Aaron Sorkin insists Jeff Daniels’ outspoken character on his show “The Newsroom” isn’t inspired by Keith Olbermann, despite similarities. “I’m glad I can finally clear this up,” Sorkin told us after a Time Warner Center premiere Monday. “I didn’t base it on him. It was during an interview with the BBC that I mentioned him, and, suddenly, it blew up. So blame the BBC!” OK, we will.

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He added, “A lot of [the show] comes from what I think characters would be like . . . like on ‘The West Wing.’ ” But Sorkin did admit a hot, nerdy financial reporter played by Olivia Munn is loosely inspired by CNN personal finance whiz Christine Romans. “There is a little bit of Christine in there,” Sorkin let slip. “But again, a lot of it is what I think the character would be like.” Guests at the screening and Porter House after-party included newshounds Bryant Gumbel, Brian Williams, Chris Matthews and Lawrence O’Donnell. We also spotted Williams’ daughter, “Girls” star Allison, waiting patiently to meet Sorkin and then discussing a possible project.