CNN Allows Larry King To Save Face

CNN president Jon Klein:  Larry is ending his show after 25 years at CNN 'on his own terms.'  NYTimes Brian Stelter

'Larry is a beloved member of the CNN family,' Klein wrote in a memo to CNN staff.

Larry. 76, announced his retirement Tuesday night right out of the gate. He told guest Bill Maher he went to CNN with his retirement offer and CNN 'graciously accepted.'

'I never felt any pressure.  CNN never pressured me.' Howard Kurtz Washington Post 

But Larry couldn't help but see the handwriting on the wall with falling ratings and leaked rumors of his potential successors including Katie Couric (who reportedly turned down the gig) and Brit Piers Morgan (CNN denied the rumors).

Larry's choice to replace him?  Ryan Secrest  'if he has a great interest in politics. I’m sure there’s a ton of people that could do it. Come on, it’s Q.&A.'

The reigning King of the Night started his radio broadcasting career more than 50 years ago in Miami.  He'll stay at CNN doing 'periodic specials.'

But an incredibly reliable source tells Chickaboomer [ 'periodic specials'] '"s code they don't want him on the air anymore. He says it was his decision, which is code for they don't want me on the air anymore. I think the tabloid crap plus the lousy guests and stupid topics forced CNN to do it. The thing is, goofy as the show is, it still made money."

King (born Larry Zeiger in Brooklyn) made his mark hosting an all-night radio talk show on Mutual Broadcasting radio network starting in 1978.  It was five hours long.  In 1979 I was named Larry's overnight news anchor. 

The face people thought was only for radio made his TV debut at Washington's WJLA TV where his then-wife (or ex-wife, I can't keep them all straight) Sharon King was the producer.  The show gave Larry an opportunity to acquire TV sea legs.  Larry actually interviewed me on that show in early 1985.  Larry jumped to CNN that same year.

It wasn't until the 1992 presidential election that Larry King's star shot through the media and political stratosphere.  Ross 'I'm all ears' Perot appeared on Larry's show and other presidential candidates followed suit, changing the landscape of political campaigns. At the time a sincereLarry told me he was puzzled but pleased with his newfound fame.

In the early 1990s I did a TV interview with Larry at Mutual's studios in Arlington, Virginia.  Unlike yours truly who doesn't give a rat's ass what people think of me, Larry had a burning desire to be liked.  '"I want to be liked," he emphasized.

Related:  Larry's career in photos