Jim Acosta, who was a prominent figure in CNN’s opposition to President Donald Trump during his initial term, is reportedly contemplating leaving his position following a significant demotion that has removed his own program from the schedule.
Acosta has been adversely affected by a major restructuring initiated by CEO Mark Thompson, who has canceled Acosta’s weekday 10 a.m. show, “CNN Newsroom,” after 17 months on air. Consequently, the seasoned CNN journalist will be assigned to a late-night slot, often referred to as the “Siberia” of cable news, effectively sidelining him from the competitive ratings landscape and stalling his previously distinguished career.
In his place, a new program will be co-anchored by Pamela Brown, 39, and Wolf Blitzer, a veteran anchor who has also lost his individual show as Thompson seeks to revamp the network’s lineup.
Rather than accept this new role, Acosta may choose to leave the network, according to sources familiar with his situation, as reported by the Daily Mail. Other insiders have indicated that Acosta feels he is being unfairly treated within the organization due to this unexpected demotion. One source noted that Acosta’s “only path forward” at CNN would involve accepting the midnight-to-2 a.m. time slot.
This unfavorable turn of events for Acosta coincides with Thompson’s efforts to revamp the network’s coverage during the second term of President Donald Trump. Just a day before Trump’s inauguration, Thompson reportedly conducted an editorial meeting with top on-air talent, cautioning them against “pre-judging Trump” based on his previous statements, actions, or legal issues.
Thompson is believed to be among many network executives concerned about maintaining CNN’s relationship with the White House if Acosta were to retain his 10 a.m. slot. Acosta is known for his contentious exchanges with the first Trump administration, which led to his press pass being revoked until CNN successfully litigated to have it reinstated.
To add to the challenges, Acosta would be required to fulfill his new late-night responsibilities at an inconvenient hour.
Thompson is reportedly “apoplectic” over the leak of details from his private conversation with network talent, according to sources. Additionally, there is considerable anger directed at the cable news executive for his perceived capitulation to Trump over the past year. Last year, Kaitlan Collins hosted a town hall with Trump that attracted a significant viewership, yet it sparked considerable discontent among CNN reporters who felt that Thompson was inadvertently revitalizing Trump’s falsehoods.
The confrontations between Acosta and Trump have become iconic, illustrating the 47th president’s contempt for mainstream media. During one particularly intense press briefing, Trump admonished CNN for employing Acosta, stating that the network should feel “ashamed.”
In response, Acosta retorted, “Mr. President, I believe our record on delivering the truth is often superior to yours.”
Trump countered, “Let me inform you about your record; it is so poor that you should be ashamed of yourself. You possess the worst record in the history of broadcasting.”
On another occasion, Acosta challenged Trump, accusing him of “fabricating a national emergency” to obtain funding for a border wall.
Trump responded, “Your question is highly political because you have an agenda. You’re CNN. You’re fake news.”
