CNN staff divided over loyalties to execs as Don Lemon saga drags

• CNN staff divided over loyalties to execs as Don Lemon’s saga drags.
• Don Lemon will return to “CNN This Morning” on Wednesday.
• Lemon would never have been paired with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlin Collins.

After facing criticism for his misogynistic on-air remarks, Don Lemon will return to “CNN This Morning” on Wednesday. We’re informed he’s doing so on a network that has been bitterly divided since Chris Licht took over as CEO and Jeff Zucker resigned.

An insider claimed that there are “disgruntled pro-Zucker” staff members who appear to be pro-Don and “pro-Licht” fans.

For failing to reveal a long-term relationship with chief spokesperson Allison Gollust, once a top assistant to former Governor Andrew Cuomo, ex-CNN CEO Zucker famously resigned.

But, a year later, there are still those who support their former leader at CNN’s offices.

They dislike Licht, the new boss, a source claimed. Jeff is not him. People trusted Jeff, according to one insider, and Chris Licht has thrown all of his eggs into the morning show’s basket with Don, according to another. It must function. What, however, does the network’s future hold for a show that has outgrown its growing pains?

According to a memo Licht issued to staff members on Monday, Lemon has consented to go through “formal training” after having a “frank and meaningful dialogue” with Licht.

Yet, Zucker’s influence continues to be felt, and a source told that the ousted boss had even considered trying to acquire CNN, but the new administration would never permit such a transaction.

“He’s made offers to buy CNN, but they would not permit it to happen,” said a Zucker insider.

On the network’s current situation, the same source stated: “The uncertainty, the very terrible choices in the morning, and other issues have given birth to the voices of the Zucker-ites.”

The source continued, “During his tenure, Jeff had a clear plan and strategy that made sense to people. He was aware of who worked well in which timeslots and, quite bluntly, who didn’t.

According to the source, Lemon would never have been paired with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlin Collins for this Frankenstein morning program.

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