Ratings-challenged Don Lemon ‘not the answer,’ to CNN’s morning show issues, critics say

"CNN had tried for years to fix its morning programming and Don Lemon is not the answer," a longtime network morning show producer told Fox News Digital when the move was announced.   

"CNN recently announced low-rated, left-wing host Don Lemon would move from primetime to an ensemble morning program later this year, as the network attempts to revamp its AM lineup with a show centered around a host who's struggled to attract viewers.". . .

. . ."Steve Krakauer, a former CNN digital producer who edits media newsletter Fourth Watch, believes Lemon has a chance to thrive in mornings but wonders if he’s too partisan to attract additional eyeballs. 

" 'Lemon is a talented TV personality who went far down the Trump addiction rabbit hole over the past five years. That may have brought him some degree of success with a small subset of the audience, but ultimately it did not allow for his true talent to shine. He's not a news reader. He's not a strong partisan voice like Rachel Maddow. So what is he? Well he's fun, and he's kind of goofy, and he can fill air time," Krakauer told Fox News Digital. 

" 'If that's what the morning show will be, maybe he'll succeed. To be fair, success for CNN in the morning will basically be getting above a ‘scratch’ rating," Krakauer continued. "But I also wonder if Don Lemon in 2022 is currently capable of just being that, of de-politicizing himself enough to be palatable for an audience that doesn't want to be part of the endless divisiveness that his old show brought."

"Lemon has insisted that the move from primetime to the mornings isn’t a demotion. McCall believes network honchos simply did what they had to do, but more changes will be inevitable if Lemon doesn’t figure out a way to appeal to viewers. ". . .

The Bee couldn't resist this: Where Are They Now? Catch Up With All Your Favorite Laid-Off CNN Employees! | Babylon Bee