Olbermann and MSNBC Split in works for "Months"
The Washington Post reports:
For all his skill as a broadcaster and his undisputed value to the network, the Olbermann quality that appeared suddenly most relevant was this: He can be difficult to work with.
Iconoclastic and mercurial, Olbermann has often clashed with his employers, condemning - sometimes quite publicly - directives with which he has disagreed. His departure fit a pattern that has marked his 32-year career. He has had frequent run-ins with his bosses, most of which resulted in Olbermann leaving a job, including an earlier flameout with MSNBC in 1998. His nearly eight years hosting "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" was by far the longest he's lasted in a job during his career as a broadcaster.
Though neither side was talking Saturday about the events that led Olbermann to announce his departure on his show Friday night, the split appeared to have been long in the making - weeks certainly, and perhaps months, given his suspension in November for campaign contributions that violated company policy.
Olbermann and MSNBC are operating under an exit agreement, the product of lengthy negotiations, that limits each side from commenting publicly, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions. The agreement also ties Olbermann to a "non-compete" provision that will prevent him from appearing on a competing TV network for an undisclosed period.
Olbermann did not return e-mails seeking comment and remained silent on Twitter, where he often voices his opinions.
