Olbermann’s Contract Is Not Renewed by Channel 2

Sportscaster Keith Olbermann will be leaving Channel 2 before the end of the month, the station confirmed Monday.

A spokeswoman said that Olbermann’s contract will not be renewed. His final day at the station technically is Dec. 26, but he will be taking some vacation before then.

No replacement has been hired, the spokeswoman said. Rory Markas, the station’s other regular sportscaster, will fill in.

Channel 2 has had negotiations with Jim Hill, who was at Channel 2 before going to Channel 7.

Jean Sage, Olbermann’s San Francisco-based agent, said her client is considering two offers.

“We should have something finalized by the end of the week,” Sage said. “Whatever happens, Keith is going to take a few months off.”

Olbermann came to Channel 2 from Channel 5 in August of 1988. Since then, he has also been doing morning commentaries for CBS-owned radio station KNX.

Olbermann, who was at Channel 5 for three years, has won four Golden Mike Awards and other honors, but ratings for his Sunday night show have continually trailed Channel 4 and Channel 7.

“The Keith Olbermann Show” was cut from 30 minutes to 15 minutes in February.

Because of his wit and a clever writing style, Olbermann built a considerable following. Others, however, found him arrogant and condescending.

Although Channel 2 did not give specific reasons for not renewing Olbermann’s contract, his salary, believed to be in the $500,000 range, might have been a factor.