TV News Review

The fiercest competition for Cable News viewers is during the 8 PM timeslot. While many long time ratings leaders are losing viewers, MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann is gaining viewers.

Olbermann seems to have found a balance between presenting the news, biting commentary delivered in quick sharp punches, and humor.

Tonight Olbermann’s opening story was the day after the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. His words painting a picture all of us had seen so many times today. “The fallen bridge is still moving, girders shifting, concrete crumbling, American’s great river pushing relentlessly against the rubble”. He covers all angles of the story. The President’s response, the safety of American bridges, the children who were safely rescued from the bridge, the hero who saved the children. All angles were well presented with good tempo and delivery. This part of his newscast wasn’t much different from what you would expect from any newscast.

Now, let’s play Oddball. This is a collection of the strangest stories of the day. It’s delivered with annoying sound effects but it’s fast paced with funny commentary and it’s even downright entertaining. It’s a total waste of time but I find myself looking forward to this segment. Seriously, what’s not to like about a squirrel that goes into a grocery store every day to steal a chocolate egg. Of course that story belongs on a national primetime TV News program.

The “Worst Person of the Day” segment is my least favorite part of Countdown. Considering his competition (Bill O’Reilly) is the worst person of the day more often than not, it’s monotonous and more importantly pointless. I see it as little more than advertisement for his Worst Person in the World Book. I turn the channel when this segment starts.

Details at 11