Eliot Spitzer quits Current TV following sale to Al Jazeera

Former New York governor Eliot Spitzer speaks at the Reuters Global Financial Regulation Summit in New York. (Reuters)

(Reuters)

Al Gore said Al Jazeera and Current TV had a lot in common, which is why he said he sold Current TV to the Qatar-based broadcaster, but apparently liberal commentator Eliot Spitzer doesn’t agree.

Spitzer has left the network following news of the sale, according to The New York Times. The former governor had been hosting the network’s prime-time show “Viewpoint” for less than a year.

Gore said both Current TV and Al Jazeera were founded "to give voice to those who are not typically heard; to speak truth to power; to provide independent and diverse points of view; and to tell the stories that no one else is telling."

Spitzer, however, didn't seem to agree. He told The Times he had a “wonderful time” working with the network but he clarified his relationship is with Current TV founders Al Gore and Joel Hyatt not with Al Jazeera.

“Moving forward, their mission will be different,” he explained to The Times, adding that he is not sure of his next move. “I cherish my years in government. I have loved my participation at CNN, at Current; writing; teaching. Where I will go next, I will have to sort out.”

A Current TV rep confirmed the news to The New York Post: “Until further notice the show will be hosted by John Fugelsang."

Fugelsang is a political commentator, stand-up comedian and actor.

California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan ex-Gov. Jennifer Granholm also left the Current TV, according to The Post.

More On This...