CNN’s new CEO is planning to fire some of the network’s biggest names, according to a new report.
Network insiders reportedly told In Touch that new CEO Mark Thompson is considering firing Chris Wallace, Anderson Cooper, Jake Tapper, Wolf Blitzer, and others.
As TV ratings at the network plunge, Thompson is reportedly looking to make some major cuts.
According to the report, sources told the outlet that Wallace, Cooper, Tapper, and Blitzer are all on the “chopping block.”
Thomspon has reportedly set his sights on overrated anchors with oversized salaries, insiders say.
“Anderson knows he’s on the chopping block because he makes a whopping $20 million a year,” a source told the outlet.
“He’s already started looking for a new gig!
“Chris Wallace takes $8 million and figures he’s a likely target, too!”
Insiders say other network favorites are also bracing for being ousted.
Those names include Blitzer, who earns $15 million a year, and Tapper, who costs CNN an $8 million salary.
“Everybody knows the focus is on cutting costs,” the insider continues.
“No one is safe!”
Contracts for most of the heavy hitters — including Cooper and Tapper — won’t expire until after the November election.
However, the insiders say that “all bets are off” once their contracts run out.
A representative for Tapper to the reports by insisting that talk of his ouster is false.
But Thompson is known for wielding a sharp axe to get to a desired bottom line.
He recently removed hosts Poppy Harlow and Phil Mattingly from “CNN This Morning.”
He also consolidated all the network’s production offices in Atlanta to save money.
Sources say the CEO has no use for the star system and the hefty salaries that come with it.
He’s reportedly seeking to replace marquee names with talent who built their audiences on social media.
Network heads have been challenged by former corporate media anchors who have seen huge success from going independent.
Those names include Tucker Carlson and his fellow former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly, who has 1.72 million subscribers on YouTube.
The network posted its lowest numbers since 2014 at the end of 2023.
CNN has also hit an all-time low with the 25-to-54 age demographic coveted by advertisers.
The network may be looking to capitalize on independent anchors who have a large following online.
“CNN is trying to keep up with the news landscape and become a digital-first provider,” one insider reportedly asserted.
“It makes sense for them to pursue anchors who have already established a presence there — especially if TV becomes history in their portfolio!”
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