Don Lemon is taking another major step away from traditional cable news, expanding his independent media operation into The Don Lemon Channel, a free, 24/7 television network featuring live programming, news updates, archived shows and other independent voices.
The former CNN anchor is following a path increasingly traveled by prominent Black journalists who have traded major network platforms for media operations they control themselves.
Roland Martin was ahead of the curve. After launching “#RolandMartinUnfiltered” in 2018, Martin expanded it into the Black Star Network, an ad-supported streaming network created to deliver news, politics, business and culture with a focus on Black audiences.
Former MSNBC host Joy Reid followed after the cancellation of “The ReidOut,” building an independent operation around “The Joy Reid Show” and Joy’s House, distributing her reporting, interviews and commentary through YouTube, Substack, podcasts, TikTok and her own digital platforms.
So what makes Lemon’s latest move different?
Lemon is attempting to bridge the gap between independent creator media and traditional television. Rather than simply expanding a YouTube show, podcast or subscription platform, The Don Lemon Channel is being built as a round-the-clock FAST television network distributed across streaming and linear platforms. The schedule is expected to include twice-daily live shows, daily news updates and programming from other independent personalities, including Monique Pressley, Josh the Progressive, Michael Fanone and Dr. Frita.
Lemon says his independent operation has grown to nearly 11 million followers across platforms since he left CNN in 2023.
Martin built a Black-focused digital network. Reid is building a multiplatform independent media brand. Lemon is now trying to turn the independent-news model into something that looks more like the television network he once worked for — except this time, he controls the platform.
The moves represent a notable shift for Black journalists who once depended heavily on major networks for national reach. Increasingly, some of the biggest names in the business are betting they can build the audience, own the platform and control the conversation themselves.