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Monday, January 10, 2011

Report: CNN Mulls Parker-Spitzer Shake-Up

Amid Ratings Struggle, May Replace Kathleen Parker

CNN is considering replacing Kathleen Parker, co-host of its new evening program "Parker Spitzer," according to people familiar with the matter, as the network struggles to reverse a steep slide in its evening audience.

According to a story by Sam Schechner at wsj.com, the conservative columnist could be replaced by a new co-host to serve alongside former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, as executives mull a shake-up of the show, the people said, adding that no decision has been made. "Parker Spitzer" hasn't been able to significantly build its audience since its debut just over three months ago.

Any change could represent a course correction in CNN's larger reinvention of its flagship U.S. network's evening hours, which lost more than one-third of their audience in 2010.

CNN hatched "Parker Spitzer" as the first step in a turnaround effort. The second major step will come Jan. 17, when CNN is set to debut a new interview show hosted by former British-tabloid journalist Piers Morgan, succeeding Larry King. Mr. Morgan said Thursday that his first guest will be Oprah Winfrey. CNN is expected to announce the remaining guests for Mr. Morgan's first week on Monday.

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