JUST IN: Veteran CNN Host Moved to Morning Slot Amid Major Network Shakeup

CNN Shakes Up Weekday Lineup, Demotes Longtime Hosts Amid Ratings Struggles

CNN is undergoing a major transformation, reshuffling its weekday lineup and making room for younger talent while scaling back the roles of some of its most iconic on-air personalities. Announced on Wednesday, the changes mark a significant shift for the network as it tries to navigate plummeting ratings and declining viewer trust in mainstream media. Among the most notable changes is the reallocation of Wolf Blitzer, who has been a staple at CNN for nearly 35 years.

Blitzer, 76, will see his screen time increased by an hour but will lose his longtime 6 p.m. pre-primetime slot in favor of a less-viewed time period. Additionally, he will no longer host a solo show, instead co-anchoring alongside Pamela Brown, 39, CNN’s chief administration correspondent. Brown’s inclusion signals a move by CNN to incorporate younger talent as part of CEO Mark Thompson’s efforts to modernize the network.

Blitzer recently signed a multi-year contract, but the exact terms remain unclear. Reports suggest that Thompson, as part of his overhaul, has been slashing salaries for veteran talent like Blitzer, who previously earned up to $15 million annually. This decision reflects CNN’s ongoing struggle to remain financially sustainable in a competitive media landscape.

Another high-profile change involves Jim Acosta, the former White House correspondent known for his contentious exchanges with the Trump administration. Acosta will reportedly lose his position as host of the 10 a.m. CNN Newsroom. While it’s unclear if Acosta will remain with CNN in another capacity, the decision underscores the network’s shift away from its older roster of talent.

Meanwhile, Kasie Hunt, 39, appears poised to move into a higher-profile role. Hunt, who currently anchors a pre-dawn show, may take over the 4 p.m. slot, significantly increasing her audience and likely her earnings. A former MSNBC anchor, Hunt currently earns around $1 million annually, a figure expected to rise if the promotion is confirmed.

This shakeup comes as CNN grapples with its lowest ratings in 24 years, falling behind competitors such as Newsmax, the History Channel, and INSP, a network focused on Western programming. In an August memo to staff, Thompson addressed the crisis, pledging to revamp CNN’s approach by incorporating more “lifestyle” reporting and redefining what TV news can offer in the digital age.

Despite the upheaval, some of CNN’s highest-paid anchors have remained unaffected. Anderson Cooper will continue hosting 360 in the 8 p.m. primetime slot, while Jake Tapper’s position appears secure. If Hunt takes over the 4 p.m. block, Tapper could gain more prominence in the key 5 to 7 p.m. post-workday news window, an important time for building audience numbers.

The changes come amidst broader uncertainty about CNN’s future. Chris Wallace, the former Fox News anchor, announced in December that he would leave CNN after three years to launch a podcast, saying, “That seems to be where the action is at.” Wallace’s departure underscores a broader trend, with veteran broadcasters leaving traditional cable news for more dynamic digital platforms.

CNN’s future hangs in the balance as the network struggles to adapt to changing viewer habits and regain its place in a competitive media landscape. With these changes, CNN hopes to reestablish itself as a trusted source of news while appealing to a broader, younger audience. However, whether these efforts will succeed remains to be seen.