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Tag: Anderson Cooper
May 23, 2024
Media

CNN Primetime Ratings Hit Three-Decade Low.

CNN has logged its lowest primetime ratings since 1991 as corporate news networks continue struggling to retain viewers. According to data published by the market research firm Nielsen, the network’s 8 PM to 11 PM programming from May 13 through May 19 attracted only 83,000 viewers among the coveted demographic of 25 to 54-year-olds.

Meanwhile, Fox News secured over 186,000 viewers among the key age demographic during the same primetime slot, while MSNBC attracted 111,000 viewers. Overall, CNN’s weekly viewership totaled just 494,000, substantially lower than Fox News’s 2 million viewers and MSNBC’s 1.1 million.

Mark Thompson, who took over as CNN’s CEO late last year, has struggled to improve the network’s viewership ratings. The former New York Times and British news executive replaced Chris Licht, who was fired as the network’s CEO last June. Facing rising costs and falling revenue, Thompson announced a round of salary cuts at the network in February.

CNN’s primetime lineup, which is comprised of “AC360” with Anderson Cooper at 8 PM, “The Source with Kaitlan Collins” at 9 PM, and “CNN NewsNight” hosted by Abby Phillip at 10 PM, has notably lacked significant programming and direction under Thompson’s leadership. Additionally, the network’s increasing anti-Trump bias has alienated a large swath of American viewers who support the former Republican president. Among CNN’s primetime talent, Collins has notably displayed a lack of basic political knowledge.

In response to the dismal ratings, a CNN spokesman claimed the network has actually seen growth among the 25-54 age group year-over-year, particularly when including Erin Burnett‘s 7 PM show and Anderson Cooper’s midnight rebroadcast.

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CNN has logged its lowest primetime ratings since 1991 as corporate news networks continue struggling to retain viewers. According to data published by the market research firm Nielsen, the network's 8 PM to 11 PM programming from May 13 through May 19 attracted only 83,000 viewers among the coveted demographic of 25 to 54-year-olds. show more
February 16, 2024
Media

CNN to Slash Salaries.

CNN’s new top-ranking executive, Mark Thompson, plans to cut anchor salaries, which currently exceed $50 million, as part of a strategy to transform the network into a U.S. version of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Thompson, former head of the BBC and The New York Times, is reportedly planning a “revolution” at CNN, with no talent spared, including high earners such as prime-time anchor Anderson Cooper, who earns an estimated $20 million a year, and Wolf Blitzer, who receives about $15 million annually. Other co-anchors, including John Berman, Kate Bolduan, and Sara Sidner, earn between $1 million to $2 million per annum.

Thompson also plans to trim production costs “that now look difficult to support,” according to a staff memo. Media experts and former staffers suggest these cuts will impact salaries. However, the contracts of stars like Cooper and Jake Tapper won’t expire until after the presidential election.

Thompson’s actions come amidst low ratings and increasing competition from rivals Fox and MSNBC. He announced the removal of hosts Poppy Harlow and Phil Mattingly from their show, “This Morning,” and a reshuffling of “CNN News Central.” The network will cease production of morning programming from New York and move production to Atlanta. CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, has been urged to sell the network while it maintains significant TV distribution.

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CNN's new top-ranking executive, Mark Thompson, plans to cut anchor salaries, which currently exceed $50 million, as part of a strategy to transform the network into a U.S. version of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). show more