California Governor Schwarzenegger proclaims December 16 "Larry King Day"

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California Governor Schwarzenegger proclaims December 16 "Larry King Day"

2010-12-17 05:29:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

LOS ANGELES (BNO NEWS) -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday proclaimed December 16, 2010 as "Larry King Day" to mark the end of the radio and TV host's 25-year-run on CNN.

King, 77, will reportedly be accompanied by 16 guests during his last show on Thursday, which is scheduled to air live from Los Angeles. And although his guests have been kept secret by the show's production team, it is speculated that they will likely be high-profile politicians.

In honor of his last show, Schwarzenegger officially proclaimed December 16, 2010 as Larry King Day. "Since his breakthrough broadcast in 1957, Larry King has transformed himself into a household name," the Governor said. "An undisputable legend in both the entertainment and media industries, King has changed the concept of the talk show within his lifetime."

Schwarzenegger said that King had done much more than providing interviews and news coverage during his lengthy career. "He has used his fame and influence to raise money and awareness for many worthwhile causes and charitable organizations," he said, adding that King's departure is an 'important milestone and turning point' in the history of broadcast television.

"His legacy lives on and serves as inspiration for future generations of journalists and reporters," Schwarzenegger said.

Earlier this year, CNN celebrated 25 years of 'Larry King Live' with a week of shows featuring big-name guests including President Barack Obama, LeBron James, Bill Gates and Lady Gaga.

Only a few weeks later, in late June, King announced he would stop hosting his TV show. "I talked to the guys here at CNN and I told them I would like to end Larry King Live, the nightly show, this fall and CNN has graciously accepted, giving me more time for my wife and I to get to the kids' little league games," he said at that time.

King said, however, that he will remain a part of CNN by occasionally hosting Larry King specials on major national and international subjects. No such shows have been announced yet, however.

"With this chapter closing I'm looking forward to the future and what my next chapter will bring, but for now it's time to hang up my nightly suspenders," King added.

'Larry King Live' was first aired in 1985 and dominated CNN's lineup for 25 years, making it the most watched and longest running program with more than one million viewers nightly. But King recently began suffering in the ratings and there was talk about his future on the television network.

Nonetheless, King is widely recognized as one of the world's best known interviewers. He interviewed tens of thousands of politicians, entertainers, and other newsmakers during his career, which earned him an Emmy Award and many other broadcasting awards.

In September, CNN announced that "America's Got Talent" judge Pier Morgan, 45, of Great Britain will replace Larry King during his time slot.

The deal will be a huge boost for Morgan's career, which will be placing him in a high-rated TV slot to continue with the traditional interviews. However, while ratings are currently high during King's time slot, they could drop dramatically when he leaves.

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