CNN CEO Indicates Where the Ax Is Going to Fall Next – Opinion

Last week, CNN finally pulled the plug on Brian Stelter and his show, “Reliable Sources.” The show was canceled and he was fired.

Stelter ended his show with a delusional speech in which he described himself as an angel fighting evil fascists. The perfect example was when Stelter was kicked off the network and his final show.

But while he started with Stelter, CNN president Chris Licht isn’t done yet. As we reported, Licht warned that there would be “more changes” coming and it has the CNN people all upset as to who may be about to get the ax next.

The word now is out on where the next ax might fall.

Licht is intent on “blowing up” the morning programming because of the poor ratings and he’s planning to take apart “New Day” in his next move.

Licht addressed his plans at an upfront presentation in May, stating the network wanted to “reimagine” the morning show but providing no further details. Currently, “New Day” is anchored by John Berman and Brianna Keilar.

Stelter, a frequent foe for conservatives, was forced out last week and his show “Reliable Sources” was canceled. As The Post reported, CNN nixed the program as it prepares to unveil a refreshed Sunday lineup that includes “Who’s Talking With Chris Wallace.”

Network insiders told the Daily Beast that CNN staffers “cannot shake the feeling” that John Malone, an influential shareholder and board member at WarnerBros. Discovery, played a role in Stelter’s exit. Last week, Malone admitted that he wanted CNN to be “more centrist,” even as he denied any involvement in Stelter’s demise.

But the outlet reported that “multiple current and former staffers” fear that Malone is “indirectly dictating an agenda” that is being carried out by Licht.

Brianna and John Berman, two people previously mentioned in our report were either on the same list as those who may get the axe or be substituted for them. Jake Tapper was also included on this list, as well as Don Lemon.

However, Lemon was still on the shortlist of people being considered. Now it is believed that Jim Acosta and Lemon may not be at risk, which is disappointing. If they’re still there, it means Licht isn’t truly as committed to cleaning up the mess that CNN has been for the past several years. If you’re looking for more centrists and less Democratic-operatives, these two should be at the top of your list.

Licht managed to do something good at the start of the month, but it was not noticed: He reached out to Republicans to tell them that the network wants to regain their trust.

Licht’s message, according to one of the lawmakers who sat down with him as well as to several sources briefed on the exchanges: “We want to win back your trust.”

The CNN chief spent between 45 minutes and an hour cajoling GOP lawmakers who no longer appear on the network to come back on the air — and assuring them he’d praise producers for inviting them and communicate his displeasure if he doesn’t believe they are treated fairly

“I think he does genuinely want that to happen,” one Republican lawmaker told the Washington Free Beacon. “Put aside ideology, I think he thinks CNN sucks.”

Unfortunately, CNN dug a huge hole for themselves so he’s going to have to do a lot to prove they want to get back to objectivity and not many are going to believe it without real action. The left is dying. He even went so far as to call out Republicans to admit the problem. Simply stating that he is objective towards the left can trigger.

Ultimately, it’s going to be actions that speak louder than reach-outs. Licht must show up with concrete results. It probably wouldn’t get most people back, but if he’s going to make any change at all, that’s where it has to start.

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