Journalist Don Lemon, not one to mince his words, spoke out about Paramount’s pending control over his former employer CNN and Kristi Noem’s recent firing.
Don Lemon advises Paramount on acquisition of former employer CNN
Don Lemon talks about Paramount’s pending acquisition of Warner Bros., including CNN, and what’s happening with CBS at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Former CNN anchor turned independent journalist Don Lemon knows a thing or two about what journalism is: truth.
Speaking to USA TODAY at the 37th GLAAD Media Awards, Lemon weighed in on Paramount’s pending acquisition of Warner Bros. (which includes his former employer CNN) and what’s already happening at CBS. The network has come under fire in recent months over the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News.
Lemon, who is rarely one to mince words, called it “a little disappointing.”
“It seems like[Paramount]is trying to take an organization built on journalism, especially CBS News, and try to move it in a certain direction politically. That’s not what journalism is about,” Lemon, 60, said on the red carpet. “Journalism is about truth, and truth has no right or left. It just is.”
Don Lemon asks Paramount to ‘let go’ CBS, CNN Newsroom
In July 2025, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved the merger of Paramount Global and Skydance Media. Skydance acquired Paramount, including the CBS broadcast television network, for $8.4 billion.
That same month, Paramount paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump. Despite the backlash, the FCC said its review of the proposed merger is not related to the civil litigation.
Paramount Skydance subsequently canceled “The Late Show,” calling the move “purely a financial decision,” but some believe it was another attempt to acquiesce to the current administration, as Colbert is a frequent critic of President Trump. The company also plans to spend $110 billion on its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, which won’t be the last merger the FCC rules against Paramount.
The deal means Paramount Skydance will also be owned by Lemon’s former employer. Lemon says the anticipated merger is “not good for journalism at all.” “My advice to them is: Let’s be journalists. Stay out of the newsroom.”
“Journalists will save our democracy,” he added. “It’s not money and it’s not moving people to the right politically. It doesn’t help anything. It only makes America worse.”
Don Lemon’s speech calls for more ‘karma’ after Kristi Noem’s firing
At the GLAAD Awards ceremony, Lemon spoke truth again while presenting the Outstanding Television Journalism Corner honor to Jonathan Capehart and Eugene Daniels of MS NOW’s “The Weeknd.”
On stage, Lemon seized the moment to refer to the media coverage of President Trump’s ouster of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “I’m not going to say much and I’m not going to deviate too much from the script. I’m just going to say a couple of words. And you can support me if you want. Kristi Noem,” Lemon said, prompting cheers and applause from the audience.
“You know what karma is,” he added. “Let’s hope more people than just her can be a part of this.” After Noem was fired, Trump appointed Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to replace her.
Don Lemon urges people to ‘refuse burnout’ during difficult times
Lemon also encouraged members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, women, immigrants, and all intersections between them to use their voices and platforms during a time of political turmoil.
“Refuse to be overwhelmed, refuse to burn out, refuse to be intimidated, because if enough of us keep the light shining, the darkness will have no chance,” he said.
Don Lemon jokes about hotel arrest
On stage, Lemon joked that GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis hated him because the event was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the same location where Lemon was arrested by federal agents in January.
The journalist is charged with conspiracy to violate constitutional rights while covering anti-ICE protests in Minnesota last January. Lemon has pleaded not guilty.
“I love being among my own people,” the gay, black journalist told USA TODAY.
Lemon added that LGBTQ+ rights and the First Amendment are his top priorities at this time. “Anytime there’s an opportunity to talk about that and honor people who are doing good journalism, I’m here.”
Contributor: Annika Reed, USA TODAY
