Keith Olbermann Returns To MSNBC Tuesday

MSNBC host Keith Olbermann is back on television Tuesday after a two night suspension as host of his primetime program "The Countdown".
Olbermann's suspension spotlighted what some have called a blurred line.
That line refers to the different rules news networks like ABC and FOX have when it comes to political contributions. ABC allows political contributions from journalists only when the journalist gets permission from the network before hand. FOX has no such rules and in the recent election donated over $2 million dollars to political campaigns.
The question of whether Olbermann is considered a journalist or a correspondent is another blurry subject. Online critics, like The Daily Beast's Meghan McCain, were confused with Olbermann's classification as journalist. McCain's coverage of Olbermann's suspension brings up the indistinction in today's media between entertainment, commentary and journalism.
"It never really crossed my mind that he was considered a journalist by anyone, just like I never assumed that anyone considers Glenn Beck a journalist," McCain blogged.
Olbermann's nightly program presents him as a liberal and according to McCain, no one should be surprised by his donations to democratic campaigns.
Olbermann returns to his regular primetime program Tuesday as host of "The Countdown". In a statement to his viewers, Olbermann thanked them for their support and apologized for creating any unnecessary drama.
The statement describes NBCs "inconsistently applied rule - which [Olbermann] previously knew nothing about". Olbermann was suspended without a hearing and heard of his suspension through the media. He assured his fans he in no way intended to keep his contributions a secret.
Olbermann's ordeal, which some are now calling one of the shortest exiles in cable news history, has sparked criticism of MSNBC.
MSNBCs policy that Olbermann broke states, "Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest."
Critics on CNN's "Parker Spitzer" agree that Olbermann in no way represents himself as impartial and MSNBC does not represent itself in that manner either.
NBC confirmed over the weekend morning host Joe Scarborough asked for permission before making a political donation in 2006 and was allowed to do so. However, the network has failed to explain why political donations like Olbermann's run the risk of impartiality while pre-approved donations do not.
Despite the short-lived controversy, Olbermann has communicated his excitement and gratitude to be back on the air Tuesday night.
"I genuinely look forward to rejoining you on Countdown on Tuesday, to begin the repayment of your latest display of support and loyalty - support and loyalty that is truly mutual," Olbermann said.