Is Don Lemon the Next to be Purged from CNN?

OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.

It’s widely speculated that CNN anchor Don Lemon could be next to go as the left-leaning network makes significant changes to restore journalism and end the excessive anti-Trump bias.

The network recently canceled outspoken liberal Brian Stelter and his CNN show “Reliable Sources.”

Insiders say that Stelter was canceled go because “he is everything that reminds the new owners of the Zucker era they desperately want to get past.”

Incoming CEO Chris Licht of CNN is demanding that the liberal network become less partisan and stir away from the angry years seen during the presidency of Donald Trump.

If both on-air personalities and their programming doesn’t comply, they could be fired. Three sources familiar with the matter confirmed to Axios that on-air talent needs to adjust to a less partisan tone and strategy. If not, they could be ousted.

Licht reportedly wants to feature more personalities that are less polarizing. This approach is much different than former CNN president Jeff Zucker.

Zucker was accused of programming that engaged in disrespectful interviews and “PR stunts.” Under Zucker, producers and bookers focused less on nuance and mostly on noise.

“Management is confident Stelter is the one sharing the internal pushback to fellow media reporters while simultaneously stirring discontent within the ranks,” the source said.

Numerous hosts and personalities beyond Stelter are also extremely biased and aggressively market their personal anti-Trump views on live TV. This has undoubtedly caused many Americans to turn away as the network struggles with lackluster ratings.

Sources say this is only the beginning of the shake up.

Months prior to Stelter’s departure, long-time journalist Jon Nicosia had received the inside scoop that Stelter was on his way out. Now Nicosia says Don Lemon and others won’t be at the network or have their current show assignments for much longer.

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Ironically, these moves could be bad timing. For CNN, keeping liberals’ massive egos inflated and their moral superiority complex confirmed is their bread and butter. Conservatives and normal people rolled their eyes at CNN during the Trump years. Still, liberals were loyal, insane, and glued to these clowns who couldn’t even get a time stamp right regarding a series of emails portrayed as a significant smoking gun during the Russian collusion fiasco.

If Trump runs again, the network will need Lemon, Acosta, and others to kick the hornet’s nest again. At the end of the day, while I know gutting CNN of their liberal cancers would be optimal, it’s also a business. So, I could see this going either way regarding these potential firings. The new top brass could get rid of these folks and tread water for 2024, hoping their recent relaunch doesn’t implode. Or they do a 180-degree turn, keep the Trump-hating hosts and contributors, and make a boatload of cash again.