CNN hosts Don Lemon and Jim Acosta are in line to be fired or “reassigned” in a major shakeup at the embattled network, according to reports.
News of the career-shifting moves at the network was revealed by veteran reporter Jon Nicosia.
Nicosia is a veteran reporter with solid sources at CNN’s new owner, Warner Bros. Discovery.
We know his sources are gold because he has been ahead of every major story about the changes happening at CNN.
His track record has been impeccable going back to the troubles with Chris Wallace.
Nicosia correctly reported that Wallace was disgruntled and CNN Plus, the streaming service Wallace was to lead, was in serious trouble and would not make it.
He also said Brian Stelter was going to be one of the first big names to be fired by CNN’s new owners as they attempt to revive the failing network.
As Slay News reported, Stelter was fired yesterday.
He accurately predicted that Jeffrey Toobin would be fired by CNN and he was the first to report that CNN was going to get rid of Chris Cuomo.
Today, Nicosia is reporting that Don Lemon and Jim Acosta are next.
Nicosia said: “Source: Once the coming shakeup at @CNN is done, don’t expect John Berman, Alisyn Camerota, Jim Acosta, Brianna Keilar, Jake Tapper, John King, and Don Lemon to still be at the network OR have their current show assignments.
“They go on ‘The final ‘stay or go’ has not been finalized and more names will be added’
They go on "The final 'stay or go' has not been finalized and more names will be added"
— Jon Nicosia (@NewsPolitics) August 19, 2022
“Source: Stelter was a ‘go’ because ‘he was seen as working against current management’s goals. Leaking, stirring disatisfaction internally.’
“One CNN source went on to say ‘He started believing he was the only thing between ‘democracy’ and anarchy’
Source: Stelter was a 'go' because "he was seen as working against current management's goals. Leaking, stirring disatisfaction internally." One CNN source went on to say "He started believing he was the only thing between 'democracy' and anarchy"
— Jon Nicosia (@NewsPolitics) August 19, 2022
A Twitter user asked Jon:
“To still be at the network OR have their current show assignments.”
“Perhaps I’m not processing this correctly but how would they not be at the network but still have their current show assignments?
Nicosia said:
“They could lose the show and be assigned elsewhere.”
As Slay News reported, Nicosia also revealed that John Malone, the largest shareholder of CNN’s parent company Discovery, personally made the call to fire Stelter.
Malone is a major donor to President Donald Trump and has promised big changes at CNN since taking over.
“Source: Brian Stelter’s firing decision came directly from Discovery Board member John Malone,” Nicosia tweeted.
He previously revealed that Malone described Stelter as a “cancer” on CNN and also wants Jim Acosta to be fired.
CNN’s new president, Chris Licht, seemed to confirm Nicosia’s reporting, telling CNN staffers after he fired Stelter:
“I really appreciate all that Brian has done to build the beat for CNN.
“He’s a great human being and a good person.
“I wish him all the best on his new venture.
“This is a time of change, and I know that it’s unsettling.
“There will be more changes and you might not understand it or like it all.
“Give us some time, see how things develop, and then give us feedback.”
Stelter issued a statement after he was fired, saying:
“It was a rare privilege to lead a weekly show focused on the press at a time when it has never been more consequential.”
“Stelter came to CNN from the New York Times as the nation’s top media reporter,” Amy Entelis, CNN’s executive vice president for talent and content development.
“He departs CNN an impeccable broadcaster.
“We are proud of what Brian and his team accomplished over the years, and we’re confident their impact and influence will long outlive the show.”
FYI on my Discovery sources: pic.twitter.com/v3ImwRgAx3
— Jon Nicosia (@NewsPolitics) June 16, 2022
And had scoop on Toobin: pic.twitter.com/m1rsck0grI
— Jon Nicosia (@NewsPolitics) August 18, 2022
And had Chris Cuomo scoop: pic.twitter.com/MSBr8b0Yy3
— Jon Nicosia (@NewsPolitics) August 18, 2022
