Jim Acosta, a prominent anchor at CNN and former White House correspondent, is set to leave the network after nearly 20 years as part of significant programming changes. A source close to the situation confirmed Acosta’s departure, which was also announced during his 10 a.m. show. CNN expressed gratitude for Acosta’s service, highlighting his commitment to journalistic integrity and dedication to holding power accountable.
In his on-air farewell, Acosta thanked the many staff members behind the scenes and reflected on his career, stating that he had made the decision to move on after considering an alternative time slot that CNN had proposed. He fondly recalled covering President Obama’s historic trip to Cuba in 2016 as a career highlight, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and accountability.
Acosta is transitioning to an independent platform, launching a Substack called “The Jim Acosta Show,” where he’ll discuss current events and politics. In a video announcement, he encouraged viewers to maintain hope and seek the truth despite misinformation.
This exit comes as CNN implements a series of changes under CEO Mark Thompson, including a new morning edition of “The Situation Room” hosted by Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown. Thompson has indicated that CNN will shift focus towards digital programming, with plans to launch a streaming service and reduce its workforce by a couple of hundred employees.
Acosta’s departure marks a significant moment for CNN as it navigates this new direction, and many will be watching to see how his independent journey unfolds. His commitment to pressing issues and advocacy for journalistic freedom seems poised to continue, potentially engaging an audience seeking diverse perspectives in the evolving media landscape.
Overall, while Acosta’s leaving CNN marks the end of an era, it also opens new possibilities for him and his audience, allowing for a more direct and personal connection to the news.