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CNN Host Brian Stelter Shredded By New Boss As ‘Cancer’ With ‘Failing Show’

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OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.


CNN host of “Reliable Sources,” Brian Stelter, has been derided by critics, including Fox News host Tucker Carlson, for being a lapdog for former CNN head Jeff Zucker, but things are changing.

The head of Discovery, CNN’s new incoming parent company, John Malone apparently is not a fan of Stelter or his show, former Washington Examiner editor Jon Nicosia reported.

“SOURCE: At a recent (informal) Discovery Board meeting (largest shareholder) John Malone referred to CNN’s Brian Stelter as a ‘cancer’ and a ‘Zucker Henchman’ that has ‘a failing show’ – (more to come),” he said in his first tweet.

“Keep your eye on the media personalities that come to his defense. Will show you all you need to know about the state of the (broken) media,” he said.

The Western Journal reported:

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The ratings of Stelter’s “Reliable Sources” have been dismal in the aftermath of the Trump era, with the weekend host largely focused on criticizing conservative media and the former president instead of scrutinizing the current administration.

Malone has spoken more openly of his desire to return CNN to a news model in its content — a turnaround from the partisan leftist commentary that the channel became associated with during Donald Trump’s presidency.

“I would like to see CNN evolve back to the kind of journalism that it started with, and actually have journalists, which would be unique and refreshing,” Malone said in an interview with CNBC in November.

In March, Nicosia reported that CNN was set to face major changes with new ownership.

He said that executives at Discovery, which is merging with CNN, want to steer away from the hosts expressing a partisan viewpoint.

“SOURCE: John Malone, Discovery’s board member will ‘play a huge role in the new organization’s plans to return @CNN to its news channel roots and dismantle the partisan organization Zucker shifted it into’ They continue: ‘This will mean a large realignment of staff,’” he said in a tweet.

“SOURCE UPDATE: ‘Malone is using CNN’s coverage of Ukraine as an example of the news network he wants back. Excellent journalists, covering events without partisan peacocking,’” he said.

This week he updated the story with more news from his source who said they expect hosts to be shown the door by the end of Spring.

“SOURCE: This ‘realignment’ will start with @CNN Anchors. One (who was very close with Zucker) and will have a hard time transitioning away from opinion will ‘be out by the end of Spring,’” he said.

This comes after the ouster of former CNN head Jeff Zucker who purportedly resigned after a sexual affair with a staffer was discovered.

He penned a memo to his staff announcing his resignation and said it involved the investigation into former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.

“As part of the investigation into Chris Cuomo’s tenure at CNN, I was asked about a consensual relationship with my closest colleague, someone I have worked with for more than 20 year,” he said.

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“I acknowledged the relationship evolved in recent years. I was required to disclose it when it began but I didn’t. I was wrong.

“As a result, I am resigning today,” the now former CNN president said.

“I came to CNN on January 28, 2013. Together, we had nine great years. I certainly wish my tenure here had ended differently. But it was an amazing run. And I loved every minute.

“I am grateful to the thousands of incredibly talented CNN and Turner Sports employees who helped make this such a joy for me, and such a success for all of us. I wish each of you nothing but the best in the years ahead,” he said.

The unnamed colleague named herself in her own statement.

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“Jeff and I have been close friends and professional partners for over 20 years,” Allison Gollust, the Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer, CNN Worldwide, who is now leaving CNN, said. “Recently, our relationship changed during COVID. I regret that we didn’t disclose it at the right time.

“I’m incredibly proud of my time at CNN and look forward to continuing the great work we do every day,” she said.

As far as who the host is that is close to him and is believed to not be able to transition into hard news, there are two distinct possibilities, The Western Journal reported.

“Nicosia’s source could be referring to Brian Stelter or Don Lemon, both of whom were thought to be close with Zucker during his tenure at the network,” it said.

“Both Stelter and Lemon have languished in the ratings dungeons in comparison to their peers since the start of 2021,” it said.

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