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May 18, 2013

CNN's 'Parker Spitzer' Becomes 'In the Arena,' Kathleen Parker Out

by Jean Bentley, posted Feb 25th 2011 3:30PM

Parker SpitzerCNN's 'Parker Spitzer' is losing one of its namesake hosts.

Confirming weeks of speculation (beginning with a Jan. 10 Wall Street Journal report), CNN vice president Ken Jautz announced today that journalist Kathleen Parker would leave the show, which has been renamed 'In the Arena.'

Jautz wrote in a memo to his staff, according to The Hollywood Reporter, that "Kathleen Parker has decided to leave the program to focus on her writing, and we have decided to take the show in a new direction."

The new show will use an "ensemble format with several newsmakers, guests and contributors joining Eliot Spitzer each night," Jautz wrote. "The new program will be called 'In the Arena' beginning Monday. E.D. Hill and Will Cain will join the program as well others within and outside the CNN family."

Jautz said he was "pleased with how the 8PM hour has become a centerpiece of substantive, policy-oriented conversation," and the new show "will look beyond the headlines to analyze and discuss the most important stories of the day. The program will provide context and analysis through balanced and thoughtful discussions and interviews with a wide range of guests and newsmakers who cumulatively represent various points of view."

Parker said thiin a statement: "I have decided to return to a schedule that will allow me to focus more on my syndicated newspaper column and other writings."

Spitzer said he wishes his co-host "all the best in continuing on with her spectacular career. It has been a joy working with her as a teammate, and I continue to be a huge fan of the wisdom that jumps from her written work and the wit, charm and insight she brings to all that she does."

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nonnief

It makes me said to see Kathleen Parker leave. It is very unfortunate that Mr. Spitzer spoke over her words and didn't allow us the opportunity to hear her express opinions and questions of the guests. I felt from the first show that she wasn't given a venue to express her thoughts without constant interruptions by Mr. Spitzer. I wish her the best. I watched the show and felt that he would dismiss her questions from the very beginning. Kathleen you are a smart, beautiful woman...you will do well anywhere in a place where you can express yourself without constant interruptions. Good Luck!

March 23 2011 at 11:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
FRIENDO

please please please............take e.d. hill off !!!!!!!!!!!! your new show plesae.

March 23 2011 at 7:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
arohr02

The wrong person left. I won't watch it now . . . I only watched it before to satisfy my curiosity.

February 26 2011 at 10:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gfabale

Now maybe we'll get real people who just don't sit there with a dumb smile on there face. Let's face it she is not ready for on the spot talking.

February 26 2011 at 2:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lexie

I no longer view this program since Rick Sanchez was removed. I have always believed Spitzer's infidelity scandal
to be much more of a problem than the words Mr. Sanchez was fired for. Now that Parker is leaving maybe an
entirely new program should be considered without Spitzer.

February 26 2011 at 1:14 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
callaluna

It just goes to show how degenerate the powers that be actually are, when a man who was not only a hypocrite but a criminal is given a TV show where he pontificates about politics and acts as if he is a paragon.
Ms. Parker is well out of this debacle and should now have plenty of time to shower off the slime of the past few months.

February 26 2011 at 12:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to callaluna's comment
jep121212

You are terribly misguided!! Spitzer fopught against Wall Street and Greed for the working American and yes he did get caught with a prostitute. However, Republican Senator Vitter got caught with a prostitute and has constantly voted for Wall Strret and the super wealthy. Republican Senator Ensign of Nevada had an affair with a top aides wife and was involved in an illegal payoff and is still Senator and voting to help the super wealthy.

February 26 2011 at 1:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to jep121212's comment
John from Raleigh

Couldn't agree with Jep121212 more. Spitzer cheated on his wife, unfortunately looks of people do. But when the rubber hits the road, this guy has fought against the big money interest in this country. Look what just happened in Wisconsin, a sitting Gov. gave 20 minutes to a person he thought was a billionaire contributer and happily laid out his whole plan for busting the unions. What is really discussing is how easily the Gov. was bought. It only took 43k.... That is how much the David Koch gave to his campaign. So for basically the same price as a 10th grade English teacher's annual salary this Billionaire can get a Gov. undivided attention and bust up the unions. Are people are mad Spitzer had an affair.

On a side note.... Watch "An Inside Job" it is a documentary which does a great job of explaining the financial crisis.

February 26 2011 at 9:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down
drooster47

Good riddance. Very unlikeable woman.

February 26 2011 at 12:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ajyminoo

Hope the new program will be as exciting and insightful as the former, if not better. Wishing Parker all the best in her quest to pursue her writing career.

February 26 2011 at 12:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Patty White

Why don't they replace her witha real conservative?

February 26 2011 at 12:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Patty White's comment
jep121212

Because, maybe they want someone who has an intelligent outlook on how to solve problems. Not just someone who thinks lowering taxes on the very wealthy is the answer to all problems.

February 26 2011 at 1:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Freddin

I will move to a diffrent channel when he is on. She was better than him!!

February 26 2011 at 12:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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