Two years after the texts first started and despite never having met, BBC News anchor Ros was now exchanging more texts with legendary US broadcaster Keith Olbermann than anyone else apart from his wife. They often arrive as he's making the late night trip home after his show - and they continue when he's catching up with his wife in bed. It's time to ask Keith 'why?' and to ask his wife what she makes of it.

Two years after the texts first started and despite never having met, BBC News anchor Ros was now exchanging more texts with legendary US broadcaster Keith Olbermann than anyone else apart from his wife. They often arrive as he's making the late night trip home after his show - and they continue when he's catching up with his wife in bed. It's time to ask Keith 'why?' and to ask his wife what she makes of it.

1. Why Me?

One night in 2016, BBC News anchor Ros Atkins was retweeted by the legendary American broadcaster Keith Olbermann. The comment? “Thank God you’re back."
 
Two years on, despite having never met, Keith and Ros were texting each other almost every day. Keith would send pictures of his dogs, the view from his Manhattan penthouse or the oysters that he was eating. He'd also send details of his latest ratings and thoughts on Ros' show. He even sponsored the match ball at the tiny football club at the end of Ros' road in London.
 
In Texting Keith Olbermann, Ros Atkins asks Keith what everyone was asking him: why is he doing it? And as Ros' wife realises he's texting Keith more than anyone apart from her, she has the same question for him. Two parallel conversations play out, as we hear funny, fascinating and sometimes awkward explorations of fame, money, death threats, being a TV anchor, and the backstories to some of the most notorious moments of Keith's career. We also find out what happens to this unconventional friendship when they meet in person.Producer: Danielle Stephens
Artwork: Sam Gilbey

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

One night in 2016, BBC News anchor Ros Atkins was retweeted by the legendary American broadcaster Keith Olbermann. The comment? “Thank God you’re back." Two years on, despite having never met, Keith and Ros were texting each other almost every day. Keith would send pictures of his dogs, the view from his Manhattan penthouse or the oysters that he was eating. He'd also send details of his latest ratings and thoughts on Ros' show. He even sponsored the match ball at the tiny football club at the end of Ros' road in London. In Texting Keith Olbermann, Ros Atkins asks Keith what everyone was asking him: why is he doing it? And as Ros' wife realises he's texting Keith more than anyone apart from her, she has the same question for him. Two parallel conversations play out, as we hear funny, fascinating and sometimes awkward explorations of fame, money, death threats, being a TV anchor, and the backstories to some of the most notorious moments of Keith's career. We also find out what happens to this unconventional friendship when they meet in person. Producer: Danielle Stephens Artwork: Sam Gilbey

Share 1. Why Me?

Sign up to save your podcasts

1. Why Me?

1. Why Me?

More shows like Texting Keith Olbermann

This American Life

Global News Podcast

Newshour

In Our Time

The Documentary Podcast

6 Minute English

Learning English Conversations

The Infinite Monkey Cage

The Tony Kornheiser Show

All In with Chris Hayes

The Beat with Ari Melber

13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II

The Al Franken Podcast

You're Dead to Me

Americast

Countdown with Keith Olbermann