Piers Morgan’s Show Slashed From CNN
The British pundit has had his last show on primetime. After only three years since his show began, CNN has decided to cut it from its primetime lineup. Although the news is sudden, it are not particularly surprising since the show was not very popular.
Having been charged with replacing the venerable Larry King in the 9 p.m. slot, Morgan followed the same format as his predecessor, according to CNN. Both shows shared a similar format with an emphasis on news-making interviews, but the show could not rival the ratings of other news networks.
Morgan believes his emphasis on gun control in America may have affected his ratings and popularity. In his interview with the New York Times following the news of the cancellation, he highlighted that as an issue. "Look, I am a British guy debating American cultural issues, including guns, which has been very polarizing," he said. "There is no doubt that there are many in the audience who are tired of me banging on about it."
This past week, Piers Morgan Live delivered its second lowest rating among 25 to 54 year olds with 50,000 viewers on Tuesday Feb. 18. After discussions with CNN president Jeff Zucker, it was decided to end the show this coming March. "That's run its course and Jeff and I have been talking for some time about different ways of using me," said Morgan of the show. According to reports, CNN is trying to figure out what to do with Morgan and where to place him next.
Morgan has been recently embroiled in the news too because of his involvement in the phone hacking scandal in the U.K. According to The Guardian, Scotland Yard interviewed Morgan concerning his involvement when he was editor of the Daily Mirror.