OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
CNN continues to make substantial changes to its programming and talent as the legacy cable news outlet continues to struggle to attract viewers.
This week, Insider reports that one long-time host was apparently “stunned” to learn she was getting the axe. According to the report, lawyer Laura Coates, host of “CNN Tonight,” which aired at 11 p.m ET, has been let go.
“The report by Insider’s Claire Atkinson is behind a paywall, but the writer tweeted that the move was intended to cut costs for the struggling network,” The Western Journal noted, citing the report.
Furthermore, she wrote that “insiders” were anxious about on-air representation, which seemed to be a reference to refer to Coates’ gender or race, or possibly both, given that she is a black woman.
NEW: CNN is axing Laura Coates' 11 p.m. anchor slot to save on costs, according to sources, and insiders are concerned about on-air representation https://t.co/3fUd1YzQXI via @businessinsider
— Claire Atkinson 🏴 (@claireatki) April 18, 2023
“Laura Coates was announced as CNN’s 11 p.m. anchor in January but has not hosted the hour solo since February, the blurb of the article that appeared in her tweet said. “She’s said to be ‘stunned.’”
TVNewser also picked up on the story.
“A CNN senior legal analyst and Sirius XM host based out of Washington D.C., Coates was told that CNN could not staff a separate hour at this time, and that the network is focusing on Alisyn Camerota’s New York-based show, which starts at 10 p.m., for the time being,” the outlet reported.
According to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to TVNewser, the 10 p.m.-12 a.m. programming block is still temporary, and Camerota is currently hosting both hours. The source mentioned that CNN is currently focused on devising permanent plans for the 9 and 10 p.m. slots. However, the source added that Laura Coates is still part of the rotation for other hosting opportunities.
TVNewser noted further:
The absence of Coates at 11 p.m. also reignites the discussion of the diversity of CNN’s programming, particularly in primetime.
Don Lemon, who used to anchor the 10 and 11 p.m. hours for CNN, was moved to mornings last fall, paving the way for Camerota and Coates to fill those two hours. With Coates now seemingly out of the running for 11 p.m., CNN’s 4 p.m. through primetime host lineup currently consists of no one of color.
Perhaps that will change. For example, CNN is trying to woo CBS Mornings co-anchor Gayle King and TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley to help fill a primetime void, but an official confirmation of those moves has yet to come from the network.
Meanwhile, network CEO Chris Licht is continuing to try and find ways to entice more people to watch all day parts. That has entailed major shake-ups, including firing some hosts and correspondents while moving others to different roles, as was the case with Lemon.
Now it appears as though Licht is about to make another move, and this one is likely to sting one of the network’s mainstay hosts and personalities.
“Ratings-challenged CNN is reportedly considering replacing longtime ‘Inside Politics’ anchor John King with his ex-wife, network veteran and anchor Dana Bash,” the New York Post reported.
CNN is “looking to shake up its daily ‘Inside Politics’ show by likely replacing anchor John King with CNN’s chief political correspondent Dana Bash,” the Daily Beast’s Confider media newsletter added last week.
The report highlighted that any potential change “would be doubly notable” given their previous marriage. King, aged 59, and Bash, 51, had previously been married but separated in 2012 after being together for four years. They share one child together.
King, who is CNN’s chief national correspondent, has been hosting the weekday edition of “Inside Politics” since 2014. The show is broadcasted on weekdays at noon.
CNN could replace John King with ex-wife Dana Bash on ‘Inside Politics’: report https://t.co/UPep2VitvW pic.twitter.com/ZxNufU2nDS
— New York Post (@nypost) April 11, 2023
Meanwhile, Bash serves as the co-anchor of CNN’s “State of the Union” with Jake Tapper, which airs on Sunday mornings. In addition to her anchoring responsibilities, Bash also serves as the network’s chief political correspondent, The Post noted further.
Last week during his show, King was talking about the dearth of American voters who say they want another term for 80-year-old President Joe Biden which, if he wins another term and serves it in full, he would be 86 when he left office.
“The numbers are beyond sobering for President Biden,” King told guest David Chalian.
