SINCE THE 19% OF AMERICANS THAT APPROVE OF THE DEMOCRAT RUN CONGRESS EITHER CAN'T TYPE OR THEIR STILL STANDING IN LINE AT THE NEW FOO FOO CAFETERIA THAT STANDS AS THE SINGLE CROWNING ACHEIVMENT OF THE DEMOCRAT LED CONGRESS. LIBERALS HAPPEN!!
Posted by A Functioning Brain | April 14, 2008 7:26 PM
Three words: THIS LIST SUCKS!
Posted by Billy Bob | April 14, 2008 7:37 PM
barf!!!!!
Posted by Jim | April 14, 2008 7:40 PM
hey how many times does bill get to comment?he really must not care for keith.to bad at least he lets his guest finish talking without being an ass.d
Posted by d kohsman | April 14, 2008 7:40 PM
I had to chime in too. TVWeek is about as relevant as Olbermann so..... But seriously, I guess this article was only meant to be read as an internal memo or something and they accidentally published it. Maybe the idea was to get enough of us to say "What the f@#$, I guess I'll just check out this Olbermann guy agian". and voila, his ratings go up. Other than that I've got no idea how this list can be anything but a joke.
Posted by stigby | April 14, 2008 7:43 PM
I am convinced that Keith Olbermann wrote this list. Who else could rank someone who can only draw 1 million people per night? Reason being that if the list included all of the people that drew more than him...he wouldn't even be on the list.
Posted by Scott B. | April 14, 2008 7:57 PM
Keith Olbermann???? are you nuts or just STUPID!!!!!!!
Posted by the OZ | April 14, 2008 8:07 PM
Keith olberman belongs two below katie couric, another powerhouse correspondent.
Posted by MLewinski | April 14, 2008 8:09 PM
kieth olbermann should be listed two below katie couric, another powerhouse of a correspondent
Posted by MLewinski | April 14, 2008 8:12 PM
I've seen more biased stuff out there but,
HERE'S THE BEST PART ABOUT THIS LIST:
"With about 1 million viewers per night, he is MSNBC’s Goliath and so he can gleefully play David to Bill O’Reilly’s Goliath" (talking about Olbermann)
So, Olbermann has 1 million viewers a night, ok.
Here's what they say about O'Reilly:
"He’s still the ratings king of the cable news world, easily bringing more than 2 million viewers into the Fox tent at the beginning of each weeknight and giving Fox a distinct advantage in reach over its competitors."
So most people reading this will think O'Reilly has 2 million viewers a night. But, in reality, he has 2 million viewers on the first run and another 2 million on the next run and I believe about another million on his 3rd run in the middle of the night. While Olbermann has 1 million total. Just thought I'd clear that up. And on Monday-Thursday, Bill's ratings are even higher than 5 million viewers total. The average ratings include fridays. Sometimes, on friday he is not there so they lose ratings, and the ratings are also always lower on friday on any show. The average ratings also include the days he is on vacation.
Posted by Greg | April 14, 2008 8:14 PM
First, let me remind everyone this the "10 most powerful people in TV news," therefore any reporters/anchors that appear on the list are jokes.
Tim Russert, Keith Olbermann, etc., are just mouthpieces. They have all the intellect required for a journalism degree, which is equivalent to the intellect of a sea sponge. Their talent is in thier looks (the pacifistic, pussy, white male) and the questions their handlers (producers, directors, advertisers, "just giving advice") create to move the "story line" forward.
As much "experience" in the medium as these reporters/anchors have, it's no secret that none of them are Mensa members or Ivy School heroes. And those that listen to them without a sense of irony are, quite frankly, stupid or ignorant.
Olbermann sucks! Russert sucks! But THEY ALL SUCK! They are all making money by poking us in the ribs! Kill them all, economically (yeah that's what i meant! hee hee!), STOP WATCHING THE TELEVISION YOU STUPID MONKEYS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Moe Shroom | April 14, 2008 8:37 PM
I am very surprised by this list, and especially by the negative comments about Keith Olbermann. What is so wrong about someone speaking their mind? So what if you don't believe what he's saying, as I actually do? He's bold and smart enough to actually speak his mind. O'reilly has his own fan base. Glenn Beck has his fan base as well. While I think everyone on this list deserves to be, ratings have nothing to do with rankings. O'Reilly was big news a few years ago. He's not the hard-edged pompas ass he was. He's just like every other talking head, but he's still spouting the same right-wing crap he was before. Olbermann is always new and always fresh. He deserves to be on the list as well as everyone else.
