The challenges persist at CNN, where yet another prominent anchor is stepping down following a post-election ratings slump that has severely impacted the cable news industry.
Alisyn Camerota, who has been hosting the mid-afternoon “Newsroom” program since April 2021, shared her departure with viewers in a heartfelt message on Sunday, according to the Gateway Pundit. “Before we dive into this busy news day, I just want to take a moment to share some personal news. This is my last day on air at CNN. I’ve had such incredible opportunities here over the past ten years,” Camerota said early in the broadcast. “I’ve interviewed presidents, heroes, and extraordinary individuals—career-defining experiences I dreamed of having since I was a teenager. The journalists at CNN are the best in the industry.”
“It’s been an honor to be their colleague,” she continued. “It’s also been a privilege to be in your homes for the past decade, covering some of the most significant stories of our lives. I’m always touched when viewers tell me that I helped them navigate these challenging times.” She added, “I’m looking forward to doing more of that with you. Please follow me on Instagram @AlisynCamerota for updates on where you can find me soon. And to my dear colleagues at CNN, thank you for the laughs, the lessons on the power of journalism, and for making my time here so rewarding. I wish you all a peaceful holiday season. I’ll see you all soon.”
Camerota has not revealed her next career move, but it seems likely to be an improvement over her time at CNN, especially given the network’s dramatic decline in viewership this year. CNN has struggled in the ratings, being outpaced not only by Newsmax but even by the Hallmark Channel—a situation once considered unimaginable. During the week of November 18th to 24th, CNN averaged just 314,000 regular viewers, falling behind MSNBC, which has also been grappling with ratings issues leading to deep cuts in on-air talent.
Both CNN and MSNBC have experienced significant declines in audience numbers. MSNBC’s overall viewership dropped nearly by half after Election Day, with star anchor Rachel Maddow seeing a 41% decrease in her audience, particularly in the crucial 25-54 demographic. As a result, the network as a whole saw a 47% drop in total-day viewers, according to The New York Post.
However, CNN may also be acknowledged for being one of the first networks to recognize and adapt to America’s shifting pro-Trump sentiment. Conservative commentator Scott Jennings has been instrumental in creating viral moments for the network, often humorously confronting panelists who had spent much of the year dismissing President-elect Trump’s chances. CNN’s top data analyst, Harry Enten, has analyzed the anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) backlash forcing Fortune 500 companies to adjust their messaging this holiday season. Chief legal analyst Elie Honig recently criticized President Joe Biden’s “historic act of nepotism” in pardoning his son, Hunter. While these developments don’t erase CNN’s challenges, they indicate the network’s awareness of where it needs to pivot in the coming years.
