Larry King and CNN; divorce may spell end on 'LKL' too; Thursday pulse

Larry King's latest divorce proceeding, (with Shawn Southwick, his eighth) might hasten his exit from CNN sooner rather than later. King's contract is up at the end of the year, (CNN holds two, one-year options) and while his popularity is still high, the ratings on his "Larry King Live" program have dropped dramatically.

There's been rampant speculation within the CNN corridor that Ryan Seacrest is ready to take over the hosting duties on the 9PM prime-time show. Katie Couric has also been mentioned, and like Seacrest, she has filled in for King from time to time.

The latest domestic issue involving King could not come at a worse time for CNN, where overall nightly ratings have plummeted and MSNBC has taken over the #2 position to top-rated Fox News.

King is 76 and is in good health despite suffering from a heart attack and heart disease, but his personal life has taken a beating lately. His longtime friend, Howard Rubenstein, acts as his PR rep, but an insider tells me that he no longer speaks to Herb Cohen, another childhood friend who was his closest associate.

King has earned millions of dollars from his broadcasting work, book deals, and speaking engagements.

He'd indicated in recent years that his marriage to Southwick would be his last. The same could apply to his days at CNN.

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