Keith Olbermann Headed to Current TV (Report)

Keith Olbermann may be headed to Al Gore's Current TV, according to the New York Times, which cited sources familiar with the former "Countdown" host's plans.

Olbermann, his reps and Current TV all declined to comment to the Times, which noted that "they did not deny that the channel, which counts former Vice President Al Gore as one of its founders, will become at least one partner in Mr. Olbermann’s future media plans."

One of the Times' sources said Olbermann will have an equity stake in the channel, which has an upfront presentation with advertisers scheduled for Wednesday in Manhattan. Gore serves as chairman/co-founder of Current Media.

"[Olbermann] brings a guaranteed rating and that's all they care about," a Current source said. "And let's face it, there is no brand lens for Current TV contrary to how they try position themselves to advertisers, so a move like this is expected, but four years ago would have gotten you laughed out of a senior executive meeting."

On Monday, Olbermann announced that he would be holding a conference call with the media Tuesday to announce "the next chapter of his remarkable career," following his sudden departure from MSNBC last month, but did not provide further details.

The liberal channel could be a good fit for the outspoken Olbermann, who would also infuse the network with a level of star power that it currently lacks.   However, as the Times notes, Olbermann wouldn't be as accessible to fans on Current, which is in about 60 million homes and usually available only on digital cable tiers, while MSNBC is in about 85 million homes and is typically available on basic cable.   Olbermann announced last month on air that he had resigned as host of Countdown following a frayed relationship with the network that included his November suspension due to political contributions.

Since leaving the network, he has left cryptic messages on his Twitter page such as "Watch this Space."