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CNN Frees Kathleen Parker From Eliot Spitzer Misery
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 25, 2011
Modified Feb 25, 2011
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By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 25, 2011
Modified Feb 25, 2011
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All bad ideas must come to an end, and thus CNN is transforming the poorly received Parker Spitzer, the CNN 8 p.m. talk show featuring columnist Kathleen Parker and our own hooker-loving former governer Eliot Spitzer, into a show called In the Arena. Parker said in a statement, "I have decided to return to a schedule that will allow me to focus more on my syndicated newspaper column and other writings," just months after explaining why she was moving onto the CNN show!
Of course, rumors of Parker's unhappiness have been swirling for months. Spitzer said in a statement, "I wish Kathleen all the best in continuing on with her spectacular career. It has been a joy working with her as a teammate, and I continue to be a huge fan of the wisdom that jumps from her written work and the wit, charm and insight she brings to all that she does," but Crain's noted that her statement "[referred] only to 'the many talented individuals' she worked with at CNN" and "did not acknowledge Mr. Spitzer in her statement, speaking mainly of her wish to return to writing full time."
CNN says the new program "will look beyond the headlines to analyze and discuss the most important stories of the day." The new show will not be the Eliot Spitzer show but an "ensemble," with CNN throwing two conservatives into the mix, E.D. "Terrorist Fist Jab" Hill and Will Cain, as well as unnamed others (hello, David Paterson has some free time!).
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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