Glenn Beck & FOX News Parting Ways

As we reported previously, there were rumors swirling about the Glenn Beck and Fox News relationship breaking up. It began with sources (NYT said they were Fox News producers) telling the New York Times that they were looking to cancel his show (many didn’t believe it, calling anyone who reported the NYT News as a liberal bias news source, including us!), then news turned into Beck leaving on his own accord about a week or two later, which is what the Beck fans were more than happy to point out to us when that news broke. Whatever the circumstances, the relationship break has become official, with Beck stating that he will be slowly “transitioning” off his show on Fox to pursue other projects on his own.

It seems the relationship between the two had gotten a bit precarious recently anyway. His ratings were still up, but had been steadily falling over the last year. Many advertisers had pulled their sponsorship, stating they did not want to be associated with the gloom and doom of Beck, leaving him with mainly Gold sellers and the like as far as sponsors go. On the other hand, Beck himself felt confined in his role on Fox, wanting to branch out to pursue Documentaries, focus more on his radio show, and maybe even start his own network.

So the break was pretty natural it seems, on both ends, and may just benefit them both.  In a mutual statement put out by Beck and Fox, they added that Beck and Fox may pursue special projects together in the future.

** Disclaimer: We here at the Yak just report it as the news breaks folks. If it’s a News story about a TV show, whether it comes from what you believe to be right or left leaning, it’s still News. We often put in our sources as well. We leave it up to the reader to make up their own mind about the breaking stories and news, and will continue to do so, rather than tell people what to think. Sure, we let our writers put in some of their own opinions and commentary, but regardless, the news story is what leads. We apologize if the News itself is not what you would like to hear, or is somehow in conflict with your opinion. We welcome opinions from all over the spectrum, either below in the comments, or in the Forum where we discuss all the shows regularly.

Are you a Glenn Beck fan? Sad to see him go from Fox? Do you think the break was mutual? Is Beck really leaving on his own accord, or was he pushed out by FOX behind the scenes? We are talking about it in the FORUM!

Fox to Send Glenn Beck Packing?

Glenn Beck’s number may finally be up, at Fox News that is. With his ratings down a third since last summer, and his lunacy getting well, more crazy if that’s possible, insiders at the network say they may not renew his contract.

His nightly numbers are still outshining his competitors, but even Fox thinks his message is just too depressing. Joel Cheatwood, the Senior Vice President of Development for Fox News downplays that viewers may be getting tired of his incessant rants and messages, but does admit that keeping the show upbeat is a concern and priority.

“We have talked about that, at his instigation,” Cheatwood said, “It is really important that no matter how dire he thinks things are or what horrible direction things may be going from his perspective that the show maintains a sense of hope.”

“What you see on television with Glenn is the real guy,” he added, “and that is a double-edged sword. If he is upset about something, you see it.”

“He used to be a lot funnier,” David Von Drehle, who wrote an article about Beck in Time magazine said. “He was the befuddled everyman and something entirely new, but the longer people have listened to his ranting and raving, the wearier they become. Now you are just getting down to diehards. I mean, how many people were in the Waco compound at the end? A couple of hundred?”

Funny how Mr. Von Drehle compared him to a cult leader, as this writer tends to agree. In my opinion, we are watching a man unfold on National Television, much in the same respects we see Charlie Sheen unfolding, sans the drugs. I have no problem with a different view politically, but to take this into outerspace with conspiracy theories is hurtful to this nation. How I really feel about him personally I will refrain.

Fox Execs even cringe at some of his outrageous behavior (like suggesting Barack Obama has a “deep seated hatred for white people” or suggesting that anyone who differs from him politically is a terrorist or the “antichrist”) Execs admit this challenges the credibility of the News Organization as a whole, and nearly 300 advertisers have pulled the plug on his show, leaving mostly Gold marketers with doomsday messages that support Beck’s message.

