CNN’s Piers Morgan says he’ll be stepping down from his ratings-challenged talk show, noting that his show has “run its course.”
The former London newspaper editor bluntly said that his cocksure British attitude rubbed viewers the wrong way.
“It’s been a painful period and lately we have taken a bath in the ratings,” Morgan told New York Times media columnist David Carr.
“I am a British guy debating American cultural issues, including guns, which has been very polarizing, and there is no doubt that there are many in the audience who are tired of me banging on about it.”
Morgan didn’t give an exact time when “Piers Morgan Live” would be yanked from the lineup. It now airs at 9 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The host said he’s been in talks with CNN chief Jeff Zucker to make a graceful exit — perhaps to another role with the Atlanta-based network.
Morgan still wants to work for CNN, and interview news makers.
“I think I can credibly do news and the ratings reflect that, but it is not really the show that I set out to do,” he said.
“There are all kinds of people who can do news here. I’d like to do interviews with big celebrities and powerful people, that are better suited to what I do well.”
An incredibly self-critical Morgan said American TV viewers were clearly getting tired of his act.
Gun owners were among Morgan’s harshest critics. The show host had made gun-control one of his top talking points in the wake of campus and work-place assaults that have plagued America.
“I’m in danger of being the guy down at the end of the bar who is always going on about the same thing,” Morgan said.
“I’m sure there are plenty of people who are pissed off about this British guy telling them how to lead their lives and what they should do with their guns.”
New York Post
