Virginia Sherwood/NBCKeith Olbermann is going to try swimming with the Current.
Three weeks after abruptly ending his relationship with MSNBC and his top-rated program Countdown with Keith Olbermann, the liberal commentator has announced he's heading to Current TV, the independent, viewer-generated public affairs channel led by former Vice President Al Gore.
So what exactly can we look forward to?
Olbermann plans to host a new primetime program, likely called The Olbermann Show, become "Chief News Officer" for Current and own an equity stake in Current Media.
"Keith is one of those rare voices, his voice is truly unique. We're delighted to provide Keith with the independent platform," Gore told reporters in a conference call on Tuesday.
Can we get a Special Comment please?
"Nothing is more vital to a free American than a free media. And nothing is more vital to my concept of a free media than news that is produced independently of corporate interference," the 51-year-old anchor said, calling the Current job "the most exciting event in my career."
He added the new program will be "an improved and we hope amplified and stronger version of the show that I just did at my previous network."
That is, if people know where to find it. Current is available in 60 million homes, fewer than the 78 million households that MSNBC currently reaches.
Per Olbermann, it's the freedom that counts. And for Gore, it's the chance to build a primetime lineup of commentators that will be able to compete with the Fox News and CNNs of the world.