He still sells tons of books, has a “hit” radio show, owns “The Blaze” website, and sells out stage performances, so I am assuming he will be alright without Fox. It’s just too bad, in my opinion, that people still listen to him at all.

In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that Beck himself was criticizing Keith Olbermann’s “pain in the ass” behavior that resulted in Keith’s early departure from MSNBC. I guess it’s yet another pot calling the kettle?

What do you think? Do you watch Beck? Will you be sad to see him go? Let us know below!

Charlie Sheen Fired from Two and a Half Men

It’s official, Charlie Sheen was officially fired this morning from Two and a Half Men. Read below for details.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Charlie Sheen was fired Monday from “Two and a Half Men” by Warner Bros. Television following repeated misbehavior and weeks of the actor’s angry, often-manic media campaign against his studio bosses.

The was taken after “careful consideration” and is effective immediately, the studio said in a statement. No decision has been made on the show’s future without its star, said Paul McGuire, a Warner spokesman.

The actor, who has used TV, radio and social media to create a big megaphone for himself, was not silent for long.

In a text to The Associated Press, Sheen responded, with the F-word and “They lose,” followed by the word “Trolls.” Asked if he planned to sue, Sheen texted back, “Big.” As for his next move, Sheen texted, “A big one.”

A call to his attorney, Marty Singer, for comment was not immediately returned.

Charlie Sheen Breaks His Silence

Charlie Sheen has decided to issue a statement to the media and his fans today for the first time since entering his rehab treatment. In the statement, he thanks CBS and the Cast of Two and a Half Men for their support.

“I have a lot of work to do to be able to return the support I have received from so many people,” Sheen said. 
”I want to say ‘thank-you’ to my fellow cast members, the crew of Two and a Half Men and everyone at CBS and Warner Bros., especially Les Moonves and Bruce Rosenblum for their concern and support.
And to my fans, your good wishes have touched me very much. 
Like Errol Flynn, who had to put down his sword on occasion, I just want to say, ‘thank-you.’”

No one is sure how long Sheen is expected to be out of commission, but there is speculation it could take at least three weeks. Personally, I think more time is probably needed than that.

What do you think? Should he take more time off? Are you going to miss the show? Comment below!

Charlie Sheen Rushed to Hospital

Charlie Sheen was rushed to Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills early Thursday for stomach pains. His condition is still unknown at this time. Reportedly, paramedics were called to Sheen’s address at 6:35 a.m. after a 911 call.

According to TMZ, Sheen was apparently partying all night with 5 women, one of them porn star Kacey Jordan.

This is just the latest in Charlie Sheen’s troubles. We here at the Yak hope he can recover from his current crisis, get himself some help, and get back to work.

Keith Olbermann Leaves MSNBC

Keith Olbermann tells us this is his last show tonight on MSNBC, marking an abrupt end, and departure from MSNBC.

Olbermann, the very successful, albeit controversial, broadcaster of the show ‘Countdown’ did not address the why’s on his exit, just that he is leaving. According to NBC, his contract expired, which was not set to expire until two years from now. The network and the host were in re-negotiations, but that should not have any bearing on the current contract. All we are left to do is speculate.

Some sources say the merger of NBC and Comcast had something to do with it, but Comcast denies any such notion.

The only real quote we got from the network was “”MSNBC thanks Keith for his integral role in MSNBC’s success and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

His program on MSNBC was their top rated program, what will they do now? His leaving was so abrupt that MSNBC still has him in their “Lean Forward” ads. To end his show, like he has every Friday night, he read a James Thurber short story, this one titled “Scottie Who Knew Too Much” published in 1940.
The story’s final line: “It is better to ask some of the questions than to know all of the answers.”

After thanking a few people, like the late Tim Russert (but not any brass from NBC) he said his good night and good luck.

…and with that, the show ended, and Countdown was over.

MSNBC announced that Lawrence O’Donnell, who substituted for Keith on many occasions will take over Olbermann’s time slot beginning this Monday.

