Former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, who resigned in disgrace in 2008, has been chosen as a co-host of a new primetime news program on CNN replacing Campbell Brown. Spitzer will be joined by the Pulitzer Prize-winning conservative columnist for The Washington Post, Kathleen Parker.
Kathleen Parker
Longtime NSNC member Kathleen Parker is one of America’s most popular opinion columnists. Parker’s column appears twice weekly in more than 400 newspapers. In April she won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for her political opinion columns. She is a member of the Washington Post Writers Group.
Spitzer has attempted to reinvent himself as a media pundit since he resigned from office after admitting to soliciting prostitutes while serving as New York’s chief executive. The scandal ended the liberal political career of Spitzer, who was elected in 2006, vowing to clean up corruption.
After swearing off opinion-based programming in favor of serious journalism, CNN has seen ratings slump. Media observers say the network has to shake up its straightforward lineup in order to compete with MSNBC and Fox News. But not everyone is happy with the addition of more “talking heads” who talk about the news instead of reporting it.
Alleging that the other newworks present only one narrow, predictable point of view, “In contrast, CNN will be offering a lively roundup of all the best ideas — presented by two of the most intelligent and outspoken figures in the country,” according to Jonathan Klein, CNN President.
Media has given little attention to Parker as she is overshadowed by her nortorious co-host.
The show will air weeknights at 8 p.m.
