A major shakeup looms at CNN as longtime anchor Wolf Blitzer prepares for a significant schedule change that could reshape the network's programming lineup.
According to the New York Post, the 76-year-old Blitzer, who currently hosts "The Situation Room" in the 6 p.m. slot, will be moved to a new morning show alongside Pamela Brown as part of a comprehensive restructuring plan under CNN boss Mark Thompson.
The network-wide transformation extends beyond Blitzer's reassignment, potentially affecting several prominent anchors, including Jim Acosta, whose 10 a.m. "CNN Newsroom" slot might face elimination. These changes reflect Thompson's broader vision to revitalize the network's programming and viewership numbers.
The restructuring initiative comes as CNN grapples with declining ratings, particularly following Trump's recent election victory. In 2024, the network experienced a significant downturn, averaging just 92,000 viewers in the crucial 25-to-54-year-old demographic and seeing a 52% decline in primetime viewers from the previous year.
The proposed changes include potentially moving current pre-dawn anchor Kasie Hunt to a 4 p.m. time slot, a move that would significantly raise her profile on the network. Hunt, who currently earns over $1 million annually, hosts "CNN This Morning" from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Thompson's restructuring plan also involves adjusting Jake Tapper's show "The Lead" to a 5 p.m.-to-7 p.m. block, positioning him closer to prime-time viewing hours. This shift creates additional scheduling challenges that the network must address.
To fill the void left by potential moves, CNN is considering several options for its early morning coverage. One possibility involves splitting the early hours between business correspondent Rahel Solomon at 5 a.m. and former NPR host Audie Cornish at 6 a.m.
The new Blitzer-Brown morning program will require finding an additional hour in the schedule. While reducing CNN News Central from three to two hours has been discussed, sources suggest Acosta's show is more likely to be cut due to production cost considerations.
These changes come as CNN continues to trail behind its competitors in viewership numbers. Fox News has captured 72% of primetime cable news viewership, showing a 7% increase since the election, while CNN remains behind both Fox and MSNBC.
CNN's viewership challenges have become increasingly apparent in recent months. Overall primetime viewership has fallen by 45% to 405,000 viewers, highlighting the urgent need for programming adjustments.
The decision to move Blitzer to mornings represents a strategic approach to utilizing one of the network's most respected anchors while planning for future transitions. This move will actually increase Blitzer's screen time by an hour each day.
The network's comprehensive restructuring effort under Thompson aims to pave the way for new talent while maintaining stability through experienced anchors like Blitzer, who recently signed a multi-year deal with CNN.
The extensive programming changes at CNN reflect the network's efforts to address declining viewership while positioning itself for future growth. Wolf Blitzer's move to mornings alongside Pamela Brown marks a significant shift in the network's programming strategy, potentially affecting multiple time slots and anchors throughout the day. As these changes take effect, CNN aims to strengthen its position in the competitive cable news landscape while adapting to evolving viewer preferences and consumption patterns.