Rush is not on TV, neither is Drudge. Case closed on those two.
Posted by Julia | April 14, 2008 8:40 PM
what a load of crap!!!!!!! Glenn beck and lou dobbs should be 1 & 2. wake up America and smell the roses. This is like the stupid list that we have running for pres. did you compile the same lists???????????????????????
Posted by karren | April 14, 2008 8:41 PM
YEAH RIGHT.......COUNT DOWN TO "NO RATINGS" Olbermann? The media still is in denile and I am very sadden by the need to prop up a pathetic guy who no one knows or watches. How about putting up who gets the best ratings? That would go against the media template! Sad delusional people.
Posted by Christy623 | April 14, 2008 8:44 PM
I can NOT simply understand how anyone can continually rant and rave about the liberal media, when the media you are supporting has a similar 'bias' It's the conservative right wing wisdom coming out of Fox News and Bill O'Rielly's mouth. How is it any different? I mean talk about sensationalizing news and snaring viewers with flashy graphics and headlines, along with confrontational anchors spouting off nonsense to keep viewers locked in. If that's not fair and balanced I don't know what is.
Posted by Oliver | April 14, 2008 9:24 PM
Where are the women on this list? Barbara Walters...maybe? If you can put Olbermann on the list Babs can be there too. The only women...a part owner of an agency and a comedian! Isn't it 2008.
Posted by Ovaries | April 14, 2008 9:42 PM
Keith Olbermann is the epitomy of an elitist, leftist, pompous, media person that thinks he knows the answer for everything for America. He is an idiot living in a fantasy world as are most in the media today. My university journalism professors would probably puke on most of these so called reporters and news professionals.
Maybe Olbermann should actually get out of New York and see how the rest of us live. Oh, I almost forgot. He might get his $1000 dollar suit and tie and Italian shoes dirty if lowered himself to the level of the lower to upper middle class citizenry of this country and saw what the rest of us really do and what our opinions really are.
This class warfare put forth by the like's of Olbermann is the same brand of fascism that made Hitler popular. It makes me sick and I worry not only for my country, but mostly for my son's future.
This article has less than zero credibility.
Posted by James R. | April 14, 2008 10:05 PM
What a freakin' Joke!
Posted by Melissa | April 14, 2008 10:39 PM
The only way he can say anything is if someone writes it for him. Can he even spell "liberal".
What a looser (Oh sorry, that could be hate mail).
He didn't last long here in LA.
Posted by James | April 14, 2008 10:59 PM
Fox Rocks! If you want the truth just tune into them. O'Reilly is awesome. I will listen to Glenn Beck too, but the others on your list has a lot to be desired.....Like I said FOX ROCKS!
Posted by SheilaWK | April 14, 2008 11:28 PM
WHO DECIDED THESE NUMBERS? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF RATINGS?
O'REILLY DEFINITELY #1, GLEN BECK #2, SEAN HANNITY #3,GRETA VAN SUSTERN #4..............
SORRY, I'M DISTRACTED.....KEITH OLBERMAN? HE'S A PIG. I WOULDN'T WATCH HIM IF MY TV GOT ONLY ONE CHANNEL AND MSNBC WAS IT.
LAST, AND I DO MEAN 'LAST', TIME I WATCHED OLBERMAN HE WAS CHUCKLING OVER A REPORT ON JOHN MCCAIN WALKING THROUGH THE AIRPORT CARRYING HIS OWN SUITCASES.THIS WAS BACK IN THE DAY WHEN MCCAIN DIDN'T SEEM TO HAVE A CHANCE, WAS OUT OF MONEY SO HE'D HAD TO LET ALL HIS CAMPAIGN PEOPLE GO.BUT HE HADN'T GIVEN UP.
