Lemon out of CNN

Don Lemon, a longtime anchor for cable news network CNN, has left the network after more than 17 years of service. The news comes just over two months after Lemon apologized on air for his comments about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley. CNN did not provide a public explanation for Lemon's departure, but the network's president and CEO Chris Licht stated in a memo to staff that Lemon would always be part of the CNN family and was wished the best in his future endeavors.

Lemon's own Twitter account stated that the news surprised him and characterized it as a firing. CNN issued a rebuttal on its PR account stating that Lemon was offered the opportunity to meet with management, but instead issued a statement on Twitter. Licht said Lemon would undergo "formal training," but did not specify what that would entail. Lemon used to host the primetime show Don Lemon Tonight, but moved to mornings when the network launched CNN This Morning last November. The show has not had the expected effect on ratings, and CNN leadership urged patience last month amid declining viewership across the board. Haley, who criticized Lemon's statements as sexist and used the incident as a fundraiser in February, took to Twitter to call Lemon's firing "a great day for women everywhere" and linked to drink covers with the message "Past my prime? Hold my beer."

CNN's decision to part ways with Lemon has generated mixed reactions. Some have praised him for his long career at the network and his contributions to television journalism, while others have criticized his on-air behavior and supported CNN's decision to fire him. However, it is clear that Lemon's future will be closely watched by those interested in media and journalism in the United States.