Weekly Writing Challenge: Reel Talk – Time for Don Lemon to move to primetime

This week’s Weekly Writing Challenge: Reel Talk encouraged bloggers to incorporate video into our posts. A recent Don Lemon piece on CNN affords a great opportunity to do just that!

Dear CNN,

cbc.ca

As a long time viewer I thought I’d take a moment to bring something to your attention. I understand fully that you may be well aware of what I’m about to point out, and may even be in the process of dealing with the situation. If so please disregard this letter. I’m writing about Don Lemon and, more to the point, the notion that it is time he had his own weeknight prime time show. Trust me, to paraphrase the old Dr. John song, “if you don’t do it somebody else will”.

I’m writing about Don Lemon and, more to the point, the notion that it is time he had his own weeknight prime time show

Lemon has been a mainstay of weekend programming for some time now as well as a regular fill-in when needed. But recently he has started to outgrow that position. He’s written a book, come out as a gay man, and most recently taken on the Black community in his “No Talking Points” segment in the wake of the Trayvon Martin killing. He is intelligent, articulate, well presented and fair. Just the kind of person you would want hosting a news and opinion show.

… but I also think it might just be time for an African-American to take a place in that line up

The current CNN evening schedule has Wolf Blitzer, Erin Burnett, Anderson Cooper, Piers Morgan and Anderson Cooper yet again. All of them great at what they do, and all of them undeniably white. Don’t get me wrong, I think Cooper is great, but I also think it might just be time for an African-American to take a place in that line up, maybe the second Cooper hour might be the spot. Perhaps a bright experienced host who is not afraid to be a wee bit controversial.

A friendly warning, someone is going to take notice a snap up this talent if you don’t lock him up

Which brings me back to Lemon. A sixty minute show at ten o’clock would suit his style and make CNN a leader. A friendly warning, someone is going to take notice and snap up this talent if you don’t lock him up.

Thanks for hearing me out!