So last night’s rumors turned out to be true: Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann will be launching his own television show at Current TV. He’ll executive produce and anchor the nightly program, which will air during prime time. Notably, he’ll also become the chief news officer for the network, which was founded by Al Gore and Joel Hyatt in 2005, and will have an equity stake in it. “Keith Olbermann is a gifted thinker, an amazing talent and a powerful communicator, and having him tap Current as his new home is exciting and very much in line with the core vision we founded this network on: To engage viewers with smart, provocative and timely programming,” Gore said, according to a press release sent out this morning. As glowing as that praise is, we prefer the boilerplate rave from the PR team at 42 West. “Keith Olbermann, the acclaimed broadcaster and writer whose verbal pyrotechnics and moral passion have outraged, informed, and dazzled viewers of Countdown With Keith Olbermann for the past eight years, is bringing his slashing wit, analytical eye, and distinctive commentary to Current Media.” Slashing! Dazzling! Pyrotechnics! After that, if Keith delivers anything less than the Cirque du Soleil of evening-news broadcasts, we’re going to be sorely disappointed.
