A former CNN reporter says that Jim Acosta’s time at the networks is nearly up.
According to a report from Status News’ founder Oliver Darcy, the 18-year veteran of the network has indicated to associates that he plans to leave the network after being removed from his 10 a.m. weekday time slot by CNN CEO Mark Thompson.
Earlier this month, Darcy said Thompson asked Acosta to anchor a show from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m.
On Monday, Darcy reported:
Jim Acosta is expected to exit CNN.
The anchor, I’m told, signaled to associates in private conversations over the weekend that he intends to depart the network after its chief executive, Mark Thompson, booted him from the morning programming lineup — a move that conspicuously coincided with Donald Trump’s return to power.
CNN brass, as we first reported earlier this month, decided to strip Acosta of his 10am show, which he has anchored to great ratings success over the last 11 months, at times even seeing higher viewership than programs in the channel’s prime time bloc. Acosta was instead offered the less-than-desirable option of anchoring a show from midnight until 2am ET. CNN pitched the gig to Acosta as anchoring during prime time on the West Coast and said he could move to Los Angeles to host the program. But the reality is the program would have aired at a time in which cable news viewership is at its lowest levels.
Regarding Thompson’s suggesting that Acosta move to midnight, one source familiar with the situation said CNN was offering a sacrifice of sorts to Acosta’s longtime nemesis, President Donald Trump.
“They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump,” a source told Darcy. “Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network.”
Acosta became more widely known as CNN’s chief White House correspondent for his antagonistic relationship with President Donald Trump and his aides during the first Trump administration.
One CNN insider told Fox News Digital they heard Acosta “struggled with the choice” and may be cutting his contract short as a result.
“It takes courage,” the CNN insider said.
Another CNN insider was dismayed by Acosta’s exit, saying “Many viewers like Jim… if there is anyone who could make the overnight go it’s him,” adding “It’s sad to see him go.”
Acosta’s removal from the morning lineup was part of a broader shakeup at CNN. Acosta first joined CNN in 2007.
Last week, CNN also laid off about six percent of its workforce.