ALL I COULD THINK OF WAS THE PICTURES I'D SEEN OF MCCAIN ON THAT BED IN A PRISONER OF WAR CAMP; BEATEN, TORTURED AND BROKEN, FOR FIVE AND A HALF YEARS! AND HERE WAS OLBERMAN LAUGHING AT HIM; THE HACK, LAUGHING AT THE WAR HERO. I THOUGHT, 'IF OLBERMAN WENT THROUGH A FRACTION OF THE STUFF MCCAIN WENT THROUGH IN THAT POW CAMP, HE WOULD HAVE BEEN SCREAMING LIKE A GIRL, AND PEEING ALL OVER HIMSELF'.
I IMMEDIATELY CHANGED THE CHANNEL,WENT TO MY COMPUTER AND DONATED TO THE MCCAIN CAMPAIGN.
I HAVEN'T TUNED INTO MSNBC SINCE, AND MCCAIN IS THE ONE FOR WHOM I'LL PLACE MY VOTE.
OLBERMAN, YOU ARE A HACK OF THE WORST DEGREE, AND YOUR HERO, EDWARD R MURROW, WOULD BITCH SLAP YOU IF HE WERE ALIVE TODAY.
Posted by Naomi | April 15, 2008 12:06 AM
~~~Sorry to burst someone's bubble, but I tune in
the NBC News at 6:30 while I'm busy playing in the kitchen so I'll be on the right channel for Wheel of Fortune at 7:00, and Jeopardy at 7:30. For news, I LISTEN to Rush, Hannity, Beck,
Savage, and, of course, O'Reilly. Their views
are necessary so I can correctly interpret the newspaper which I read cover to cover daily.
~~~What can we do to reduce Election campaigning to six months at most??? This endless insanity has been excruciating.
Grace in Lansing
Posted by GRACE BAUMEISTER | April 15, 2008 12:49 AM
The "TRUTH", ABC, NBC, CNN, and MSNBC can't stand the truth!!!
Posted by Geo Benson | April 15, 2008 1:36 AM
It's par for the course that liberals are at the top of the list. Anyone that really rocks the boat was left off - Glenn Beck for one. The man is a genius. Bill O'Reilly is what he used to be, therefore, doesn't really count in my opinion.
Posted by Shirley C | April 15, 2008 3:40 AM
This list is a joke! Obviously this list was made by fellow liberals! And what the hell is with Amy Poehler, she is an actress! She does a news skit! She isn't a real newsperson! Just because many of us wanna poleher doesn't make her a news person!
Posted by Lord Brion | April 15, 2008 5:30 AM
I'd like to see Glenn Beck on that list. I suppose liberals beget the media, so it's no surprise that you don't see people like Beck or Savage here. Hope is not lost however, since most of the comments here show that I am in good company.
Posted by NObama | April 15, 2008 5:38 AM
Glenn Beck should have been on this list. I agree with number 10. They at least make your entire article trash, as it is!!! NBC sucks, from anything to news and primetime anymore. I must admit I used to watch Fox but Glenn Beck is so much better.
Posted by melissa | April 15, 2008 5:41 AM
Talk about your own agenda.....some one must have had to come up with an article to keep their job.
Posted by Sandra | April 15, 2008 6:05 AM
Glenn Beck for President on the Independent ticket!!!!
Posted by Lindsey | April 15, 2008 6:13 AM
The best way to give recognition to those you don't want recognized is to avoid recognizing them. That is why you didn't put Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh on the list. Well, I just did.
Posted by Charlie | April 15, 2008 6:17 AM
To put this LIBERAL/SOCIALIST/FASCIST leaning report in a proper perspective, you should studiously dig through a book that Glenn Beck spent so much worthy time on, with the author, LIBERAL FASCISM BY JONAH GOLDBERG. Let's say a viscious serial murderer becomes CELEBRATED AND ACCEPTED by calling a very decent person a viscious serial murderer. Now you understand how a liberal calls a conservative fascist or nazi, when history and agenda prove that liberals are the true fascists and nazis. It's too obvious, and this book helps prove it. Thanks to Glenn and Jonah! Read this book! It is as important as Glenn said.
Posted by Bob in Florida | April 15, 2008 6:37 AM
The best part about this article is the comments. It actually seems the relevent also. It is hard to get that MOST of America does not live in New York or California. It is nice to hear from the people in between. Oh, and I strongly disagree with the list. If I published my findings this way, I would loose my job. NEW WORD FOR THE DAY.... Quantify.
