CNN Could Face Backlash Over Potential Move of Jim Acosta

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From different perspectives, Jim Acosta, the CNN anchor, is either expanding his reach to a wider audience by taking on a role in an unconventional time slot, or he’s no longer participating in the regular daily discourse about the news.

CNN executives have proposed that Acosta assumes a new position, hosting a program that will be broadcast from midnight to 2 a.m. Eastern Time in the United States. This role offers an opportunity for the show to provide live, breaking news to viewers on the West Coast and abroad, as these regions are typically still active during those hours and in need of current information.

This week saw the issuance of the offer, as reported by some sources. Acosta, known for his high-profile work at CNN covering the White House during President Donald Trump’s first term, might not have many alternative choices. There are rumors that Wolf Blitzer will soon take over two hours in the late morning, alongside Pamela Brown, according to someone privy to the situation. Meanwhile, Kasie Hunt, currently head of the early morning program, is said to be negotiating for a position in the evening slot previously held by Blitzer.

For the last 11 months, Acosta has been hosting the 10 a.m. slot on CNN, following his weekend duties. It is rumored that during this period, he received job offers from competing networks.

CNN chose not to discuss any possible staff changes, while The Status Newsletter had earlier speculated about Acosta’s potential new role.

In an effort to boost digital content and address declining viewership, CNN has been contemplating various strategies for some time now. Employees are growing increasingly concerned about the potential impact of these changes. It’s widely anticipated that layoffs will occur, as confirmed by two individuals with knowledge of the situation, and there may also be adjustments to the programming schedule on CNN’s main cable network. Additionally, there is a strong belief within the company that more production staff could be relocated to its Atlanta facilities, which would help reduce costs in terms of salaries and real estate in New York City and Washington D.C.

Some employees at CNN might perceive a shift for Acosta from mid-mornings to overnight hours as a step down. This is because CNN often airs reruns of its prime-time shows during the early hours of the morning, reaching viewers on the West Coast and elsewhere. In this proposed change, Acosta could potentially relocate to Los Angeles for his new role, as suggested by those privy to the talks. Lately, staffers have grown more cautious following moves by anchors Victor Blackwell and Phil Mattingly to New York for fresh assignments, which ended shortly afterwards. The CNN, backed by Warner Bros. Discovery, has been struggling with significant drops in its linear audience, which could be a reason for these anchor shifts.

The proposal has been met with initial criticism within CNN, as reported by someone privy to the discussions. During his tenure as a White House correspondent, Acosta frequently clashed with the Trump administration, which led to him being temporarily barred from the White House press room in November 2019 due to the President’s displeasure with Acosta’s questions at different occasions. However, CNN managed to win the case and reinstated Acosta, making him a representation of America’s commitment to the First Amendment.

In an era where many corporations and media outlets appear keen on gaining Trump’s approval, shifting Acosta to a new, previously vacant schedule might be perceived as a form of submission or appeasement. Lately, CNN has taken steps to attract conservative audiences, granting more airtime to Scott Jennings, a former advisor to George W. Bush, and inviting ex-Fox News personalities such as Gretchen Carlson, Juan Williams, and Geraldo Rivera onto their prime-time roundtable discussion show, “News Night,” which features lively debates between individuals with opposing political views.

Acosta has been mentioned before as a possible employee who could be let go. Under the leadership of former CEO Chris Licht, CNN dismissed several employees who were perceived to embody the aggressive attitude that was championed by Jeff Zucker, who led the network from 2013 up until about ten years ago. Notably, Don Lemon, John Harwood, and Brian Stelter all left CNN during Licht’s term, with Stelter returning to the network in 2024.

It’s possible that additional opportunities are on the horizon for CNN’s employees. As per recent reports, CNN CEO Mark Thompson shared with staff members that Warner Bros. Discovery intends to inject $70 million into Thompson’s strategic plan to boost digital content. There is speculation that CNN might consider launching new ventures focusing on health, wellness, and other subjects believed to capture consumer attention. In a memo sent in July, the executive expressed their intention to create unique digital products, with a particular emphasis on experiences that consumers may be willing to pay for.

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2025-01-17 21:46