CNN is shaking things up again. Jim Acosta is moving to weekdays, and the team behind "CNN This Morning" in New York is being disbanded.
Kasie Hunt will now lead the morning slot from 5-7 a.m. ET. Poppy Harlow and Phil Mattingly are being sidelined but might get new roles.
The 7-10 a.m. ET slot will feature "CNN News Central" with John Berman, Kate Bolduan, and Sara Sidner. Acosta will take over at 10 a.m., followed by Pamela Brown at 11 a.m.
Acosta, known for his confrontational style during Trump's presidency, was relegated to weekends when Biden took office.
CNN CEO Mark Thompson announced these changes, signaling a strategic shift. Morning shows will no longer be produced in New York.
Thompson praised the New York team's talent and dedication, inviting them to apply for new roles in Atlanta, Washington, DC, and New York.
He acknowledged the uncertainty and change this brings, emphasizing the need for adaptation in the evolving industry.
Don Lemon's move from primetime to mornings in 2022 didn't boost ratings. Since then, Lemon has been fired, and other anchors have shifted roles.
CNN's morning shows have struggled for years, with viewership continuing to decline. In 2024, the show averaged only 322,000 viewers, a new low.
CNN trails behind in ratings, with Fox News leading. "Anderson Cooper 360" is CNN's top show but still ranks low compared to competitors.
These changes are set to roll out later this month, as CNN seeks to improve its standing and viewership.
