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Countdown on NBC!

Posted: Monday, August 20, 2007 1:44 PM by Countdown

Official press release after the jump.

SPECIAL EDITION OF "COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN" TO AIR ON NBC SUNDAY AUGUST 26 AT 7 PM ET/6 PM CT

SECAUCUS, N.J., August 20, 2007 – MSNBC's Keith Olbermann will bring his unique take on the day's events, from politics to pop culture, to a primetime network audience this Sunday night. A special edition of "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" will air on Sunday, August 26th at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT on NBC, leading into the network's "Sunday Night Football" pre-season NFL matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers, live at 8 p.m. ET. Olbermann is joining the network's "Football Night in America" studio team this season. The special edition of "Countdown" will be broadcast live from MSNBC's studios.

"Countdown's" network debut comes on the heels of the program's stellar performance this year. According to Nielsen Media Research, the program attracted 721,000 viewers in July, up an incredible 88% over July 2006. "Countdown" continues to be the number two cable news program at 8 p.m. ET, beating CNN by a 20% margin for the year.

"I'm delighted we're getting a chance to show off in a bigger storefront window," said Olbermann. "It's much better than trying to take it door-to-door. I do advise new viewers to sit well back from their screens."

 

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Thank you NBC.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 1:58 PM)

Outstanding, K.O. Team.

I'll be forcing the family watch.
*on a side note, do rating pay attention to what my TiVo watches? On a Sunday Night, I might actually lose the fight to watch this against cartoon addicted kids.

JM Bell (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:01 PM)

Hot Damn and Goody-goody!! And, new viewers should "...sit well back from their screens"? What fun would THAT be???!!!

CONGRATS, KEITH, AND GO GET 'EM!!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:01 PM)

Well, WE always knew-even the dissenters of Keith know-that's why they watch his show and come here too!:)

Jamie, CV, CA (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:02 PM)

I would love to see this as a permanent change, especially since I don't get MSNBC anymore and I really miss seeing Countdown, especially during election years!  What a treat!

Sarah, Sherman, TX (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:08 PM)

Yeah, Keith!  Congratulations on your network debut and on your stellar ratings.  I'm looking forward to it.  MSNBC as a whole I have noticed has improved tremendously.  I see a lot less lapdogg-ing (of course Keith never was a lapdog) and a lot more asking the tough questions.  Kudos.

Jill Kovacs, Fairfield, CT (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:09 PM)

Keith - Congratulations!! I know you WILL do a "Heckuva" Job!! The best of luck to you sir!!

For all you do, for your never-ending fight to bring truth into the homes of so many, a huge THANK YOU!! You are my champion!!

Good luck!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:10 PM)

Well done KO and Countdowners!! Maybe NBC will give you a bigger storefront for good. How about a Special Comment for this special occasion?

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:15 PM)

Woo hoo!  Congrats, Keith!

Scott C, Missoula, MT (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:15 PM)

Fantastic!  Lookin' forward to it.

Rocky Mountain Guy, Colorado (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:21 PM)

May the loofah and falafal gods bless your debut.

Bill O., Haitian Brothel, Port O Prince. (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:45 PM)

Great news for us not in hock to the cable companies!

Merrylib, Tacoma (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:48 PM)

Way to go, Keith. Hopefully, more viewers will recognize your talents. I hope you don't include Musto in this program as that would cause potential Countdown viewers to switch off en masse.

Nanalinda, San Antonio, TX (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:50 PM)

Wow!
I can't wait! It's going to be awesome having Keith showcase Countdown to a larger audience! They're going to see what they've been missing!
Kudos to Keith!

Gary (Navy Vet), Ottawa, OH (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:52 PM)

Congradulations!!!!!!!!
See you August 26th @ 7:00PM!
Maintain your original standard.
Remember these two (2) quotes:

In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act. - George Orwell

Truth is such a rare thing, it is delighted to tell it. - Emily Dickinson





Dave Wind, Columbia, Maryland (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:56 PM)

Dave Wind, Columbia, Maryland (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 2:57 PM)

The Weathermen are to be replaced by the Sportscasters!  Viva La Revolucion! Now remember to be Nicey-Nice till the end...and Then demand Impeachment, OK?  At least wait till after the Komodo Dragons chase around a bunch of Republicans with Pork Chops on their heads.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:01 PM)

I'm so psyched for all you Countdown folk! I will plant myself in front of the TV Sunday night!

Charity, Princeton, NJ (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:03 PM)

Humm... let me ponder this. Everyone knows KO is ready for prime time .. but is prime time ready for KO??? Think about it.  Congratulations Sir. It's about damn time.

Lynda, Key West, FL (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:05 PM)

We'll be watching with bells.  Keith Olbermann's Countdown is the most intellectually stimulating news program on television.  Not to mention honest and truthful.  Congratulations, Keith.

Resa Harrison (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:10 PM)

Pam -
I used to visit San Pedro every chance I got... I love the quaint part of the city - and used to visit off the shore, and do some shell and rock hunting.
Now, I understand there is a gate to keep intruders out from the beach area, where I used to go.
So sad.

Ro, CA (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:12 PM)

THIS IS AWESOME!!! MEANS THE WORD WILL REACH A WIDER SPECTRUM that can't afford cable or get it out in far areas!!!!! THANK YOU NBC!!!!!!!!! Sorry for the caps but I'm so excited!!! :) :)

Brenda Deltona FL (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:22 PM)

It's about time! I can't get MSNBC anymore & have been going through withdrawl!! Make it a permanent addition to NBC & throw in Hardball & I'll be even happier!!!!

