Keith Olbermann, Current TV Tension Rumors Surface As 'Countdown' Host Absent From Iowa Coverage

Keith Olbermann has been noticeably absent from some of Current TV's election 2012 coverage. Olbermann's absence was the topic of a New York Times article on Thursday, where reporter Brian Stelter wrote of possible tension that may be growing between the outspoken broadcaster and Current TV. According to the network's tv schedule, the "Countdown" host is not slated to be part of the network's coverage of the Iowa caucuses or New Hampshire primary.

Olbermann abruptly left MSNBC one year ago in January, after reports that he had clashed with management. After staying off the air for six months, Olbermann debuted a new version of his MSNBC show, "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" on Current TV, where he also carries the title chief news officer.

Olbermann, who anchored part of MSNBC's election 2008 coverage with former colleague Chris Matthews, told The Huffington Post in June that he would play a similar role for Current TV on must-watch political nights, like presidential debates and primary elections. Olbermann was not part of Current TV's post-debate analysis in December.