Keith Olbermann Net Worth

Keith Olbermann’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into His Career and Finances

Keith Olbermann is a prominent figure in American media, known for his work as a sports and political commentator. With a net worth of $25 million, Olbermann’s career spans several decades and includes high-profile roles at major networks. This article delves into his financial standing, career trajectory, and significant life events.

Early Life and Education

Keith Theodore Olbermann was born in New York City on January 27, 1959. His father was a successful commercial architect, and the family has German heritage, with Olbermann later acknowledging some Russian ancestry. Raised in a Unitarian household in Hastings-on-Hudson, Westchester County, Olbermann developed a lifelong passion for baseball. His mother, a devoted New York Yankees fan, fueled this early interest. He collected baseball cards and attended Hackley School, an elite private institution. During his time at Hackley, he began his broadcasting career as a play-by-play announcer for a local news station. At the age of 16, Olbermann enrolled at Cornell University, where he continued working with student-run radio stations. He graduated in 1979 with a BS in Communication from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Sports Broadcasting Career

After graduating, Olbermann continued in radio before joining a nascent form of CNN. He covered the Winter Olympics at Lake Placid and worked as a sports anchor and sportscaster in Boston and Los Angeles. In 1992, Olbermann joined ESPN, where he became a key part of “SportsCenter” for five years. He co-hosted the 11 PM show with Dan Patrick and earned several awards. Initially earning $150,000 at ESPN, his salary rose to $350,000 by the time he left. His departure from ESPN was marked by controversy, including a suspension for an unauthorized appearance on “The Daily Show” and a subsequent feud with ESPN management. Olbermann then moved to Fox Sports Net, anchoring shows like “National Sports Report,” “Game of the Week,” and “The Keith Olbermann Evening News.”

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However, his time at Fox also ended controversially after he criticized Rupert Murdoch, the owner of Fox. In 2005, Olbermann returned to ESPN Radio and hosted “Football Night in America” for NBC in 2007. He later returned to ESPN again, only to be suspended and terminated due to controversial comments.

Political Commentary and Controversies

In 1997, after leaving ESPN, Olbermann transitioned into political journalism by hosting “The Big Show with Keith Olbermann.” He subsequently focused on political commentary, gaining fame for shows like “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” on MSNBC. In 2008, he signed a four-year contract extension with MSNBC reportedly worth $30 million. During this period, he developed a rivalry with Bill O’Reilly. He was later suspended for making unauthorized political donations before leaving MSNBC after his contract was terminated. Olbermann continued his political commentary career through networks like Current TV and his own YouTube channel, where he has maintained a strong presence.

Real Estate and Personal Life

In 2007, Olbermann purchased a condo in Trump Palace. While the purchase was initially unremarkable, he later expressed regret due to Donald Trump’s presidency. By 2016, he voiced strong dissatisfaction with living in a “Trump building.” He sold the condo in 2016, accepting a $400,000 loss to distance himself from Trump. The condo featured 1,750 square feet of living space, a chef’s kitchen, and three outdoor spaces with city views.

Conclusion

Keith Olbermann’s career reflects a dynamic path through sports and political commentary. His net worth of $25 million is a testament to his success and longevity in the media industry. From early sports broadcasting to his outspoken political views, Olbermann has consistently remained a prominent and often controversial figure, shaping the media landscape.