Olbermann program to debut in June

NEW YORK, April 26 (UPI) -- Current TV said Tuesday Keith Olbermann's new nightly U.S. commentary show, "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," will debut June 20.

Olbermann's decision to join Current was announced in February. In addition to executive producing and serving as host of the show, Olbermann was appointed Current's chief news officer.

He left MSNBC in January after eight years following stormy interactions with management, including a suspension for contributing to political candidates. His MSNBC show also was called "Countdown with Keith Olbermann."

"'Countdown with Keith Olbermann' will showcase the return to television of one of America's most gifted thinkers and communicators," Joel Hyatt, co-founder and executive vice chairman of Current, said in a statement. "Keith will be back, speaking truth to power and calling them as he sees them -- but this time, on America's only independent news and information TV network."

"The show will combine familiar and popular features with some new elements that we can't wait to unveil," added Mark Rosenthal, Current's chief executive officer. "We're creating a great platform for Keith's style, which includes a very sophisticated digital presence for him -- that we think will appeal to his very enthusiastic and active following. The show will also appeal to new viewers tuning into Keith for the first time."