ENTERTAINMENT NEWS – AT 8:59 P.M. ET:  Al Gore sure has standards.  First, he hitches his wagon to the falling star of global warming.  Then Tipper leaves him.  Now Keith Olbermann, known for his wildly irresponsible rants at MSNBC, which eased him out, is embraced by the former vice president:

Former MSNBC "Countdown" host Keith Olbermann confirmed at a news conference Tuesday he will host a new nightly prime time news and commentary show on Current TV.

The network, which counts former vice president and Internet creator Al Gore as one of its founders, did not say when the show would begin, except "later in 2011."

Olbermann is believed to have a noncompete clause in his exit agreement with MSNBC that keeps him off television for several months. Which should give fans just enough time to find his new network.

"Nothing is more vital to a free America than a free media, and nothing is more vital to my concept of a free media than news produced independently of corporate interference," Olbermann said.

Olbermann will be executive producer of his program. He'll also become the network's chief news officer.
In a conference call, Gore said, "I can assure you everyone at Current is extremely excited and honored that Keith Olbermann has selected Current TV as the new home of his independent voice."

COMMENT:  My, how the mighty have fallen.  This move will increase Current TV's viewership from six to eight.

February 8, 2011