More chatter about Keith Olbermann returning to ESPN; Late-night talk show?

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The latest on Keith Olbermann-ESPN comes from Bob Raissman in the New York Daily News:

Is Keith Olbermann headed back to ESPN?

The Daily News has learned Worldwide Leader is in serious discussions with Olbermann to host a New York-based late night talk show on ESPN 2, according to industry sources.

The sources said the situation is still “very fluid” and no decision on green-lighting Olbermann or the project has been made.

If the move to Olbermann is made, it could blunt the buzz Fox hopes to generate with its August launch of Fox Sports 1.

This could be the first shot in an all-sports cable TV war. The sources added ESPN is also considering unleashing a multi-million dollar SportsCenter advertising campaign/counter attack that would air around the launch of FS1.

Of course, Olbermann is slated to work as the studio host for TBS’ postseason baseball coverage. So there could be some issues there.

However, ESPN President John Skipper is interested in developing some sort of late-night program for the network. Olbermann, while polarizing, definitely would make things interesting.

3 thoughts on “More chatter about Keith Olbermann returning to ESPN; Late-night talk show?”

  2. Talent-wise, Olbermann was at his best on MSNBC anchoring the 2008 Democratic and Republican primaries, then showed how good he was as a newsman in the same role on election night in 2008. Once Tim Russert died, the old Keith came back. Sarcastic and an egomaniacal jerk. Since baseball is his passion (he actually missed a show while on Current TV to watch the ALDS at Yankee Stadium and tweeted he was there while his show was “live”), a move to ESPN would sit well with this viewer rather than putting up with the “garbage” they have on now. Bill Simmons, Steven A. Smith, Colin Cowherd, and Skip Bayless are a waste of my viewing time. These “personalities” have dumbed down the network. Olbermann would be a significant improvement.

  3. Quite possibly the worst idea I have ever heard. No idea what ESPN’s infatuation is with creating a late-night sports talk show because NO ONE IS GOING TO WATCH IT. Sorry for the all-caps, but I love sports and I have no desire to watch a sports talk show at 11:30pm. The host doesn’t matter – it’s a terrible, terrible idea.

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