The Status newsletter reported Monday, January 27, that celebrated CNN anchor Jim Acosta would be leaving CNN. In private conversations over the weekend, the popular reporter told associates his plans that could involve breaking his contract. This was confirmed by Acosta on his last broadcast on Tuesday, January 28.
CNN’s top executive, Mark Thompson, proposed shifting Acosta’s popular morning program to a midnight schedule. This surprising development coincided with Donald Trump’s return to the presidency.
Reports suggest that Thompson has discussed with Acosta moving his show, CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, from its present 10 a.m. timeslot to a midnight to 2 a.m. ET slot. The CNN chief believes this late slot may allow the program to gain prime-time viewership on the West Coast and attract global audiences via streaming platforms.
According to a source who spoke to the Status newsletter, “The network wants to sideline Acosta as a concession to Trump. A midnight slot is not a credible offer considering his program’s strong ratings within the network.”
The timing of this proposed change drew attention within media circles as it happened simultaneously with Trump’s return to the White House. Acosta’s interactions with Trump have been marked by tension, which led to Acosta’s press pass being rescinded in 2018 after a heated exchange during a press conference.
In the 2018 altercation, when an aide tried to take the microphone from Acosta, Trump said, “CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN.”
The antagonistic relationship between President Trump and CNN’s Jim Acosta reached another flashpoint during a 2020 press briefing. When Acosta challenged Trump’s veracity, he launched a personal attack, criticizing Acosta’s professional reputation and declaring that he had broadcasting’s “worst record.”
The confrontation between Trump and CNN’s Jim Acosta centered on the border wall controversy. When Acosta challenged Trump about allegations that he was manufacturing a border crisis to justify wall construction, Trump dismissed the question by attacking both Acosta and CNN’s credibility, labeling them as “fake news” and claiming Acosta was pursuing a political agenda.
The proposed programming changes also would have impacted veteran anchor Wolf Blitzer, 76, who currently hosts The Situation Room on weekdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET. The plan was to shift Blitzer to a new morning slot alongside Pamela Brown, possibly gaining an additional hour on air.
The proposed move came as part of a broader restructuring effort as Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company, plans to invest $70 million in digital content expansion and developing new properties in areas such as health and wellness. The restructuring could also involve moving more production staff to CNN’s Atlanta facilities to cut costs.
Before the news of his possible schedule change broke, during his broadcast, Acosta attracted attention by displaying a bright pink sign that read, “I march for Jim Acosta and a free press,” a contribution from a CNN fan.
Acosta championed journalism’s purpose, emphasizing that “we are not the enemy of the people we are the defender of the people.” He outlined the fundamental roles of journalists, including truth-seeking, storytelling, amplifying underrepresented voices, exposing injustice, and holding power to account.
“Many viewers like Jim… if there is anyone who could make the overnight go it’s him,” said one CNN insider, adding “It’s sad to see him go.”
The programming change caught Acosta off guard, as he “was not under the impression that his show was in danger of being chopped,” according to network sources.
“It takes courage,” another CNN insider noted regarding Acosta’s decision to potentially cut his contract short.
The veteran journalist addressed his audience at the end of his broadcast on Tuesday morning, January 28 broadcast, marking the end of his nearly two-decade career with the network. During his time at CNN, Acosta rose through the ranks to become the network’s chief domestic correspondent, hosting the 10 a.m. ET Newsroom show for almost a year.
Acosta is likely to explore new opportunities he can establish on his own, according to someone familiar with the matter. This could include creating a digital subscription platform that highlights his interviews and investigative reporting.