Piers Morgan Is Leaving CNN, Says He Turned Down A New Deal

Phone hacking claims. File photo dated 03/10/11 of former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan who has been questioned over claims of phone hacking. Issue date: Friday February 14, 2014. Scotland Yard did not name the pr... Phone hacking claims. File photo dated 03/10/11 of former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan who has been questioned over claims of phone hacking. Issue date: Friday February 14, 2014. Scotland Yard did not name the presenter, but said: "A 48-year-old man who is a journalist was interviewed under caution on December 6 2013 by officers from Operation Golding in connection with suspected conspiracy to intercept telephone voicemails. He was interviewed by appointment at a south London police station. He was not arrested. See PA story POLICE Hacking. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire URN:19006048 MORE LESS

By Tom Kludt

September 2, 2014 10:01 a.m.

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Months after his CNN talk show was canceled, Piers Morgan announced Tuesday that he is finally parting ways with the cable news channel.

In a series of tweets, Morgan revealed that he turned down a deal by CNN president Jeff Zucker to host “40 big interview ‘specials'” over the course of two years.

But Morgan was also magnanimous, saying he had a “fantastic time” during his time at CNN, a four-year tenure marked by low ratings for his interview program that replaced “Larry King Live” in 2010. Morgan and King have been marred in a public feud following the cancelation of “Piers Morgan Live” earlier this year.

BREAKING NEWS: I am no longer a @CNN employee.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 2, 2014

I was offered a new 2-year deal by @CNN boss Jeff Zucker to host 40 big interview ‘specials’.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 2, 2014

But after considerable thought, I decided not to accept it – and to try pastures new.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 2, 2014

I had a fantastic time in my 4 years @CNN and have huge respect for Jeff & all the people who work there. Great company, great network.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 2, 2014

Morgan’s time at CNN might be best-remembered for his aggressive and vocal campaign for new gun laws following the Sandy Hook school massacre. Morgan tweeted Tuesday that he still intends to take on pro-gun forces like the NRA.

I wouldn’t crack the champagne open too quickly though, @NRA – I haven’t finished with you lot yet.

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 2, 2014

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Tom Kludt (@TomKludt) Tom Kludt is a reporter for Talking Points Memo based in New York City, covering media and national affairs. Originally from South Dakota, Tom joined TPM as an intern in late-2011 and became a staff member during the 2012 election. He can be reached at tom@talkingpointsmemo.com.

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