Variety reported that Oliver Darcy, the well-regarded author of CNN's "Reliable Sources" newsletter, has departed the network to forge his own path.
His departure signifies a pivotal moment in media industry coverage as he embarks on a new project called "Status."
Darcy launched "Status" on Thursday morning, utilizing the Beehiv platform to distribute his new newsletter. "Status" will be produced from Sunday to Thursday, providing a solid and unfiltered analysis of the media landscape, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley.
In explaining his motivation, Oliver Darcy expressed a desire to create a scalable business centered around his media reporting talents. This move follows a growing trend among high-profile journalists, such as Don Lemon, Medhi Hasan, and Tucker Carlson, who have likewise transitioned from television to digital initiatives.
Unlike some departures marked by conflict, Darcy's exit from CNN seems amicable. Both the network and Darcy have independently confirmed his departure.
CNN's CEO, Mark Thompson, commended Darcy’s contributions, describing him as a prominent and fair-minded voice in media reporting. Thompson extended his best wishes for Darcy’s future endeavors.
As Darcy steps away, CNN’s "Reliable Sources" newsletter will be pausing for the remainder of the summer. However, the network plans to relaunch it in the fall with a new lead writer.
CNN continues to maintain a robust team dedicated to media coverage, which includes Hadas Gold, Jon Passantino, and Liam Reilly. This ensures that CNN’s commitment to scrutinizing the media industry remains strong.
"Reliable Sources" has a storied history at CNN, having aired as a prominent program for 30 years that closely examined media operations, particularly in Washington. The program’s previous leader, Brian Stelter, was let go in 2022 after the show was canceled, partially due to concerns of perceived bias during Jeff Zucker’s tenure as CNN’s president.
Darcy's final "Reliable Sources" newsletter was released on Wednesday evening, notably without any mention of his departure. This issue's leading story focused on a significant fiscal write-down of $9.1 billion at CNN's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighting a tough day for its CEO, David Zaslav.
In announcing "Status," Darcy articulated his mission to deliver direct and unsparing reporting on influential industry players. He asserted that there would be no concessions made for sensitive egos, aiming always to present the blunt truth.
Oliver Darcy's move away from CNN to "Status" represents a key development in media industry coverage. With "Status," he intends to maintain a rigorous and candid approach to his reporting across media, automotive, and tech sectors.
While CNN adjusts its "Reliable Sources" newsletter with a new helmsman to be appointed in the fall, the network’s commitment to providing critical media coverage remains steadfast. The legacy of "Reliable Sources," spanning three decades of influential content, continues to hold an important place in CNN’s offerings.
