CNN’s Jim Acosta bid an enigmatic farewell to his audience as speculation mounts regarding the shift of his program to a midnight timeslot.
“It’s always a great privilege and honor to be with you, hour after hour, week in and week out,” Acosta expressed on CNN Newsroom this past Friday morning.
During Trump’s initial term, Acosta often engaged in tense exchanges with him. As the network aims to “appease Trump” in anticipation of his second presidency, media commentator Oliver Darcy highlighted in his Status newsletter.
“Being placed at midnight isn’t a legitimate offer when his viewership is among the highest on the network,” a network executive mentioned to Darcy.
Currently hosting a 10 a.m. show, Acosta is reportedly giving the offer serious thought.
However, the midnight slot would technically be 9 p.m.-11 p.m. PT, falling within prime viewing hours.
A spokesperson from CNN chose not to provide any comments.
Acosta’s potential reassignment is part of a broader restructuring at CNN. According to Status, the network’s prominent anchor Wolf Blitzer is transitioning from primetime to a morning program to pave the way for emerging talents.
Nielsen ratings indicate that CNN’s audience has plummeted by 49 percent since Trump’s November re-election.
Acosta’s cryptic farewell followed his passionate reminder that the media should not be viewed as enemies of the public.
“I want to take a moment to reflect on a statement President Biden made during his farewell message,” Acosta concluded his show on Thursday. “He cautioned that our free press is deteriorating in this nation. I would add that this only occurs if we, the citizens, allow it to unfold.”
