Fox News and popular host Tucker Carlson have officially parted ways after 16 years, with both parties announcing the news in a joint statement following weeks of speculation that the pair would part ways due to rising tensions between them.
Meanwhile, another major cable news network is saying goodbye to one of its hosts — Don Lemon was fired from CNN today in a shock to Lemon.
Tucker Carlson’s recent fallout
On Monday, Fox News announced that Tucker Carlson has parted ways with the network. In a statement, Fox thanked Carlson for his service as both a contributor and host of his top-rated prime time show, which consistently saw an average of 3 million viewers – the most of any pundit on cable television.
The news came less than a week after Fox agreed to pay out $787.5 million in order to settle a defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems.
The settlement revealed private communications between top hosts at the network, including Carlson – who texted fellow prime-time hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham that he “hated” Trump “passionately” and called his claims of voter fraud “insane.”
Since its launch in 2016, Tucker Carlson’s show has served as a platform for Republican office-seekers and conservative activists looking to expand their reach with voters and donors – often featuring controversial guests and segments on matters such as race, immigration, and other political topics.
This month, former President Trump was interviewed extensively by Carlson – using it to criticize Democrats and the media – in what may be one of Carlson’s final acts as an anchor for Fox News.
The time slot where previously occupied by him will be taken over by ‘Fox News Tonight’ which will feature rotating Fox News personalities until a new host is chosen.
Don Lemon ‘stunned’
After 17 years of anchoring for CNN, Don Lemon has been fired. On Monday morning, the news was delivered to him through his agent – leaving the former anchor feeling “stunned” and “frustrated.”
In a statement posted on Twitter, Lemon revealed: “I’m shocked that instead of being informed directly by management, my agent had to break the news to me. Despite the unexpectedness of this announcement.
“I am grateful for all of my colleagues at CNN – the most talented journalists in the business – who I have had the pleasure of working with over these past 17 years.”
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) April 24, 2023
Don Lemon’s firing from CNN sends shockwaves through the industry, as he has long been one of its most respected anchors. While it is unknown what bigger issues or changes may have prompted his dismissal, one thing’s clear: it marks a rough end to an incredible legacy at the network.
Internal investigation led to Lemon’s firing?
The news of Don Lemon’s termination from CNN comes shortly after reports of alleged misogyny, inappropriate behavior, and disrespectful comments towards female colleagues.
In February, the anchor made headlines for offensive statements about Nikki Haley – which he subsequently apologized for – but had also previously been accused of making similarly disparaging remarks about women on air.
According to a lengthy piece from Variety, more than a dozen former and current colleagues reported witnessing Don Lemon behave in an inappropriate manner towards women at various occasions. This includes allegedly disrespecting Nancy Grace and Soledad O’Brien in public settings and during editorial meetings.
The news of Don Lemon’s departure shakes the industry, as this marks a dramatic conclusion to his 17-year tenure at CNN – especially considering the severity of these accusations against him.
Overall, these are two major shakeups happening within two prominent cable news networks as they both try to move forward without two high-profile figures who helped shape much of their coverage over recent years.
Such changes can bring about different levels success or failure depending on how things play out moving forward so only time will tell if these decisions were correct ones for both sides involved here today.
