Broadcast Bloodbath: Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon have both left their respective media outlets in a major shake-up. Carlson aired his last program on Friday, and “Fox News Tonight” will take over the 8 p.m. EST slot. Don Lemon was terminated by CNN after 17 years, and he has expressed shock at the decision, claiming he was blindsided. However, sources suggest that he was offered a meeting with management but chose instead to release his statement on Twitter. Both Lemon and Carlson have faced recent controversies, which have contributed to their departures. This move comes ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an event that celebrates the First Amendment and honors journalists. The exits will affect the traditional WHCA dinner roast, which will be delivered by this year’s headliner, Roy Wood Jr.
Lemon made derogatory comments on-air about presidential hopeful Nikki Haley. He later apologized for his remarks but remained embroiled in allegations of inappropriate behavior towards female colleagues at CNN. Carlson, along with hosts Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham, was privately mocking regular guests such as Donald Trump’s attorneys, Giuliani, and Powell while promoting conspiracy theories to their audience. Last month, Carlson received widespread condemnation for his misleading portrayal of the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
Former “Tucker Carlson Tonight” producer Abby Grossberg is also suing the network for unlawfully firing her as an act of retaliation. Carlson was one of the most-watched hosts on the cable news network, with an average audience of 3.2 million viewers. Fox News has mutually agreed to part ways with Carlson. This news has been received positively by former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly and former President Donald Trump. Russian-backed English-language news outlet RT News has offered Carlson a job via Twitter.
