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Meet Anderson Cooper’s ex Benjamin Maisani: he owns nightclubs, has an eye for art, and lives with Cooper to co-parent their 2 sons despite breaking up with the CNN anchor in 2018
Anderson Cooper is one of the most recognisable faces on mainstream TV. The veteran CNN anchor has won plenty of awards for his coverage of landmark events around the world. And, after coming out as gay in 2012, he was called “the most prominent gay journalist on American TV” by The New York Times.
CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper attends the Turner Network 2017 Upfront presentation at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Photo: AP Cooper, 57, has two children, whom he co-parents with his ex-partner, businessman Benjamin Maisani, 52. The couple dated for nearly a decade before announcing their split in 2018. In 2020, when Cooper – who was single at the time – announced he had welcomed a child via surrogacy, he also confirmed that he would be co-parenting with his ex-partner.
From unconventional relationships to being an under-the-radar club king and doting dad, here is what you need to know about Maisani.
Maisani and Cooper were long-time lovers …
Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani at a business event in 2015. Photo: @andersoncooper/Instagram The couple met in 2009, according to People. While it’s not clear when they started dating, Maisani first made an indirect reference to their relationship in 2014, saying on a French talk show, “I understand that it interests people, but it doesn’t interest me … I never wanted to be a celebrity.” The pair seemingly confirmed their relationship in 2015 with a series of red-carpet appearances, following those up with social media posts in subsequent years.
But in March 2018, Cooper told People he and Maisani had split “as boyfriends some time ago” but were “still family to each other, and love each other very much”. He added, “We remain the best of friends and will continue to share much of our lives together.”
… and still live together, despite the break-up
Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani enjoy a trip to Venice in 2017. Photo: @andersoncooper/Instagram Break-up or not, Maisani and Cooper still live together to co-parent their two sons. They have properties in New York and Connecticut and in 2023 Cooper told People it was the “best time in my life”. He described co-parenting with his ex as “very natural” and said he enjoyed the rituals his modern family had created together. “I work nights, and so he’s there at night. And we both wake up right before they wake up, get them their milk and spend the first couple of hours of the day just us with them,” Cooper explained.
Anderson Cooper’s ex, Benjamin Maisani, may not be a household name like the CNN anchor, but he is a fascinating and accomplished individual in his own right. Maisani, a French-born businessman, is known for owning several popular nightclubs in New York City, including the famous gay bar, Eastern Bloc.In addition to his success in the nightlife industry, Maisani also has a passion for art. He has been spotted attending art galleries and auctions, and his eye for aesthetics is evident in the stylish home he shares with Cooper in Manhattan.
Despite breaking up with Cooper in 2018, Maisani continues to live with the news anchor and co-parent their two sons, Wyatt and Sebastian. The former couple has maintained a close and amicable relationship, with Maisani taking an active role in raising their children.
While Maisani may prefer to stay out of the spotlight, his influence on Cooper’s life and their family dynamic is undeniable. As they navigate the complexities of co-parenting, Maisani and Cooper show that love and commitment can take many forms, even after a romantic relationship has ended.
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Jim Acosta of CNN to Leave Network
Jim Acosta, a CNN anchor who earned notice for grilling Trump administration officials in the White House Briefing Room, said Tuesday that he was leaving the network after nearly 20 years.
Mr. Acosta announced the decision at the end of his 10 a.m. show, which will be his last for CNN. He is stepping down after clashing with the network over a decision to move his show to start at the midnight hour, a cable news backwater, according to two people with knowledge of the discussions.
The network is moving Wolf Blitzer, a well-known CNN anchor, into his time slot, along with a co-anchor, Pamela Brown. Mr. Acosta’s show is third place in his time slot for total viewers, behind both MSNBC and Fox News, though he has outperformed his MSNBC competitor in the key demographic for advertisers.
In a statement, CNN said it was grateful for Mr. Acosta’s track record of “dedication and commitment.”
“Jim has had a long, distinguished nearly 20-year career at CNN, with a track record of standing up to authority, for the First Amendment and for our journalistic freedoms,” the statement said.
Mark Thompson, CNN’s chief executive, informed Mr. Acosta this month that the network wanted to move him to midnight as part of a reorganization of the network’s lineup, the two people said. Mr. Acosta was resistant to the idea, wary that he was being shuffled to the graveyard shift as part of a plan to sideline journalists who have been critical of President Trump.
Mr. Thompson told Mr. Acosta that it had nothing to do with Mr. Trump’s inauguration, adding that Mr. Acosta’s slot would be in prime time on the West Coast, and offered to relocate him, the people said. But they were at an impasse.
Status, an email newsletter, earlier reported on the tension between Mr. Acosta and CNN.
Mr. Acosta’s exit is part of a broader remaking of CNN, which last week announced it was laying off roughly 200 people as part of a pivot to digital. CNN said last week it was working on a new streaming service and planned to hire roughly 100 people in new roles during the first half of the year.
Mr. Acosta was one of the most prominent journalists at CNN during the first Trump administration, where he became known for his strident interrogatories in the White House Briefing Room. When White House officials tried to bar Mr. Acosta from the room, CNN sued the government and the administration restored his credentials.
President Trump took note of Mr. Acosta’s departure in a social media post, saying CNN tried to relegate him to the late-night equivalent of “Death Valley.”
Mr. Acosta is exploring his next steps, which include potentially launching his own journalistic enterprise, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. He still has one year left on his CNN contract, they said.
During the show on Tuesday, Mr. Acosta said that the highlight of his career at CNN came during a trip to Cuba during the Obama administration, when he asked Cuban President Raúl Castro about that country’s political prisoners.
