Don Lemon Says CNN Shouldn't Try to Be More Centrist

Former CNN host claims conservatives will never watch a 'factual news organization'

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:20am

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In a recent interview, former CNN host Don Lemon suggested that the network should not try to become more centrist in its coverage, claiming that conservatives will never watch a 'factual news organization' like CNN. Lemon argued that efforts to appeal to right-leaning viewers would be futile, as MAGA supporters are not interested in watching a channel that reports the news objectively.

Why it matters

Lemon's comments highlight the deep partisan divide in the media landscape, where some believe that news outlets must choose between appealing to left-leaning or right-leaning audiences rather than striving for balanced, fact-based reporting. This perspective reflects the challenges facing media companies as they navigate an increasingly polarized political climate.

The details

During the interview, Lemon recounted a conversation he had with frequent CNN guest and Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary, who suggested that CNN should 'come to the middle' to win more viewers. Lemon firmly rejected this idea, telling O'Leary that 'those folks are never ever going to watch CNN and they're never going to watch any network that's a factual news network.'

  • The interview took place on March 14, 2026 at the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University.

The players

Don Lemon

Former CNN host who recently suggested that the network should not try to become more centrist in its coverage, as conservatives will never watch a 'factual news organization' like CNN.

Kevin O'Leary

Frequent CNN guest and Shark Tank star who suggested that CNN should 'come to the middle' to win more viewers, an idea that Lemon firmly rejected.

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What they’re saying

“You're out of your mind, that's never going to happen, are you crazy? Those folks are never ever going to watch CNN and they're never going to watch any network that's a factual news network.”

— Don Lemon, Former CNN host (The Gateway Pundit)

The takeaway

Lemon's comments reflect the deep partisan divide in the media landscape, where some believe that news outlets must choose between appealing to left-leaning or right-leaning audiences rather than striving for balanced, fact-based reporting. This perspective highlights the challenges facing media companies as they navigate an increasingly polarized political climate.