Posted by The Chad | April 15, 2008 6:51 AM
Wow! Rush Scumbag's and Bill Orally's fans are really giving Keith O. a bashing on this board. That's fine - he can take it. Keith is a breath of fresh air. He's not afraid to call these right-wing nut jobs on their lies, lies, lies. Give'em hell, Keith, and keep on Orally's butt till he implodes!
Posted by Gwen | April 15, 2008 6:52 AM
Keith Olbermann is loved by other liberals in the media and the HuffPost crowd. Bottom line is that he (along with Hannity, et al) is an intellectually dishonest partisan who is contributing to the low state of public discourse. The only difference is that his ratings suck.
Posted by Mike | April 15, 2008 7:01 AM
OXY RUSH CONTIN:
I must have hit a nerve there guy. I usually do with Liberal scum like you who think that this was about "Radio" in a TV Week article...but you're the smart one.
I'm guessing you can't spell analysis without anal.
Posted by Tim | April 15, 2008 7:16 AM
Michele Greppi are you for real?
Posted by Jim | April 15, 2008 7:21 AM
Hey Gwen.......are you blonde?????????
Posted by the OZ | April 15, 2008 7:24 AM
Wow...
I have never seen so many ill-informed right-wing nuts in one comment thread in my life.
Just turn your brains off and go back to doing whatever Hannity, Beck, O'Reilly and Limbaugh tell you to do.
Geez... So many Lemmings...
Posted by ChrisM70 | April 15, 2008 7:31 AM
Keith,
I'm also guessing that you know the Democratic lead house has an even worse approval rating than W. I'm curious why you "LEFT" that out??
Posted by Tim | April 15, 2008 7:33 AM
O'Reilly is boring..boring..boring!
Olberbann is predictable..Bush sucks..Bush sucks!
Hannity is a saint..just ask him.
Lou Dobbs...is confused. But he means well.
Wolf Blitzer...is an ugly woman.
Chris Mathews...Talks too fast and he's boring.
Anderson Cooper..Works for the Obama campaign.
Greta..I like her better than O' Reilly.
Glenn Beck..THE BOMB! Refreshing! Funny! Smart!
Interesting! Covers the EU! Say's what he thinks!
He gives his guest time to speak! He doesn't have a different guest on every three minutes, which gives you time to get interested in the subject before the guest is gone. He covers the economy, the stock market!
WHY WOULD YOU WATCH ANYTHING ELSE!!!!
Posted by Alicia | April 15, 2008 7:46 AM
Keith Olbermann - the best thing on television that's not on Comedy Central. Bill-O - otherwise known as the gas bag bigot - why is he on the list? All those right wing talking heads have the same group of brown shirts - I mean listeners - waiting for the next hypocrisy to spew from their lips. You know - the people who live in America but have no idea what it really stands for.
Posted by Phil | April 15, 2008 7:49 AM
to davecatbone: what is a maroon?
Posted by deafjones | April 15, 2008 7:57 AM
From reading the comments here it looks like Keith Olbermann has gotten under the skin of the rethuglicans. I would have ranked him much higher. O'Reilly, Rush, and the rest of the reich-wing are on their way out.
Posted by Jeff | April 15, 2008 7:59 AM
I'm shouldn't be stunned by the amount of Lemmings as well...
It seems that all the comments follow this formula:
[Name1]? What a [noun]? [Name1] is a [adjective] [noun]. [Name2] is [noun] and has [adjective] [noun]. [Network1] is [adjective] and [Network2] is [adjective]. This column is a [noun]. It has no [adjective].
ad nauseam
Must be MAD Libs for Conservatives. After all, most are mad at liberals (for real or imagined harms). Just whatever they're told to be mad about.
Posted by George | April 15, 2008 8:01 AM
Bill O'Lielly being a proven stalker, sexual pervert, habityal liar and terrible bigot isn't worthy of spit shining Olbermann's shoes. O'lielly is just soooo jealous of Keith and therefore should be kneeling in front of him kissing his ass, since he will always beat him in the ratings.
Posted by Limp-Dick Blimpaugh | April 15, 2008 8:02 AM
HA!!!
Posted by Lucy P | April 15, 2008 8:05 AM
ChirsM70- Just how much brain do you need to hear Bush sucks..Mr. Bush sucks, President Bush sucks!
Oh..and Bush is the "Worst Person in The Wooorrrlllddd!"
