What Do Carlson, Lemon Firings Mean for Cable News?
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Following a turbulent week in news media as notable commentators Tucker Carlson (Right Bias) and Don Lemon were unceremoniously removed from their respective positions at Fox News (Right Bias) and CNN (Lean Left Bias), outlets across the spectrum are analyzing and speculating what the shake ups mean for cable news.
Changing Landscape: An analysis in Variety determined that with a shifting media landscape altering audience preferences in consuming news content, “it is becoming clearer that media executives may have less patience for TV-news pot-stirrers.” The article cited growing competition in the media landscape, from podcasts to streaming-outlets and more, to determine both Carlson and Lemon are replaceable, stating, “There are plenty more where Carlson and Lemon came from.”
Economic Pressure: An Axios analysis echoed this, stating the “drama encircling some of cable news' biggest stars adds to the enormous pressure cable news networks are already facing as streaming takes over.” The article broke down the events that led to both Carlson and Lemon being removed from their show, as well as the unexpected removal of NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell, who was removed by parent-company Comcast for “inappropriate conduct.”
Deplatformed: An opinion piece in the American Spectator focused on Carlson’s exit, citing Carlson’s high ratings to determine his removal “represents a rebellion of the elites against the choice of viewers.” The article alluded to Fox’s legal troubles and a potential desire for wider appeal to advertisers to argue, “Tucker Carlson lost his job not because viewers tired of him but because of targeted activism involving courts and corporations.”
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