MSNBC Inauguration Notes: Who (Olbermann and Matthews) and Where (Movie Theaters)

Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann were removed from anchoring political coverage in September, and designated as “hosts” in November. On Inauguration Day in a week, they will “lead” coverage.

The Los Angeles Times’ Matea Gold talks to MSNBC president Phil Griffin about the new new role for the duo. He says he’s “comfortable with the role that Olbermann and Matthews will play at the inauguration because it’s ‘a whole day of color commentary.’”

“This is a day of watching the festivities and the pomp and circumstance,” said Griffin.

Meanwhile, those looking to watch Matthews and Olbermann can do so from the comfort of their homes — or at the movies! Yesterday we received a tip linking to msnbcevents.com, where people are directed to “share an historic Inauguration experience with a live viewing at your hometown movie theater.”

The Hollywood Reporter’s Paul J. Gough explains the move, in which “27 theaters around the country” (in 21 markets) will show MSNBC’s 11am-3:30pmET coverage. Tickets are free and can be reserved online.

“We’re going to do numerous things like that to get our name out there,” said Griffin. “Ubiquity is the name of the game in 2009.”

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