CNN ousted Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Kathleen Parker from its show “Parker Spitzer,” that she co-hosted with former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, the cable network said today.
CNN executive Ken Jautz told staff members of the change this afternoon, saying the show will be redubbed “In The Arena.”
The Post’s Page Six reported today that Spitzer had told friends Parker “will be gone within a week.”
TODAY: SPITZ SET TO STEAMROLL PARKER
A source said, “Spitzer thinks she’s holding him back. The ratings surged when she was out sick, and he anchored alone during the turmoil in Egypt. Only very few anchors have the power to wipe out a co-host, and Spitzer thinks he has it. CNN bosses are high on Spitzer, and he might get his own show. Kathleen has been weighing her options. There’s this sense of dread among middle management.”
CNN described the departure as mutual. In a statement, Parker said she wanted to concentrate on her writing and that “with the show moving in a new direction, it was time to move on.”
Page Six has reported that Parker could be dumped due to lack of chemistry with Spitzer.
“Parker Spitzer” — which competed at 8 p.m. against Fox News Channel’s “The O’Reilly Factor” — has struggled to find ratings success since it made its debut four months ago.
The former governor, meanwhile, will continue as host and will be joined by several other people.
“I wish Kathleen all the best in continuing on with her spectacular career,” Spitzer said in a statement released by CNN. “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.”
With AP