CAMPBELL BROWN TO LEAVE CNN, BLAMES LOW RATINGS

With CNN’s ratings plunging to record lows, Campbell Brown, whose eponymous primetime show ranks ratings-wise as the lowest of the lows, announced today (Wednesday) that she is stepping down as soon as a replacement can be found. In a statement, she observed that she could have written a typical letter of resignation. “I could have said, that I am stepping down to spend more time with my children (which I truly want to do). Or that I am leaving to pursue other opportunities (which I also truly want to do). But I have never had much tolerance for others’ spin, so I can’t imagine trying to stomach my own,” she said. “The simple fact is that not enough people want to watch my program, and I owe it to myself and to CNN to get out of the way so that CNN can try something else.” In a separate statement, CNN President Jon Klein said perfunctorily. “Today is about Campbell. We want to wish her well as she begins the next phase of her life. We respect her decision to leave. We will announce our programming plans in the coming weeks.”