Posted by Alicia | April 15, 2008 8:11 AM
"If you're 20 and not a liberal, you don't have a heart. If you're 30 and not a Conservative, you don't have a brain."
And if you're 40 and not a progressive, you don't have a soul.
Posted by Rahm_Emanuel_Is_A_Tool | April 15, 2008 8:12 AM
Your comments are so informed, and hilarious. Glad I'm on your side!! Hope the authors of this read these.
Posted by THANKS | April 15, 2008 8:12 AM
"If you're 20 and not a liberal, you don't have a heart. If you're 30 and not a Conservative, you don't have a brain."
... and if you're posting trite quotes on internet message boards, you lack the capacity for original thought.
Posted by xii | April 15, 2008 8:12 AM
Phone.
Falafel.
Loofah.
Shower.
Repeat.
Posted by H Himmler | April 15, 2008 8:17 AM
Why is Olbermann more relevant and powerful today? It's probably because anyone paying attention knows that America has descended into fascism and Olbermann has pointed this out with the truth of the Bush/Cheney regime's terrorizing of America and shredding of the Constitution. Only about 28% of Americans support Bush at this time. O'Reilly became irrelevant to many of us when he descended into the nonsensical "news" stories like the War on Christmas. The posts here show there are still a lot of Republican party firsters who will maybe get it after they've lost their job, can no longer afford gas for their car, have lost their home, and are walking a breadline due to the Bush/Cheney debacle in Iraq, our 10 trillion dollar national debt, and our great "ownership society" based on lies, tax breaks for billionaires, and an unfettered free enterprise corporate Wall Street first kill-the middle-class economy.
Posted by Lee | April 15, 2008 8:21 AM
I think it is interesting that for the majority of conservative commenters, any journalist who doesn't espouse views similar to their own is a "moron", "joke" or (insert afront to persons character here).
While the order of list is arguable, the reasoning behind the inclusion of the likes of Olbermann and Stewart is unmistakable. The majority of Americans hold views far more liberal then the O'Reilly's and Limbaugh's of the world. They want out of Iraq, they want more affordable health care, they don't want to give tax breaks to the rich while they suffer, they don't want to give telecoms immunity, they appreciate their civil rights, they like social security the way it is, they don't want to kick every illegal immigrant out of the country and, frankly, they are tired of being lied to by polticians and their proxies in the media.
So O'Reilly's or (insert name of neo-con here)'s ability to draw a daily audience of two million plus fellow conservatives overshadows their polarizing affect on the rest of the more liberal population. No doubt his ratings will remain strong, but support for his views will continue to wane among the majority of the voting population, as it has for some time.
Posted by Frank | April 15, 2008 8:25 AM
If Glenn Beck was on the list I might take it seriously.
Lots of people don't want to know the truth.
Posted by Lois Y | April 15, 2008 8:26 AM
TelevisionWeek will be unveiling it's list of the 3 most intelligent news writers at ABC, CBS and NBC next week. Unnamed sources inside the three networks are naming the writers to be.. MOE, CURLY and LARRY.
Posted by Rod | April 15, 2008 8:28 AM
Wow, This thread is full of consevatards. Right wing loonies, Keep voting against your best interest. Lee, You are spot-on!
Posted by SoYo | April 15, 2008 8:34 AM
George- And what part of speech is this?
Fuck You!
Posted by Alicia | April 15, 2008 8:36 AM
Time and time again, Keith Olbermann is the one of the few news anchors calling this administration on its incompetence and cover-up mentality. And let me guess, something tells me Glenn Beck linked to this article.... (and by the way, Glenn's ratings are lower than ANYBODY's...he was even lower than Tucker if that was possible....)
Posted by Truth to Power | April 15, 2008 8:42 AM
What was I thinking? The "Progressive" liberals have had it right the whole time. Olberman is TONAR! Impeach Bush/Cheeney, cuz it's all their fault. We need to tax the haves and give it to the have nots. We need more partial birth abortions to control global warming. we need socialized medicine so i won't have the choice to go to Burger King, or drink booze. We need to pull our troops out of Iraq immediately regardless of what happens. We need to kill marriage, religion, family. We need a Ministry of Love!!
Posted by Tim | April 15, 2008 8:42 AM
It's amazing to watch people repeat the myth that the Corporate media is somehow Liberal.
