Don Lemon quits X after nobody watches him

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Former CNN anchor Don Lemon’s latest venture into new media has come to an abrupt end, with his announcement that he’s departing from X, formerly known as Twitter, citing the platform’s conservative leanings.

“I’ve loved connecting with all of you on X, but it’s time for me to leave the platform,” Lemon announced Wednesday morning. “I once believed it was a place for honest debate and discussion, transparency, and free speech, but I now feel it does not serve that purpose.”

My statement on leaving Twitter pic.twitter.com/9tYcfqHhhC

— Don Lemon (@donlemon) November 13, 2024

Lemon also expressed concerns about X’s updated terms of service regarding legal disputes. He referenced a Washington Post report, stating: “As the Washington Post recently reported on X’s decision to change the terms, this ‘ensures that such lawsuits will be heard in courthouses that are a hub for conservatives, which experts say could make it easier for X to shield itself from litigation and punish critics.'”

However, the reaction to Lemon’s departure suggested minimal impact, with social media users responding dismissively. Valentina Gomez wrote on X: “I ain’t reading all that. You can Hit the ‘Delete Account’ anytime now.” Drew Hernandez added: “Nobody cares. Leave already.”

This latest setback follows Lemon’s tumultuous departure from CNN in April 2023, after 17 years with the network. His exit came amid controversies, including contentious remarks about Nikki Haley and women over 50, along with declining ratings and reported conflicts with co-hosts.

Following his CNN exit, Lemon attempted to transition into social media broadcasting, initially appearing to secure a deal with X owner Elon Musk. However, the arrangement fell through, with Musk explaining: “His approach was basically just ‘CNN, but on social media’, which doesn’t work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying. And, instead of it being the real Don Lemon, it was really just [former CNN president] Jeff Zucker talking through Don, so lacked authenticity. All this said, Lemon/Zucker are of course welcome to build their viewership on this platform along with everyone else.”

Lemon’s experience mirrors a broader pattern of traditional media figures struggling in new media landscapes. While conservative voices like Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, and former mainstream personalities such as Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly have found success in independent platforms, establishment figures often falter when attempting similar transitions.

This is like saying “I’m leaving” but shuffling your feet slowly exiting the party hoping people ask for you to stay. Don’t let freedom of speech hit you on the way out, @donlemon. pic.twitter.com/vppxWxPXOh

— Joe Rogan Podcast (@joeroganhq) November 14, 2024

Chris Wallace’s trajectory provides another example. After leaving Fox News, his venture with CNN+ proved short-lived, yet he’s now attempting another independent streaming initiative, despite previous setbacks.

The challenge for conventional media figures like Lemon and Wallace isn’t merely technological adaptation. Rather, it’s their inability to recognize that audiences are seeking alternatives to traditional media approaches, not simply the same content on different platforms.