CNN staffers are expressing frustration over a star anchor’s expensive vacation home purchase as the network confronts significant corporate upheaval, according to insider reports.
Kaitlan Collins, 33, has reportedly acquired a high-priced property in Nantucket, the exclusive Massachusetts island destination favored by wealthy Americans.
The chief White House correspondent’s real estate transaction has generated negative reactions among colleagues at the embattled news organization.
An anonymous source described Collins’ purchase to Page Six, stating that CNN employees are disturbed by the expenditure.
The source characterized the property as a “bougie place” and expressed that network personnel are “grossed out” by the amount spent on the acquisition.
The same insider labeled Collins as “way overpaid” and described her new Nantucket property as “very expensive,” though specific pricing details were not disclosed.
The source did not reveal how they obtained information about the purchase price.
Real estate data from Realtor.com indicates that the average home price on the prestigious Massachusetts island reached approximately $4.5 million as of May 2025.
Collins’ investment places her among notable Nantucket property owners, including fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger and media personality Dave Portnoy, who maintain multimillion-dollar residences on the island.
The controversy surrounding Collins’ luxury acquisition emerges during a period of significant uncertainty for CNN.
An anonymous source informed Fox News that there are “tears on the horizon” for the left-leaning network as corporate restructuring looms.
Warner Bros. Discovery announced last month its decision to divide into two separate publicly traded companies by mid-2026.
The media conglomerate will split into Streaming & Studios and Global Networks divisions, creating distinct operational entities.
The Streaming & Studios division will encompass Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO and HBO Max.
Global Networks will focus on news programming, incorporating CNN, TNT Sports and Discovery content among other offerings.
CEO David Zaslav will lead the Streaming & Studios company, while CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels will assume the presidency of Global Networks.
This organizational restructuring raises concerns about CNN’s future operations and staffing levels, according to Daily Mail reporting.
The network already faces declining viewership ratings, making the corporate split particularly challenging for CNN’s position within the media landscape.
Industry analysts suggest the restructuring could significantly impact the network’s operational structure and personnel costs.
Dylan Byers, a former CNN reporter now with Puck, wrote in an opinion piece that Wiedenfels will likely evaluate CNN’s cost structure.
“Inevitably, Gunnar will look at CNN and decide he can maintain relatively similar profits at a mere fraction of the cost,” Byers stated.
Byers questioned the network’s current salary structure, writing: “Why, for instance, would Gunnar pay Anderson Cooper $18 million a year when Kaitlan Collins draws the same ratings at roughly a fifth of the salary?”
A source familiar with CNN’s internal situation shared their perspective with Fox News, suggesting that Wiedenfels, described as a “bean counter,” will target high-salaried personalities.
This approach would contrast with former CNN boss Jeff Zucker’s management style, who was forced out before the 2022 merger.
The insider indicated that cost-cutting measures would extend beyond on-air talent.
“It’s not just the overpriced talent. It’s the overpriced producers. The overpriced executives. The superfluous reporters who barely are on the air,” the source explained, predicting that affected personnel would either be terminated or forced to accept substantial pay reductions.
Zucker maintained loyalty among talent through generous compensation packages, according to reports.
The source alleged that CNN’s first and second-tier talent currently earn approximately five times their market value as a result of this approach.
Current salary figures for CNN personalities include Anderson Cooper’s estimated $18 million annual compensation, Jake Tapper’s approximately $7 million yearly earnings for hosting The Lead with Jake Tapper, and Wolf Blitzer’s reported $15 million salary.
Collins earns approximately $3 million as a primetime anchor.
CNN experienced its second-worst month in network history during May in the crucial 25 to 54-year-old demographic for both daytime and primetime viewership, according to Fox News reporting.
The network has seen ratings decline across all categories since last year, with experts predicting continued deterioration.
Research firm Kagan, part of S&P Global Market Intelligence, projects that CNN will lose both subscribers and revenue despite the strategic corporate division.
Revenue is expected to decrease by $499.2 million, according to Variety reporting.
The insider source suggested that the incoming Global Networks CEO could reduce CNN’s operational costs by 50 to 60 percent without affecting revenue or ratings.
They proposed that Wiedenfels could begin by implementing 70 percent cuts to show teams for CNN US, aligning staffing levels with competitor organizations before reducing talent salaries.
The source warned that rank-and-file employees would face the most significant impact.
“With no union protections, there will be massive layoffs and those remaining will be asked to do the work of their departed colleagues,” they explained.
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The post ‘Way Overpaid’ CNN Darling Kaitlan Collins’s Luxury Purchase Sparks Outrage as Livid Network Colleagues Fear Massive Pay Cuts: Report appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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