No one knows yet what Olbermann plans to do. Will he go to CNN? Will he go anywhere or does the buyout of his contract forbid him at this time? My guess is we will find out more sooner than later. Keep an eye on Keith’s twitter! I’m sure it will start sending messages soon.

Did you watch Olbermann? What are your feelings on him leaving? Will you follow him to another network if he so chooses to go there?

Betty White and Mary Tyler Moore Reunited!

Is it ‘Hot in Cleveland’? You bet!

The show premiers this Wednesday on TV Land, with Mary Tyler Moore as a guest star! That’s right! It has been 33 years since Mary Tyler Moore and Betty White appeared on screen together so be sure to set your Tivo/DVR! It’s bound to be hilarious!

Airs Jan 19, 10pm ET on TV Land.

Guns N’ Roses Denies ‘Glee’ Tribute

Not many acts turn down an offer from one of TV’s biggest hits, but Guns N’ Roses is taking a stand. Slash, the band’s former guitarist, revealed that he and frontman Axl Rose were approached by Glee producers regarding a possible tribute episode to the band’s biggest hits. He went on to say that they opted not to be a part of the newly crowned Best Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes. In an interview with EW, Slash said “In the current climate of what’s going on in entertainment these days, I try to be more optimistic than negative, because it’s really easy to get negative about it, but I draw the line at ‘Glee.’ ‘Glee’ is worse than ‘Grease,’ and ‘Grease’ is bad enough. … When ‘Grease’ came out, I was like, ‘Oh, c’mon, give me a break.’ Actually, I look at ‘Grease’ now and think, ‘Between “High School Musical” and “Glee,” “Grease” was a brilliant work of art.”

Kings of Leon and Coldplay have also turned down Glee producers in the past; however, Coldplay has since reconsidered and cleared the show for use of their songbook. What do you think? Are you happy Guns N’ Roses said no? Do you think they’ll change their mind? Let us know below and in our FORUMS!

‘LOST’ Encyclopedia Now Available!

Just months after TV lost it’s big island mystery, the first and fully licensed comprehensive reference for ALL things LOST is being released. With more than 400 pages and over 1500 images, the LOST Encyclopedia is sure to be a must-have for all huge fans. The encyclopedia will serve as a guide to the characters, locations, island history, relationships, plots, and mythologies from the show’s six seasons. The encyclopedia also contains a special Foreward from producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse. You can order the LOST Encyclopedia straight from the Yak’s forum front page (HERE, on the left hand sidebar) from Amazon. The encyclopedia available for purchase now in the United States and will be available on Oct 21 in the UK and on October 12 in Canada.

So LOST fans? Is this a must have or are you done with all things LOST? Let us know what you think below or comment in our FORUMS!

‘Big Bang’ Co-stars Secretly Together For Two Years

It looks like the love was not only on-screen for this duo. According to the latest edition of the CBS online Watch Magazine, Kaley Cuoco, star of hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory, admits to a happy two-year relationship with co-star Johnny Galecki. The love of Penny and Leonard had a real-life component to it and not just a minor fling, either. Cuoco comments, “This is the first time I’ve ever talked about it, ever. It was a wonderful relationship but we never spoke a word about it and never went anywhere together. We were so protective of ourselves and the show and didn’t want anything to ruin that.” But keeping it so quiet was the hardest part of it all. “Everyone was always asking, and we deny-deny-denied. And I’m like, ‘Why am I denying this person that I love?’ It took a little bit of a toll on me and I think it did for him, too.” Even though this relationship ended on good terms, the 24 year old says she doesn’t plan on dating actors again.

Kaley and Johnny still remain great friends and she makes a point to note that this has not affected the cast dynamic on set. While the off-screen romance lasted 2 years, the on-screen romance spanned for about a season on the hit sitcom. No comment regarding the relationship has been made by Galecki. The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8pm EST/7pm CST on CBS.  What do you think? Are you surprised by this secret pairing?  Let us know in our FORUMS or comment below!