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!

MSNBC’s Olbermann to Work With ‘Network’s’ Sorkin?

After the internet world erupted with the sudden departure of Keith Olbermann from MSNBC, rumors and speculation began to emerge as to what’s next for the ex-MSNBC commentator. Could Olbermann be setting his sights on a Hollywood gig? Recent reports have him considering a role with Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, The Social Network). A source close to Sorkin’s latest project says the duo could be soon joining forces. Sorkin has had a pilot script in the works about a cable news show and now it seems that Olbermann could be tapped to contribute rants. While penning the script for his latest behind-the-scenes show, Sorkin spent a considerable amount of time on the set of Olbermann’s show. Sorkin recently told BBC that he also spent time with Chris Matthews and Fox News, while juggling The Social Network and a possible unconfirmed HBO gig. What do you all think? Should the genius behind the Social Network‘s screenplay be brought back to network television with this idea? If so, should Olbermann get on the train? Let us know below or in our FORUMS!

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?