A King of prime-time calls it quits
Source: Agencies |
July 1, 2010, Thursday
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Larry King, who interviewed statesmen and stars from a prime-time perch at CNN for 25 years but has faded in ratings and influence lately, said on Tuesday that he will step down this fall from his nightly show.
"It's time to hang up my nightly suspenders," King said in a message via Twitter.
King said he will do occasional specials for CNN. He marked his 25th anniversary on the air this month and takes pride in a Guinness Book of World Records citation for hosting the longest-running show on the same network in the same time slot.
The longtime radio host was a pioneer in cable television. From the first show where he interviewed then-New York Governor Mario Cuomo, King's desk was considered a valued spot for anyone interested in talking to Americans. King's interview style was plain-spoken and critics would suggest occasionally ill-prepared, but he was good at making his guests feel comfortable.
"He lured so many people to this new frontier of cable back before anybody understood what it was all about," said CNN US President Jon Klein, who called King a "living, breathing Hall of Famer who is still doing the work."
King said he felt no pressure from CNN to leave. He said he began thinking about stepping down as his 25th anniversary week ended earlier this month, on the airplane home after interviewing basketball star LeBron James. During that week, he also spoke to Bill Gates, President Barack Obama and Lady Gaga - an apt example of the mix that he always sought on his show.
"I said, 'I can't top this,'" King said on Tuesday. "I'm tired of the nightly grind. I do want to do other things but I want to stay at CNN in some way. There's a case of great mixed emotions."
King told his staff of his decision during a conference call on Tuesday that he called "one of the saddest 10 minutes of my life."
CNN is in the midst of remaking its prime-time lineup and last week announced that former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer and conservative columnist Kathleen Parker would co-host a show on politics and current events.
The network will now concentrate on potential successors.
Klein said he wanted to continue with provocative newsmaker interviews in the time slot.
CBS News anchor Katie Couric has long been considered a potential successor.
Recent published reports have suggested that "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan could also be a candidate. King said if it were up to him, "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest would be the best choice to fill his shoes.
King estimated he's conducted some 50,000 interviews during a 53-year broadcasting career. He said he always tried to ask short questions and to never come in with an agenda. "I left my ego at the door," he said.
"It's time to hang up my nightly suspenders," King said in a message via Twitter.
King said he will do occasional specials for CNN. He marked his 25th anniversary on the air this month and takes pride in a Guinness Book of World Records citation for hosting the longest-running show on the same network in the same time slot.
The longtime radio host was a pioneer in cable television. From the first show where he interviewed then-New York Governor Mario Cuomo, King's desk was considered a valued spot for anyone interested in talking to Americans. King's interview style was plain-spoken and critics would suggest occasionally ill-prepared, but he was good at making his guests feel comfortable.
"He lured so many people to this new frontier of cable back before anybody understood what it was all about," said CNN US President Jon Klein, who called King a "living, breathing Hall of Famer who is still doing the work."
King said he felt no pressure from CNN to leave. He said he began thinking about stepping down as his 25th anniversary week ended earlier this month, on the airplane home after interviewing basketball star LeBron James. During that week, he also spoke to Bill Gates, President Barack Obama and Lady Gaga - an apt example of the mix that he always sought on his show.
"I said, 'I can't top this,'" King said on Tuesday. "I'm tired of the nightly grind. I do want to do other things but I want to stay at CNN in some way. There's a case of great mixed emotions."
King told his staff of his decision during a conference call on Tuesday that he called "one of the saddest 10 minutes of my life."
CNN is in the midst of remaking its prime-time lineup and last week announced that former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer and conservative columnist Kathleen Parker would co-host a show on politics and current events.
The network will now concentrate on potential successors.
Klein said he wanted to continue with provocative newsmaker interviews in the time slot.
CBS News anchor Katie Couric has long been considered a potential successor.
Recent published reports have suggested that "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan could also be a candidate. King said if it were up to him, "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest would be the best choice to fill his shoes.
King estimated he's conducted some 50,000 interviews during a 53-year broadcasting career. He said he always tried to ask short questions and to never come in with an agenda. "I left my ego at the door," he said.
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