Last week was one of the most hectic and eye-opening in cable news history after the firings of both Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon by Fox News and CNN respectively. Fox News media reporter Howard Kurtz believes executives may have given other hosts a look at what they’re capable of if the presenters don’t fall in line.
During his Sunday Media Buzz program, Kurtz discussed the firings of both Lemon and Carlson, as well as the ouster of NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell after his inappropriate relationship with CNBC anchor Hadley Gamble came to light.
“The big picture raised by the dismissals at Fox and CNN is whether we are entering a new era in which some limits are imposed on what even the most popular hosts can say,” Kurtz questioned.
He then argued that Don Lemon’s very public missteps and spats with co-workers, and Carlson’s behind-the-scenes views on everything from his co-workers to executives at Fox News, to his feelings on then-President Trump could lead to executives feeling more inclined to hold a more firm grip on what happens both on and off the air at their cable networks.
“Management at all the networks may be more likely to rein in their top talent and insist on fact-checking rather than risk embarrassment or lawsuits for the airing of false information. That, if it comes to pass, might just be a worthwhile outcome,” concluded Kurtz.
