NBC, Olbermann in Deal

Keith Olbermann’s broadcasting career took another turn Tuesday when it was announced that he would be returning to NBC as a host for the network’s cable coverage of the 2004 Summer Olympics at Athens.

Olbermann will appear on MSNBC on weekdays and CNBC on weekends during the Olympics.

“Keith will have an extraordinarily large role,” NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol said. “He’ll be on the air a minimum of eight hours a day and in some cases as much as 10 to 11.”

Ebersol said NBC was negotiating with Jim Lampley and Pat O’Brien, who served as the host of the cable coverage from the Sydney Olympics in 2000, to serve as cable hosts at Athens.

NBC will televise 800 hours from Athens, with 600 on cable. “We will have a slew of anchors,” Ebersol said.

Bob Costas will serve as the host of NBC’s prime-time coverage.

It was also announced that Olbermann, who worked for NBC Sports and MSNBC in 1997-98, would serve as a guest anchor for MSNBC’s daily “Nachman” program today through Friday.

“I have signed a three-day contract, and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to complete that deal as arranged,” said Olbermann, who is known for jumping from job to job.

Olbermann now does two shows a day for ABC Radio.