CNN and Larry King have decided to end the quarterly specials featuring the former “Larry King Live” host.
King is believed to have nearly two years left on his contract with CNN, and he had two new specials in the pipeline before the decision was made to end them. It isn’t clear whether the agreement means that King is now free to appear on other networks, or whether he is still under contract with CNN.
“We have the greatest respect for Larry and wish him the best of luck with his new endeavors,” said the network in a statement.
“I have nothing but love and respect for CNN, and I’m looking forward to all the wonderful business opportunities that I will now dedicate my full time to,” said King in a statement.
The news was first reported by Joe Flint in the Los Angeles Times, who noted that King’s four-person staff may have to reapply for other jobs at the network. King’s longtime producer Wendy Walker will also be departing the company.
The agreement to end the specials is believed to have been made a number of weeks ago, though King appeared on CNN following the death of singer Whitney Houston this past weekend.