Corporations and Republican politicians are idealogical soulmates. They both want lower taxes, deregulation, and little to no oversight. The Corporate media has been in bed with the Conservatives for years.
When people ask me how George Bush re-elected, I'll point them to these comments.
Posted by AkaDad | April 15, 2008 8:44 AM
The list is mostly Jewi$h. Interesting...
Posted by Trertop | April 15, 2008 8:46 AM
I don't know whether to be amused or depressed by all the Rush Limbaugh/Matt Drudge water-carriers on this message board. Many have written that these two ass-clowns do all the prep work for the real news stories that appear in every news outlet in the country. By making or even agreeing with this grand statement, of course, all of you conservative dimwits are simply disproving your own unfounded opinion that the mainstream media is "liberally biased." Think about it: if all the news outlets are merely parroting the stories broken by these two right-wing hacks, then all these media outlets are merely passing on right-wing slanted stories. The media can't be both "liberally biased" and constantly passing on right-wing created news stories at the same time - it's simply impossible. This is simply further evidence that the most vocal members of the conservative movement are the biggest bunch of reality-defying, self-serving, self-aggrandizing, self-pitying, annoying idiots in the universe. So go ahead and keep playing the role of pitiful martyr to the "liberally biased" media if it makes you feel better; the rest of us will continue to laugh at how pathetic you really are.
Posted by Murray Rizberg | April 15, 2008 8:49 AM
Hey idiots, this is TV, not radio... stop talking about Rush Limbaugh. I do listen to Rush everyday, but only because his hypocrisy and arrogance entertains me.
As for TV, Glenn Beck? Come on. Guy is a total tool. I'm surprised his show hasn't been canceled. His ratings suck.
Meanwhile, Keith O and Bill O both annoy me. It's funny to see all the conservatives having a fit by this list though. As such, I think the list is accurate.
Posted by someguy | April 15, 2008 8:53 AM
I'm wondering if TV Week is concerned about the state of unbalance in the politics of its' readers. There seems to be a preponderance of conserviatives. With the exception of the latest from Hollywood (which I gather K. O.'s producers make him cover) I find his programming to be thought-provoking and entertaining--expecially the first 30 minutes. I can't believe so many people find him so hateful. It makes me wonder if the vitriolic conservatives ever bothered to sit down and listen to him. As for admitting his errors--at least he corrects himself. I watch both Olbermann's and O'Reilly's shows, and I can't ever remember O'Reilly ever correcting himself. That would be admitting he isn't perfect and above all, RIGHT!
Posted by Margi Baack | April 15, 2008 8:53 AM
If anybody thinks Keith Olbermann should even be on a rate chart....excuse me SoHo...This should be the liberal wing loonies chart....period!!~!
Posted by nodimsumforme | April 15, 2008 8:53 AM
It is truly too bad that the terrorists did not fly planes into Newscorp and Faux news studios. Fallafel boy paid out 10 million dollars to that woman.. to bad she did not allow the case to lead to her sitting O'Reillys throat from ear to ear.
Posted by Kill Bill O'Lielly | April 15, 2008 9:00 AM
28% of the country approves of Bush, 70% of the country feels we are headed in the wrong direction and 98% of the mouth breathing, knuckle-draggers who have responded on this site live on the most ignorant possible side of those figures. You are now officially anachronisms and I for one (and no doubt Keith for two) couldn't be happier about it. In the next four years you will be getting a better country with more respect for the constitution and your right to be dolts than you have for the last eight years. I hope you can enjoy it.
Posted by Steeves | April 15, 2008 9:02 AM
Kill Bill, you are one sick individual. Just goes to show the liberal side of things. How can anyone with a decent soul wish death on ANYone?
A pattern I've noticed is that liberals are spoon fed the junk that loud mouths like Obermann and Maher spout out and call it their opinions because they want to fit in with Hollywood. Conservatives understand common sense, and they feel comfort knowing folks like Beck, OReilly, et. al. agree with them and have a booming voice over the fascist liberals.
To Conservatives: Just be thankful you aren't in the dark, nor are you alone. Don't let the liberals call you stupid for standing up for what's right.
Posted by NObama | April 15, 2008 9:07 AM
I don't watch much TV news, but if you Repugs hate Olbermann so much, I will definitely make it a point to watch him. Anyone who can make you all so rabid deserves