CNN’s Jim Acosta reportedly safe as rumors of exit called ‘absolute bulls–t’
CNN anchor Jim Acosta’s job is reportedly safe for the time being despite rumors that he could be ousted during an ongoing shakeup by the struggling cable network.
Acosta’s job security at CNN came into question last week after News Cycle Media president Jon Nicosia tweeted that he was the next “big name” to exit the network.
CNN is in the midst of an overhaul led by president Chris Licht, who has pushed the network toward nonpartisan news coverage in recent months.
Nicosia quoted an unnamed executive at CNN parent Warner Bros. Discovery as stating that Acosta “does not have a place in the new CNN.” Acosta, a weekend anchor, developed a reputation as a left-leaning correspondent after frequently clashing with former President Donald Trump and other members of his administration.
The rumors about Acosta’s status were roundly disputed in two separate reports.
One source described as being close to CNN’s leadership told Mediaite that rumors Acosta was in danger of dismissal were “absolute bulls—t.” The source added that Licht has personally made it clear that Acosta has the support of upper management.
In a separate report, “a source very close to CNN’s CEO and chairman, Chris Licht,” told the Wrap that Acosta would not be exiting the network.
Nicosia fired back at the reports in a tweet Monday morning.
“The PR folks at CNN will defend to the end as they did [Brian Stelter],” Nicosia said. “Also. Try to find a negative post about CNN on this site in the last 5 yrs.”
The Post has reached out to CNN for comment.
While Acosta’s job appears safe for now, Licht has made it clear that more changes are coming at CNN in the months ahead.
In August, CNN fired longtime anchor Brian Stelter, another personality known for a left-leaning stance, and canceled his show “Reliable Sources.”
“This is a time of change, and I know that it’s unsettling,” Licht said at the time, adding: “There will be more changes and you might not understand it or like it all.”
Weeks after Stelter’s dismissal, CNN booted anchor Don Lemon from his primetime slot and reassigned him to co-anchor a revamped morning show alongside fellow anchors Kaitlin Collins and Poppy Harlow. They replaced CNN “New Day” hosts John Berman and Brianna Keilar.
Last month, Lemon insisted the new gig was a “promotion” and denied he was being pressured to adopt a more centrist viewpoint.