Now, Keith, I understand that the premise of "The Countdown" is to provide a different look at the top five, as determined by you and your editorial staff, news stories of the day. I accept that that is a formula that has worked for you. What I'm writing to quibble about, beside the tripe features, is your criteria for determining those top news stories.

Because I've had a very rough month, Keith, I've done what I suspect many Americans do - immerse myself in the mindless prattling of the Idiot Box in order not to focus too much on my own personal suffering. In the process, I've seen a LOT of your show and other newscasts and come away with a few bits of information I'd like to share with you all. (Though this letter is addressed to you, Keith - because I admire you - I hope you'll share its insights, if you deem them as such, with some of your colleagues, even competitors.)

1 - It has been recently discovered that America is not the center of the universe and that Iraq and things related to it are not the only newsworthy events of the day.

You know what I hear whenever I tune into broadcast these days, Keith? Here's an example: "Iraq... Irag... The war in Iraq... Something happened in Europe today, I think... Iraq, Iraq, Iraq... "

2 - Important news is happening in places other than Iraq even as I type this to you. I know the producers of your show might be telling you otherwise, Keith, but don't listen to them! They are corporate stooges who believe that all those of us out here in Mudville think about is the war in Iraq. That is not true.

For example, Ketih, the country right next door, to the south of us, Mexico? There's a lot of news going on there, Keith. There's been a major popular uprising going on in the state of Oaxaca for month now. Imagine the great camera shots you could get out of there! It bleeds almost as much as Iraq right now, Keith - even if you wouldn't know it watching most broadcast news today. It threatens the stability of a country already teetering, too, Keith.

Did you hear they had an electoral crisis in Mexico, too? It is so bad, they had to swear in the man who claims to have won the election, Calderon, AT MIDNIGHT, Keith, for fear of a riot in Mexico City. Meanwhile, his challenger, Lopez Obrador, still claims he won the election and vows to fight on to be recognized. Talk about your hot new story!

What I'm saying is, Mexico is right next door to the United States but you couldn't tell that by watching your news program or many others, Keith. I'm writing to you because I believe you are one of the people who can change that.

I know, I know: right after you get your new contract.

Thanks for listening,

Rod Amis
Editor
G21: The World's Magazine

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written by Just saying, December 20, 2006

He's never, ever defeated O'reilly in the ratings. Not once. He's never even been able to put together a solid week of coming in second to Bill O'Reilly. Ratings victories? Can I have some of whatever it is you're smoking?

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written by TourPro, December 21, 2006

Olberman surely is a doofus.

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Minor points, really
written by Lloyd, December 22, 2006

As you may be aware, Mr. Amis, the United States has not yet committed any troops to Mexico. So as you wonder about the coverage of Iraq, please keep in mind that our country's troops are there. "Countdown" (and there is no "The" in "Countdown" as anyone who regularly watches would know) has, however, covered the mess in Mexico. Mr. Olbermann certainly has not done so as much as some would prefer, especially those who would rather forget the errors of our own government, but in truth, his viewers are more impacted by Iraq than Mexico.

As to ratings, Mr. Olbermann knows he can never overcome the throngs of angry old people that flock to Mr. O'Reilly's telecast, but when reviewing the 25-54 demographic, while Mr. Olbermann has never overcome his competitor, he has come close and is continually closing the gap. Thankfully, the less elderly of our country are coming around to the notion that political firmness should take a back seat to honesty.

And in the first week of December, shown at Mediabistro, O'Reilly averaged 381,000 in the 25-54 demo, Olbermann averaged 265,000 while third place Paula Zahn averaged 168,000.

But thanks for playing!

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