Via TVNewser, the New York Times is reporting that Keith Olberman's irreverent show is getting a tryout on NBC on Sunday before an NFL pre-season game.
Update: Now with juicy press release! (See below, at end of diary)
Update #2 - As Hannibal notes here, you may find your local affiliate does not have this scheduled. I contacted programming at KING 5 here in Seattle, and they said they had not yet been offered this feed. I've got an email in to NBC to see what's up with that and make sure the left coast would not have to miss out on the fun, and will report on their reply. In the meantime, if anyone has further information on whether all affiliates will be offered the feed, please feel free to share with the class. = )
From the times article:
" ‘Countdown’ is rocketing right now over at MSNBC — its ratings are going through the roof," said Phil Griffin, senior vice president of NBC News. (In July Mr. Olbermann’s show averaged 721,000 viewers, an increase of 88 percent over last July, according to MSNBC.) Mr. Griffin added, "The world has changed, and I think people have come in line with the smart, focused approach he has on the show." No immediate plans for additional network appearances of "Countdown" have been made, but Mr. Griffen did not rule them out. "It may be the first of several times you see Olbermann on the network," he said.
So, sound the bells and get the word out to give Keith a nice showing on his show's big-time network premiere! And then send some Keith-lovin' NBC's way and let them know how much we appreciate them giving Keith an chance to gain a wider audience.
viewerservices@msnbc.com
Here's the full press release, posted on Countdown's blog, The News Hole. Those concerned NBC is going to have Keith tone it down for the larger audience can take comfort in his quote toward the end.
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."