CNN has experimented with a revamped presentation in select shows. It has not drawn rave reviews from former host Don Lemon.
During Wednesday’s edition of The Don Lemon Show, the former CNN host shared that even though he believes the network treated him poorly upon his exit, he still believes that the outlet includes “the best journalists in the business.”
But he believes The Lead with Jake Tapper, being hosted from Tapper’s office and Anderson Cooper 360, prominently displaying podcast microphones and Cooper rolling up his sleeves, cheapens the brand.
“To me, it’s cringe,” Lemon said of the alterations. “Because the reason people watch CNN is for the credibility of Jake (Tapper), and Anderson (Cooper), and Erin (Burnett). And there is sort of this illusion — if you want to put it that way — about television news. It’s larger than life. The colors are brighter than in real life. It’s big fancy sets that glow. That’s what it is.
“But ultimately, that’s eye candy. What people tune in for is the editorial. It is whatever the network is, the tone and tenor of their news, and for credibility. It’s not because someone is speaking into a podcast mic with their sleeves rolled up. And I would lean into it,” Lemon continued. “We’re (expletive) CNN! Yeah, we look great, but also we’re going to have a backbone. And we’re going to have some teeth into our editorial. We’re going to hold this administration accountable. And we’re not going to put on election deniers. We’re not going to put on people who come on just to lie.”
Don Lemon concluded by stating that he understands the experiment, but doesn’t believe in it.
“They’re trying something. I give them credit for that, but it is so cringe to watch,” he said. “I’m just being honest.”
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