Don Lemon to Launch 24/7 Streaming News Channel With Swerve TV

Don Lemon is expanding his independent media operation into free streaming television, announcing a 24/7 channel that will combine live programming, news updates and shows from other independent voices.

Emmy-winning journalist Don Lemon is launching a 24-hour television network, The Don Lemon Channel, in partnership with Swerve TV, a distributor of free, ad-supported streaming channels, according to Variety.

The channel, a flagship product of Lemon’s company, Lemon Media Network, will air across linear and streaming platforms. Programming will include twice-daily live programs, daily news updates, archival shows and partner programming from independent voices, including The Monique Pressley Show, Josh the Progressive, former Capitol Police officer Michael Fanone and Dr. Frita.

Swerve TV CEO Steve Shannon said the partnership extends Lemon’s reach beyond his existing digital audience.

“After more than a decade anchoring prime time on CNN, Don has built his own independent network for his more than 10 million followers across multiple platforms,” Shannon said in a statement.

Lemon’s move into linear television is a full-circle moment. CNN parted ways with him in April 2023 after 17 years at the network, where he anchored “CNN Tonight” and later co-anchored “CNN This Morning.”

He pivoted to independent media, briefly partnering with Elon Musk to bring “The Don Lemon Show” to X before the deal collapsed following a contentious interview with the Tesla founder, according to NBC.

Lemon relaunched the show in 2024. It streams live weekdays at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Substack, Facebook and Twitch.

The show has won Webby Awards for Best Video Podcast Host, including the People’s Voice Award, and four NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding News and Information.

The platform has also covered breaking news involving Lemon himself. In January, his YouTube channel continued broadcasting after his arrest in Los Angeles on federal civil rights charges tied to a livestreamed protest at a Minnesota church. Guest hosts, including Katie Phang and Jim Acosta, continued the program as the channel shifted to rolling coverage of Lemon’s arrest.

Lemon also produced a New Year’s Eve broadcast from New Orleans.

The companies have not announced an exact launch date or a full list of distribution platforms where viewers can find The Don Lemon Channel.