Chery Jefcoat (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:24 PM)

Whoever asked about Tivo, if you are a ratings household, watching a program end to end counts as a view...

J Linder, Marlton, NJ (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:25 PM)

Way to go, Keith!  You Go Boy!  Finally, some truth in prime time, major network, wider-ranging audience (bigger storefront)!  I couldn't be more thrilled, and will definitely be watching. Just always keep doing what you do, Keith. You, sir, speak for most of the American people, and are the most courageous man on television today.  I compare you to Edward R. Murro, that's how great you are! Thank you, and great good luck and fortune to you. You deserve it.

rita, lagrange, il (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:26 PM)

Question:  Is this a one time deal or will it preceede each of the Sunday games?  I'm hoping for the latter.

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:28 PM)

Ro, CA (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:12 PM)

Some parts are for safety reasons, supposedly; however it happened "after 9/11". Yes, it is sad.  Where did you used to go, as there are still many parts "open and beautiful"?

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:29 PM)

Keith, make it count this Sunday!  You've got a chance to shine in on network primetime the same way you shine for us each night on cable.  Now, MSNBC/NBC, bring Countdown to us every night on cable!  It's the best news show on TV.

Terry, Pensacola, FL (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:29 PM)

That sound you hear is Billo grinding his teeth down to nubs.  Great news!

JJ in NJ (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:32 PM)

KO.....Congrats!!  I couldn't be happier, and yes, a Special Comment would be just the thing to get people fired up for Football..on the field and off!!

Lynn Bading, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:33 PM)

Congratulations!  Hope you plan one of your fabulous commentaries.

Jamie, Elmwood Park, IL (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:36 PM)

Keith gets to be on the air SIX nights a week... and Bill-O can only be seen on cable.  Take that FixedNoise!

JQ Anon (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:38 PM)

Make em think but don't make it stink, please no Musto.

nuanced (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:39 PM)

Good for KO, we never miss him at 8pm weekdays on MSNBC and wish there were more people like him. As well as being truthful and unafraid, he is a gentleman.

J.Sykes (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:40 PM)

Go, Keith, Go!  "Countdown" deserves to be seen by as possible!  Hurray to NBC for doing this!  I hope we get to see Jonathan Turley, David Shuster, John Dean as many of the wonderful people Keith has on from Newsweek, and else where as possible.

pamela auditore, Woodland Hills, CA (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:45 PM)

Congrats to KO and team!!!!   I will be watching Sunday night!

in western KY (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:47 PM)

NBC, great thanks. Now if you could just do something about that David Gregory/Carl Rove interview...

Pedro, Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:49 PM)

Rock on Keith! Hope you'll close the broadcast with a Special Comment. Hope the world is listening, or, at the very least, Bill Oral-y.

Shelley in Denver (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:57 PM)

YES! Congratulations KO and the Countdown team. I'll be there.

Joe Running, Owasso, OK (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:57 PM)

It's funny how little it takes to make us happy! A little truth, a few facts, and we're jumping for joy! Thanks, NBC!! Go Keith!!

Jen, Incline Village, NV (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:58 PM)

This news made my day!! Congrats to Keith and kudos to NBC..great move!

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 3:58 PM)

Very cool. I was already looking forward to Keith on Sunday Night Football. Now many who don't have MSNBC can see what they have been missing.    

LA, Seattle (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 4:00 PM)

Looks like 60 Minutes is about to lose its only veiwer under 60.  I'm so excited.  

jen,il (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 4:01 PM)

Keith would be remiss if he did not prepare a "Special Comment" for this broadcast. It was his special comments that attracted me to his show (via YouTube).

The American public needs to hear that kind of straigh, honest, sharp commentary; and they will respond to it well.

Mike K., Southampton, PA (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 4:03 PM)

WOW!! Look at all these great responses and so quickly, too! As Peter Griffin says, this Sunday is going to be "freakin' sweet"!!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 4:06 PM)

Please no Musto and no twits -- you want to attract an audience, not lose one.  I am looking forward to this.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 4:09 PM)

Well done KO and Countdowners!! Maybe NBC will give you a bigger storefront for good. How about a Special Comment for this special occasion?

- your're right-on Bill, what about Special Comment for this special occasion?

GK Austin, MN (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 4:10 PM)

Congrat, Keith and Countdown staff.  To the folks behind the scenes -- thanks for working so hard and so well.

You're in the big time -- going opposite "60 Minutes"!

Blow 'em away!

asr198 Houston, TX (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 4:11 PM)

O'Reilly and Gibson can watch the show while sitting in a bar drowning their sorrows.

Congratulations, Keith!

Barbara Cincinnati Ohio (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 4:15 PM)

Bravo!  (BTW, that's the accolade, not the cable channel  ;-) )  Way to go, Keith!!  I always knew you had it in you.  Now I can get my TV news on Sunday as well.  Lord knows I don't get it from the mainstream "liberal" media, and I'd rather pull my appendix out through my nostrils than ever watch Fixed Noise Channel.  I hope this is the start of a trend!

Mike Phelps, Goodyear, AZ (Sent Monday, August 20, 2007 4:18 PM)



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