Left-leaning news network CNN announced a big primetime shakeup on Monday amid declining ratings.
CNN released a statement outlining the programming changes: Abby Phillip is now filling the 10:00 p.m. slot, while Laura Coates will host the 11:00 p.m. hour. The two slots have been vacant since the network fired former anchors Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon.
Phil Mattingly, the network’s main White House correspondent, will now also co-host “CNN This Morning” with Poppy Harlow. Harlow, Lemon, and former Daily Caller reporter Kaitlan Collins were the original hosts of the show.
“One of CNN’s key differentiators is our deep roster of experienced journalists, reporters and storytellers. Many joined CNN early in their careers and have grown with the network throughout the years. They are extraordinarily talented and share the same CNN sensibility: versatility, determination and an inquisitive and empathetic approach to reporting the news,” the network said in the statement.
“By expanding the range and depth of our programming lineup across multiple dayparts, we are strengthening our reporting excellence throughout the schedule, elevating our ability to tell great stories across platforms, and doubling down on CNN’s position as the most trusted name in news,” it continued.
The shakeup comes as CNN is struggling with low ratings and profitability. Due to the popularity of streaming services, the network experienced its lowest-rated year among the key 25-54 demographic since ratings monitoring began in 1992, and its profits fell below $1 billion for the first time since 2016.
Chris Licht, a former CNN president who succeeded Jeff Zucker in 2022, was fired by the network in early June.
The network’s personalities have also been marred by controversy recently. Lemon, who was fired in April 2023, drew criticism after saying that women were past their “prime” in their 40s.
“This whole talk about age makes me uncomfortable. I think it’s the wrong road to go down. She says people, you know, politicians are something not in their prime. Nikki Haley isn’t in her prime. Sorry, a woman is in their prime in [their] 20s and 30s and maybe 40s. That’s not according to me,” the gay liberal broadcaster said at the time.
