Politics
Don Lemon Announces Surprising Career Update, Tucker Carlson Weighs In: ‘Congratulations’
In a surprising move, journalist Don Lemon has announced his new venture, ‘The Don Lemon Show.’ The show is set to air in 30-minute episodes three times a week as a blend of Lemon’s commentary on politics, culture, sports, and entertainment.
The series will debut exclusively on the X platform, formerly Twitter, signifying a new partnership. Lemon’s decision to embark on the solo journey reflects the growing trend among prominent journalists, such as Tucker Carlson, seeking to carve out their independent niches in the digital era.
“I’ve heard you… and today I am back bigger, bolder, freer!” Lemon wrote on X. “My new media company’s first project is The Don Lemon Show. It will be available to everyone, easily, whenever and wherever you want it, streaming on the platforms where the conversations are happening.”
Congratulations. It’s a new world. Welcome. https://t.co/bdm3h7Nsxd
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) January 9, 2024
“And you’ll find it first on X, the biggest space for free speech in the world,” the former CNN host finished. “I know now more than ever that we need a place for honest debate and discussion without the hall monitors. This is just the beginning so stay tuned.”
In response to Lemon’s announcement, Tucker Carlson welcomed Lemon to a “new world” of media, a nod to the expanding landscape that now includes more varied and individualistic voices than ever before.
The show’s format is expected to attract a broad audience. Notable figures Tulsi Gabbard and Jim Rome have also launched exclusive shows alongside Lemon. The move aligns with the growing demand for content that challenges traditional narratives and offers diverse viewpoints.
We’re delighted to announce a new content partnership with @DonLemon for his new project, The Don Lemon Show. The award winning TV journalist will share his unique and honest voice in 30 minute episodes, three times a week, covering politics, culture, sports and entertainment.…
— Business (@XBusiness) January 9, 2024
Both Lemon and Carlson were fired from their respective networks around the same time in 2023. Lemon was fired from CNN in the spring of 2023. His firing followed remarks he made on-air about Nikki Haley, where he commented that she was not “in her prime.”
Lemon, who was with CNN for 17 years, said he was informed of his termination by his agent and was “stunned” that no one from management had reached out to him directly at the time.
BREAKING: @DonLemon, @TulsiGabbard, @JimRome join @TuckerCarlson in launching exclusive shows on 𝕏 pic.twitter.com/oYiF89LOq5
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) January 9, 2024
Before his firing, he also engaged in a heated debate on race and gun control with Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, leading to apparent frustration among CNN’s leadership. Allegations also surfaced about Lemon’s unprofessional behavior towards female colleagues and conflicts with co-anchor Kaitlin Collins. However, these claims were not confirmed by CNN.
Lemon was taken aback by his termination, noting that he had received no previous warnings from CNN about his employment being in jeopardy.
“Don’s new company will take his no-holds-barred approach to storytelling to the next level in this raw and authentic program,” stated Oren Rosenbaum who is in charge of audio and a partner at UTA, the agency that represents Lemon.
“Leveraging technology like AI and many decades worth of experience, Don will break news and provoke thoughtful conversation through his direct and unfiltered take on today’s most important stories.”
X has emerged as a new potential stronghold for journalists under Elon Musk. By many accounts, the tech CEO has done a fine job of courting high-profile names to the platform so far.