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During Jim Acosta’s coverage of Donald Trump’s first presidential term, he gained notoriety as a persistent critic of the administration. Now, as Trump’s second term approaches, Acosta faces challenges within his own network.
CNN Engulfed in Chaos, Jim Acosta 'Threatening to Quit' Over Reassignment: Report https://t.co/yCOjDbw1uO
— Observing Time (@TimeObserving) January 23, 2025
According to the Los Angeles Times, Acosta is currently wrestling with a significant schedule change proposed by CNN. Mark Thompson, CNN’s Chairman and Chief Executive, has suggested moving Acosta from his current daytime position to host a two-hour nighttime broadcast starting at midnight Eastern time in Los Angeles.
Given his 16-year tenure at the network, Acosta’s resistance to the late-night reassignment isn’t surprising. The New York Post reports that the veteran journalist has even suggested he might leave CNN rather than accept the midnight time slot.
In an apparent attempt to retain Acosta, CNN management has offered some flexibility regarding the location of the broadcast. According to anonymous sources cited in the Times report, CNN has informed Acosta that relocating to Los Angeles isn’t mandatory, and he could continue broadcasting from Washington, where he resides with his family.
Some industry observers interpret this schedule adjustment as CNN’s strategic response to Trump’s influence. The Times suggests that many will view this move as CNN yielding to Trump by reducing the visibility of a journalist known for his confrontational coverage of the former president’s first administration.
CNN in turmoil as anti-Trump star Jim Acosta 'threatens to quit' over midnight slot move https://t.co/Hn91a9zJYM pic.twitter.com/4mJbTaHcCM
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) January 23, 2025
This perspective seems to resonate within CNN’s ranks. A source speaking to Fox News characterized the situation as Acosta “getting hosed.”
The scheduling controversy adds to CNN’s ongoing turbulence. The network has recently experienced declining viewership numbers and a significant exodus of talent, compounded by various legal challenges.
The Times reports that CNN is actively working to reconnect with conservative and Republican viewers. While relegating Acosta to a midnight time slot might not directly achieve this goal, considering his contentious history with Trump, it’s unlikely to impede these efforts.