CNN staffers have been struck at how swift Jim Acosta’s exit from the community was, which unfolded in a matter of days.
“I feel we’re simply greatly surprised about how briskly it was. It occurred in a flash,” one CNN staffer advised Fox Information Digital.
On the finish of his 10 a.m. daytime present on Tuesday, Acosta introduced his departure from the community after 18 years.
“You will have seen some studies about me and this present and after giving all of this some cautious consideration, and weighing an alternate timeslot CNN provided me, I’ve determined to maneuver on,” Acosta advised viewers.
JIM ACOSTA ANNOUNCES HE’S LEAVING CNN
CNN’s Jim Acosta introduced he is leaving the community throughout his present on Tuesday. (CNN / Screenshot)
The veteran CNN star provided a pointed message, which included a not-so-veiled swipe at President Donald Trump, who he famously feuded with throughout Trump’s first time period.
“It’s by no means a great time to bow all the way down to a tyrant,” Acosta mentioned. “I’ve at all times believed it’s the job of the press to carry energy to account. I’ve at all times tried to do this right here at CNN. I plan on doing all of that sooner or later.
“One last message – don’t give into the lies. Don’t give into the worry. Maintain onto the reality, and to hope. Even when you must get out your cellphone, report that message. I cannot give into the lies. I cannot give into the worry. Publish it in your social media, so folks can hear from you, too,” he added.
JIM ACOSTA TAUNTS TRUMP AS HE LAUNCHES INDEPENDENT SHOW FOLLOWING CNN EXIT, VOWS HE WON’T BE SILENCED
CNN commentator Ana Navarro took his message to coronary heart, writing on X “I cannot give in to the lies. I cannot give in to the worry. I cannot normalize madness. I cannot ignore cruelty” earlier than thanking Acosta for his “integrity.”
“Jim has had a protracted, distinguished practically 20-year profession at CNN, with a monitor report of standing as much as authority, for the First Modification and for our journalistic freedoms,” a CNN spokesperson mentioned about his exit. “We wish to thank him for the dedication and dedication he’s delivered to his reporting and want him the easiest sooner or later.”
Acosta’s announcement got here after days of hypothesis about his future after he was left off CNN’s up to date programming schedule unveiled final week. Acosta’s 10 a.m. ET program was being changed with “The Scenario Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown” within the community’s newest reshuffling.
ANTI-TRUMP ANCHOR JIM ACOSTA LEFT OFF NEW CNN PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE
CNN CEO Mark Thompson reportedly provided Acosta a two-hour slot at midnights, however Acosta in the end determined to stroll away and tackle a brand new path exterior the community as a substitute of accepting what a lot of the media trade thought-about a big demotion.
“Him leaving is not sudden given the reporting. Him leaving so quick is what was sudden,” the CNN staffer advised Fox Information Digital.
Acosta says he is launching an unbiased present after turning down a proposal from CNN boss Mark Thompson to maneuver to midnights. (AP Picture/Evan Vucci)
Regardless of the outcry that occurred amongst Acosta’s liberal followers after rumors emerged that he was being moved to midnights, the CNN insider instructed the remainder of the community’s employees would in the end “go about their days” relatively than dwelling on Acosta’s exit.
“Look, I feel of us preferred Jim. However Cuomo went and CNN moved on. Lemon left and CNN moved on. Folks could be preferred, and other people will transfer on,” the community insider mentioned, referring to the controversial exits of Chris Cuomo in 2021 and Don Lemon in 2023.
A second CNN staffer known as Acosta’s sendoff message “stylish,” telling Fox Information Digital “Folks admire him.”
Nevertheless, Acosta’s former colleagues are satisfied this was an ideological transfer by Thompson over issues he was perceived as being too anti-Trump to take care of the ten a.m. slot throughout Trump’s second time period.
“That’s fairly merely how they see it, as a fact- versus there being any dialogue over it,” the community insider mentioned about what CNN employees believes.
“I feel there’s room for somebody like Acosta. I feel character and presence matter quite a bit on TV,” the insider continued. “In a 24-hour community there may be room for a stronger voice. Folks need to wish to tune in… It is all an artwork, which sounds foolish, however programming is artwork, not science.”
CNN’S JIM ACOSTA ‘GETTING HOSED’ AS NETWORK MULLS MOVING ANTI-TRUMP ANCHOR TO MIDNIGHTS, SOURCES SAY
Acosta famously sparred with President Trump throughout Trump’s first time period, which many imagine prompted present CNN management to maneuver him to midnights as Trump’s second time period is underway. (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst )
Critics on social media have accused CNN of bending the knee to Trump as his second administration is underway.
“Disgrace on you @CNN. Disgrace on you,” ex-GOP congressman and occasional CNN visitor Joe Walsh reacted on X. “You deserted your obligation to carry ALL public officers accountable. You caved to the crybaby within the White Home. Disgrace on you CNN. And if I’m ever on CNN once more, I’ll say each phrase of this.”
“Acosta was a ache in Trump’s facet throughout his first time period. Seems like CNN is caving to the White Home,” former Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., equally wrote.
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Hours after his last CNN broadcast, Acosta made his debut on Substack and teased that “The Jim Acosta Present” was coming quickly.
“To President Trump and his allies, you could suppose you will have silenced me. However guess once more,” Acosta advised his foes.
Fox Information’ Brian Flood contributed to this report.
