Larry King is stepping down from his post at CNN, ending a quarter of a century run which lately has included King reading off question cards prepared by staffers while battling his ex-wife in divorce court.
Several weeks ago it was announced that British TV star Piers Morgan was in negotiations to take over the show so the announcement shouldn’t come as a surprise, the network is also facing a ratings slide that could use new blood to re-energize the one time media darling.
Before starting Live in 1985 King had a long radio career followed by a rating topper for CNN until recently as rating have continued to slide.
On his twitter page Larry King said:
“It’s time to hang up my nightly suspenders.”
In a press statement King released the following message:
“Before I start the show tonight, I want to share some personal news with you. Twenty five years ago, I sat across this table from New York Governor Mario Cuomo for the first broadcast of Larry King Live. Now, decades later, I talked to the guys here at CNN and I told them I would like to end Larry King Live, the nightly show, this fall and CNN has graciously accepted, giving me more time for my wife and I to get to the kids’ little league games. I’ll still be a part of the CNN family, hosting several Larry King specials on major national and international subjects.”
King added: “I’m incredibly proud that we recently made the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest running show with the same host in the same time slot. With this chapter closing I’m looking forward to the future and what my next chapter will bring….”
After his statement was available CNN released their own well wishes for King:
“Just as CNN redefined the news business, Larry King defined the art of the television interview. His candor, curiosity and compassion are legendary, and his ability to interview people from all walks of life—world leaders, celebrities and everyday people—has made him an icon. Having conducted nearly 50,000 interviews over 50-plus years in broadcasting, Larry deserves to take some time for himself and his family. After 25 years at CNN, he will conclude ‘Larry King Live’ on his own terms, sometime this fall. We are proud and grateful that Larry will continue the next chapter of his storied career at CNN and will host several specials over the coming years. Today is about Larry. We will announce plans for the 9pm hour in the weeks ahead.”
The last episode for Larry King will air sometime in November.
Personally I believe the show has been lacking any real heart for the last 10 years or so, but that’s just my opinion, what do you think about Piers Morgan or another late night pundit taking over for King?
