In Depth: What’s wrong with this picture?
Ok, here’s what I don’t get about today’s Jossip item. According to Jossip, Jonathan Klein has his hands all over Larry King Live. But here’s the problem. This story rang old bells for me and I did a search of the blog regarding King’s show. Back in August 24th of 2005, The New York Times’ Bill Carter wrote an article about the Bob Costas no-show substitution on Larry King Live regarding a Natalee Holloway show. According to Carter’s write up, Klein is on record as saying that King’s people pick their own subjects and King has earned the right to do whatever he wants…
Nor, apparently, does Mr. Klein directly influence the content of Mr. King’s program, which has also frequently dived into the Holloway case. Mr. Klein said that Mr. King’s producers have wide autonomy.
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“Larry is sui generis,” Mr. Klein said. “Larry does what Larry does. He has earned the right to pick his own topics.”
If one reads into the above, one comes away with the conclusion that Klein has nothing to do with King’s show. But according to Jossip, the exact opposite is the case. So which is it? Both stories could be correct only if Klein changed his position regarding King’s show’s autonomy. I have no way of knowing if that’s the case or not. But the contradictory nature of the two stories raises lots of questions.
You’re talking about jossip (gossip). Fact? No. And you call that an indepth piece? Not a lot to it.
Comment by Stud — October 24, 2006 @ 8:23 pm
Well if you have an explanation for the contradictory stories or know which story is accurate I’m all ears…
Comment by Spud — October 24, 2006 @ 8:26 pm
But the first article you quoted from was in 2005. Things can change rather rapidly in the television business over the course of a year. Maybe what was true then is not the case now.
Comment by Alison — October 24, 2006 @ 9:44 pm
It’s certainly possible. Who knows?
Comment by Spud — October 24, 2006 @ 10:23 pm
Larry King has always been a consistent ratings draw from CNN - it’s the only reliable show on the schedule and Klein has zero to do with it.
Comment by TV Insider — October 24, 2006 @ 11:11 pm
Is this the only thing Jon Klien can take credit for given everything else he’s touched has failed?
Comment by Clara — October 24, 2006 @ 11:14 pm
What micromanaging is Jon Klein doing if LKL is exactly where it’s always been?
Comment by Mel — October 24, 2006 @ 11:48 pm
What support did good ol Jon lend Larry back in early 2006? If I recall — absolutely none. And now that his ratings are showing some life, Klein swoops in and takes credit. Not surprised though - that sounds just like the kind of executive he is!
Comment by Asha — October 25, 2006 @ 12:37 am
It seems to me the only thing that is consistent around CNN is the inconsistency of anything Jonathan Klein says. His words do not equal his actions. Never have, never will.
Comment by Trudy — October 25, 2006 @ 12:40 am