Fox News’ Howard Kurtz on Sunday pointed out a possible positive consequence of the departures of Tucker Carlson from Fox and Don Lemon from CNN.
“The big picture raised by the dismissals at Fox and CNN is whether we are entering a new era in which some limits are imposed on what even the most popular hosts can say,” the “MediaBuzz” host said.
“Management at all the networks may be more likely to rein in their top talent and insist on fact-checking rather than risk embarrassing or lawsuits for the airing of false information,” Kurtz continued.
“That, if it comes to pass, might just be a worthwhile outcome,” he added.
Fox announced it had “parted ways” with Carlson last week. No reason was given, although the prime-time star routinely peddled racist and xenophobic talking points on his show, and trash-talked co-workers and bosses.
The same day, CNN confirmed it had sacked Lemon after 17 years, giving no explanation.
Lemon said he was “stunned” by his termination, which followed controversial comments about GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley being past her “prime” and a Variety exposé accusing him of misogyny.
