Tuesday 9 August 2022 09:58 PM Don Lemon denies 'narrative' that new CNN boss Chris Licht wants network to ... trends now
Don Lemon denies claims that CNN boss Chris Licht wants the news network to drop its 'opinion-mongering' reporting which could see him get the axe in favor of 'truthful news,' adding that he would welcome a return to more conservative punditry.
Lemon made the comments Friday while appearing as a guest on Comedy Central's 'Hell Of A Week,' hosted by Charlamagne The God. The pair discussed the current political climate in America, as well as as the purpose of independent journalism in a industry where more bias is present now than ever.
Towards the end of their exchange, Charlamagne evokes Licht's plan to steer CNN away from 'opinion-based partisan news to a political center.'
He then asks Lemon, 56, and who has been a member of CNN since 2006: 'Will you still be able to call it like it is?'
'Let me just say I don't think that's exactly what Chris is saying,' Lemon replied.
'I think that's a narrative that's been placed in the media. I think what Chris wants to do is to be able to have Republicans and Democrats and whatever your political stance is on CNN so that you can be accountable and that you can answer for it,' he added.
" class="c5" scrolling="no"
Don Lemon appeared on Charlamagne Tha God's 'Hell Of A Week' show on Comedy Central to talk about both his and CNN's future
Chris Licht took over at CNN in May and is seeking changes throughout the news network to help viewers regain trust in the media, including steering away from 'opinion-mongering' to straight news
Last week, rumors surfaced of CNN considering a revamp of its anchor lineup, with less reliance on opinionated anchors like Lemon - a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump - and Brianna Keilar, in favor of White House Chief Correspondent Kaitlan Collins, after profits were projected to fall below $1 billion, a first since 2016.
An insider source also told Radar that Licht's vision and new management style is worrisome to the network's star personalities, like Anderson Cooper and Lemon, as they were 'used to being treated like stars, not staff.'
The pair were well-liked by former CNN boss Jeff Zucker, who resigned in February over his relationship with the channel's chief marketing officer, Allison Gollust, often socializing with one another and chatting about company gossip.
'Chris' first priority will be fixing CNN's morning and primetime programming,' the insider source told Radar. 'That is where the big advertiser money is. Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon, and the morning hosts should be concerned.'
Licht is also eyeing CNN correspondent Jamie Gangel and is rumored to wanting to bring in late-night TV talk show host Stephen Colbert, with whom he worked during his time at CBS News, as well as other familiar names including MSNBC 'Morning Joe' co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, according to Radar.
CNN is considering recalling Kaitlan Collins, CNN's Chief White House correspondent, back in- house to improve the news network's ratings and reputation in favor of some of the channel's opinionated anchors like Lemon or Anderson Cooper
MSNBC Morning Joe co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brezinski are other familiar names that Licht has worked with in the past and is allegedly considering to hire at CNN
