Early Move for Late Night "Olbermann" Smart for ESPN2

Keith Olbermann will return to ESPN. (Associated Press)

Chalk it up as a wise gamble, a forward-thinking move by embracing the past as a preemptive strike against a potentially strong opponent.

With ESPN2's announcement that it would launch "Olbermann," a late-night talk show featuring Keith Olbermann, the reigning all-sports champ acknowledged the move was made in large part because of the presence of upstart Fox Sports 1, which launches Aug. 17.

"Olbermann" makes its debut Aug. 26.

Olbermann, 54, formerly of ESPN, ESPN Radio, MSNBC and Current TV (and as well known by many for his liberal viewpoints as his sports expertise), should give ESPN something it needs to maintain its initial advantage over fledgling Fox Sports 1.

With its head start in terms of content, ESPN also has a known personality -- and personalities. Olbermann adds to that lineup, and even though some critics and journalistic purists deride the work of Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith they draw ratings. That remains the name of the game in TV, especially sports TV when the games end.

Fox Sports 1 will counter with a three-hour nightly block of news and entertainment, with people they hope will become enjoyed and known quantities among U.S. viewers, notably former TSN "SportsCentre" hosts Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole. FS1 also has Erin Andrews, Regis Philbin, among others.

As the competition between the two outlets initially plays out, news that gets broken, ratings that are made and talk-about-that moments will be the measurables among viewers. No doubt ESPN has more content, but FS1 will make the most of college football and basketball, NASCAR and the UFC -- which will be the highlight of its opening night.

In what will be an ongoing battle, personality will matter. Olbermann will generate action and reaction, just as Bayless and Smith do on "First Take," and just as Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon do on "Pardon the Interruption." (Although the latter paring thrives more on chemistry and commentary and bombast and bull.)

Much has already been made about the possibility of Olbermann talking politics on his show, but it will be a sports show because viewers will demand as much -- and because he knows his job and he's an engrained sports geek at heart. The biggest problem for the show, especially during college basketball season, will be finding a consistent starting time, enabling viewers to reliably tune in at the right time.

All in all it's a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for ESPN. Sure, the network and Olbermann parted company on bad terms, but that was years ago. And all those who really watched Olbermann in his ESPN heydey with Dan Patrick on "SportsCenter" are probably among a minority anymore. Millions of fans, possible ESPN viewers, have been born since that dynamic duo was last paired in 1997.

Olbermann has the expertise and talent to handle such a show. As long as he plays nicely with those producing on the show, and no back-stage sniping or silliness hurts "Olbermann," it could be a nightly anchor for the network.