Anderson Cooper Could be OUT At CNN Following Troubling Discovery

Concerns continue to mount inside CNN as widespread financial pressures and dwindling ratings have prompted a new wave of cost-cutting, which could reportedly include the departure of longtime anchor Anderson Cooper. Cooper, whose tenure with the network spans over two decades, is now believed to be among those most vulnerable under the latest restructuring efforts being spearheaded by network leadership and Warner Bros. Discovery executives.

Based on Dylan Byers of Puck News, defending Cooper’s $18 million annual remuneration has become increasingly difficult as viewership continues to decline and budgetary restrictions tighten, while some outsider reports suggest that the move is part of a broader plan led by CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels to combine Warner Bros.

CNN’s leadership, under CEO Mark Thompson, has begun reevaluating large-scale expenses, including overseas bureaus and major event coverage. Compensation for top on-air talent has reportedly been placed under renewed scrutiny, with Cooper’s future said to be uncertain as internal restructuring continues.

Although some personalities, such as Erin Burnett, whose compensation is estimated at $3 million, may be considered relatively safe for now, others may not receive the same assurances. The gradual phasing out of high-dollar contracts appears to be underway.

Sources within CNN’s New York and Atlanta offices have described the work environment as increasingly tense, with longstanding employees expressing deep concern about the network’s direction. An atmosphere of mistrust in upper management was also reported, as more staff members prepare for additional rounds of layoffs and programming cuts.

Byers pointed out that with reduced pay, smaller productions, and less ambitious editorial endeavors, CNN would soon start to resemble its old sibling network, HLN. According to reports, longtime staff members are struggling with what they perceive to be a move toward profit-driven, cost-first content. Some even speculate that the network is being merged with other reality-TV-focused cable networks, such as TBS, TNT, HGTV, and Food Network.

A possible sign of Cooper’s plans emerged after reports indicated he had recently signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a move that could signal his intent to explore other opportunities beyond CNN, possibly before any forced exit takes place.

Meanwhile, resentment reportedly continues to grow among the remaining staff. Rumors of CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins purchasing a lavish vacation home in Nantucket have reportedly stirred frustration, especially amid job cuts and budget restrictions affecting lower-level employees.

Since Thompson took over CNN in late 2023, multiple newsroom consolidations and job eliminations have taken place. Around 200 positions were reportedly cut in January alone, marking one of the largest restructuring waves in recent memory.

Some within the network have reportedly placed blame on David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, who has been criticized for his handling of CNN since the company’s reorganization. According to sources cited by Status, decisions made under his leadership have been described as disastrous by internal critics. Despite the turbulence, executives appear committed to reshaping the network’s future, even if it means parting ways with its most recognized names.

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