What's Going on at CNN? Inside the Shake-Up

Wolf Blitzer Moves to Mornings

CNN is undergoing a significant programming overhaul under the leadership of CEO Mark Thompson, aiming to revitalize its lineup and address declining ratings, a report shows. 

Veteran anchor Wolf Blitzer, who has helmed The Situation Room since 2005, is stepping into an entirely new role as a morning show co-host. This move seems to be aimed at "awakening" the cable news station's floundering morning lineup. 

Blitzer will be paired with Pamela Brown, a seasoned journalist known for her "sharp reporting and engaging on-air presence." The decision to transition Blitzer, a trusted figure in journalism, to mornings is seen by many observers as "a clear sign things are rapidly going downhill," as one X commenter shared. 

Here are four more major takeaways from the shake-up. 

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Jim Acosta's Prime-Time Demotion

Jim Acosta, a name synonymous with fiery political reporting, is also reportedly facing a major shake-up. Known for his confrontations with incoming President Donald Trump during the latter's first term, Acosta has remained a polarizing figure in the media landscape ever since. 
His current program, CNN Newsroom, which airs mid-morning, is rumored to be on the chopping block. Sources indicate the reporter may be relegated to a less prominent time slot, potentially "late at night," which is considered a "death sentence" at the network. This move is seen as part of CNN's broader strategy to shift away from overtly political content and attract a more neutral audience during key viewing hours. 
Acosta's potential demotion reflects a shift in priorities under Thompson, who is working to redefine CNN's image. The decision has drawn mixed reactions on social media, with some criticizing it as a move away from hard-hitting journalism, while others are applauding the network's effort to appeal to moderates.

Kasie Hunt Is Moving to Afternoons

Morning anchor Kasie Hunt, currently co-hosting CNN This Morning, is set to transition to a higher-profile afternoon slot. Hunt will take over the 4 p.m. ET timeslot, an upgrade designed to showcase her journalistic strengths and appeal to a broader daytime audience, or as one analyst called it, "a move to start blending fresh talent with its roster of established anchors." 

Hunt's "sharp political analysis and engaging presence" earned her a loyal following, making the reporter a strong candidate to reinvigorate the afternoon lineup. The shift also signals CNN's strategy to modernize its programming and experiment with new formats to "attract younger viewers."  

CNN's Struggle to Retain Viewers

CNN has been grappling with a significant decline in ratings since the days of the pandemic, particularly in the wake of political transitions and increased competition from digital-first platforms that all kicked off even before COVID hit. 
The network's struggles have been most apparent during its morning and primetime slots, where viewership numbers have consistently lagged behind rivals like MSNBC and Fox News. Thompson's programming overhaul reportedly aims to address these challenges by rethinking the network's approach to news delivery and audience engagement. 
A former radio executive explained on X, "The focus on strategic anchor reassignments and refreshed formats is designed to recapture the trust and attention of disillusioned viewers. However, the road to recovery is steep, as CNN must contend with changing viewer habits and the dominance of social media as a news source."
Critics have pointed to the network's overly political tone, particularly "liberal bias" in recent years as a key reason for its declining appeal. Regardless, it would seem this new shake-up represents a critical test for CNN's leadership as it seeks to redefine its identity in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

Legacy Media's Broader Shakeup

CNN's challenges are not unique, as other legacy media outlets like MSNBC, The Washington Post and even The New York Times, face similar struggles. The shift in viewer/reader habits, exacerbated by the rise of digital platforms and streaming services, has forced these organizations to rethink their strategies. 
MSNBC, for example, has also seen a drop in ratings, leading to its own programming changes, while print media giants like Jeff Bezos' Post experienced layoffs due to declining subscriptions. 
Furthermore, the rise of independent journalism on platforms like Substack and the dominance of social media giants have created a fiercely competitive news landscape in the 2020s.