Jim Acosta Leaves CNN: What’s Next for the Former Correspondent?

Person leaving through door with exit sign.

Jim Acosta, CNN’s controversial anchor, is set to depart from the network after being offered a midnight timeslot, marking the end of an era for the journalist known for his confrontations with the Trump administration.

Key Takeaways

Jim Acosta is leaving CNN after being offered a midnight timeslot, following the loss of his 10 am show.
The move comes as part of CNN’s efforts to shift away from a liberal stance and embrace a more neutral political position.
Acosta gained notoriety for his combative interactions with President Trump, including a 2018 incident that nearly led to his press credentials being revoked.
His departure aligns with CNN’s recent programming changes and layoffs, signaling a broader shift in the network’s direction.

CNN’s Schedule Shakeup Leads to Acosta’s Departure

In a significant shift for CNN, veteran journalist Jim Acosta is reportedly leaving the network after being offered a midnight timeslot. This move comes as part of a larger restructuring effort by CNN’s head, Mark Thompson, who has implemented cuts and reshuffled the network’s schedule. Acosta, who lost his 10 am show in the process, was given an ultimatum: accept the midnight slot or face an uncertain future at CNN.

The timing of Acosta’s demotion, coming shortly after recent political changes, has raised eyebrows and led to speculation about CNN’s motivations. Some industry insiders suggest that the network may be attempting to appease the current administration or shift away from its perceived liberal stance.

Acosta’s Legacy of Confrontation

Acosta gained widespread recognition for his confrontational reporting style, particularly during the first Trump administration. His aggressive questioning and heated exchanges with officials often made headlines and solidified his reputation as a fierce critic of the president.

This combative approach reached its peak in 2018 when Acosta’s press credentials were temporarily revoked following a heated exchange with President Trump during a press conference. The incident only served to elevate Acosta’s profile and cement his status as a polarizing figure in American journalism.

CNN’s Shifting Strategy

Acosta’s departure comes at a time when CNN is reportedly aiming for a more neutral political stance. The network has been giving more airtime to conservative voices recently, suggesting a strategic shift in its programming approach. This change in direction may have contributed to the decision to offer Acosta a less prominent timeslot.

The network’s decision to replace Acosta’s 10 am slot with “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown” further underscores this shift in programming strategy. While CNN reportedly attempted to position Acosta’s proposed midnight show for prime time on the west coast and to capture international audiences, concerns about ratings persisted.

Implications for CNN and Journalism

Acosta’s expected departure from CNN raises questions about the future direction of the network and the broader landscape of broadcast journalism. As news organizations grapple with changing viewer preferences and political climates, the balance between hard-hitting journalism and maintaining access to power centers remains a delicate one.

For Acosta, the decision to leave CNN after being offered a less prominent role marks the end of a significant chapter in his career. Having joined the network in 2007 and risen to become its chief White House correspondent, Acosta’s confrontational style and high-profile clashes with the Trump administration made him a household name in American politics.

As CNN continues to navigate its new direction under changing leadership, the departure of such a prominent and controversial figure as Jim Acosta signals a potential shift in the network’s approach to political coverage. Whether this move will help CNN regain viewers or reshape its image remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks the end of an era for both the network and one of its most recognizable faces.