ESPN Reportedly Talking With Keith Olbermann About Late-Night Talk Show

ESPN is in talks with Keith Olbermann “to host a New York-based late night talk show on ESPN2,” according to sources cited by Bob Raissman of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. The sources said that the situations is “’very fluid’ and no decision on green-lighting Olbermann or the project had been made.” Raissman noted the move “could blunt the buzz Fox hopes to generate with its August launch of Fox Sports 1,” and could be the “first shot in an all-sports cable TV war.” Sources said that ESPN also is thinking of “unleashing a multimillion-dollar ‘SportsCenter’ advertising campaign/counterattack that would air around the launch of FS1.” TBS hired Olbermann to host its MLB postseason studio show, and it would be “unusual for Turner to allow Olbermann to work for ESPN.” Turner Sports execs likely view ESPN “as a competitor” (NYDAILYNEWS.com, 7/12).