MSNBC re-signs Olbermann

MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann has agreed to stay at the cable news network for four more years in a deal that gives him a broader role at NBC News, network executives said Thursday.

The outspoken former sportscaster, whose nightly news program “Countdown With Keith Olbermann” has helped buoy the ratings of the third-place cable news channel, will now also contribute essays to “NBC Nightly News” and host two prime-time specials annually on the broadcast network.

Olbermann said NBC officials, including NBC Universal Chief Executive Jeff Zucker, “presented everything I could ask for in terms of opportunities.”

The longtime broadcaster has drawn a following for his acerbic critiques of the Bush administration on “Countdown,” whose ratings were up 85% in January compared with a year ago.

NBC News President Steve Capus said Olbermann’s essays on “NBC Nightly News” would be produced pieces on topical subjects, not political commentary.

“Keith has done a fantastic job of wearing different hats when he’s been asked to do different roles,” Capus said. “He knows where to draw the line.”