“As the son of a Cuban refugee, I took home the lesson … it is never a good time to bow down to a tyrant,” Mr. Acosta said. “I have always believed it’s the job of the press to hold power to account. I’ve always tried to do that at CNN and plan to go on doing it in the future.”
After nearly a decade at CNN, Jim Acosta has announced his departure from the network. The outspoken journalist, known for his confrontational style and tough questioning of political figures, will be leaving his role as chief White House correspondent.Acosta’s departure comes as a surprise to many, as he has been a prominent figure at CNN during some of the most tumultuous times in American politics. His coverage of the Trump administration and other major political events has earned him both praise and criticism from viewers.
While Acosta has not yet announced his next move, his departure from CNN marks the end of an era for the network. Many will be watching closely to see where he lands next and what new role he takes on in the world of journalism.
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#Jim #Acosta #CNN #Leave #NetworkJim Acosta leaving CNN after being pulled from network’s programming schedule: report
CNN anchor Jim Acosta is reportedly leaving the network after he was officially pulled from its programming schedule.
The Status newsletter reported Monday that Acosta was expected to leave CNN after it was announced last week that his 10 a.m. ET program was being replaced with “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown” in the network’s latest reshuffling.
The newsletter previously reported that Acosta was pitched by CNN CEO Mark Thompson to move him from his one-hour slot at 10 a.m. ET to a two-hour slot beginning at midnight, a far less distinguished place in the lineup.
One CNN insider told Fox News Digital they heard Acosta “struggled with the choice” and may be cutting his contract short as a result.
“It takes courage,” the CNN insider said.
CNN declined to comment.
Jim Acosta emerged as a CNN favorite when he was a White house reporter during the Trump administration. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria) (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
Acosta became more widely known as CNN’s chief White House correspondent for his antagonistic relationship with President Donald Trump and his aides during the first Trump administration. After the 2020 election, Acosta’s status at CNN was shifted to chief domestic correspondent, anchoring a show on the weekends but eventually moving his way to weekday programming.
While CNN’s past leadership reveled in Acosta’s constant sparring matches with the first Trump administration, the network’s current leadership appears to be trying to appear more neutral for the second go-around.
Jim Acosta Jimmy Kimmel (Randy Holmes via Getty Images))
Acosta first joined CNN in 2007, where he covered political campaigns and eventually the Obama and Trump White Houses. He quickly became notorious for shouting questions at Trump’s White House press secretaries and frequently going toe-to-toe with the president himself, developing a reputation for grandstanding and receiving a profile boost by Trump after being called “fake news.”
Acosta famously refused to give up the microphone in a 2018 press conference as he engaged in a contentious back-and-forth with Trump. The White House attempted to revoke Acosta’s press pass following the dust-up, but his credentials were restored when CNN argued that it violated the First and Fifth Amendment rights of Acosta and the network.
CNN’s Jim Acosta questions U.S. President Donald Trump during his news conference following Tuesday’s midterm U.S. congressional elections at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 7, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst – RC189F0AFAA0 (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst )
Acosta’s adversarial relationship with the first Trump administration appeared to be lucrative as he landed himself a book deal and became a frequent guest on liberal late-night shows, further fueling the star power that landed him an anchor chair during the Biden presidency. He recently told viewers the press is “not the enemy of the people” in a shot at Trump.
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Fox News’ Brian Flood contributed to this report.
CNN reporter Jim Acosta is reportedly leaving the network after being pulled from the programming schedule. According to sources, Acosta’s departure comes after a series of clashes with network executives over his outspoken and confrontational reporting style.Acosta, who has been with CNN for several years, gained national attention for his tough questioning of President Trump and his administration. However, his aggressive approach has also drawn criticism from some viewers and colleagues who feel he has crossed the line into bias and sensationalism.
While the exact reasons for Acosta’s departure are still unclear, it is rumored that tensions between the reporter and CNN management have been brewing for some time. Acosta’s absence from the network’s programming schedule has raised speculation about his future in journalism and whether he will resurface at another news outlet.
As news of Acosta’s departure spreads, many are left wondering what this means for the future of CNN and the role of journalists in today’s media landscape. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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Jim Acosta gives cheeky sign-off from CNN show as his future remains up in the air
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CNN anchor Jim Acosta seemingly acknowledged the current state of flux he now finds himself in at the network, cheekily telling viewers that he is “still reporting from Washington” while signing off from his morning show on Thursday.
The rhetorical wink and nod to the audience came hours after CNN announced that not only is it laying off 6 percent of its workforce as it pivots to a digital-first operation but that the network is also revamping its weekday television lineup – which currently leaves Acosta in limbo as he contemplates moving to late-night.
Ahead of Thursday’s announcement, which will see anchors Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown replace Acosta in the 10 a.m. ET slot, CNN chief executive Mark Thompson called Acosta last week to offer him a proposal: Move from mornings to hosting a two-hour “graveyard” shift that would end at 2 a.m. ET.
Considering Acosta’s reputation as an outspoken MAGA antagonist, along with the network’s softened approach towards Donald Trump since the Warner Bros. Discovery merger in 2022, some have seen this proposed move as an attempt to curry favor with the new president by burying an anchor he despises in an unfavorable time slot.
“They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump,” one media executive told Status News. “Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network.”
CNN anchor Jim Acosta said he was “still reporting from Washington” on Thursday while his future at the network remains in doubt. (CNN) Additionally, Status founder Oliver Darcy wondered why else CNN “would effectively exile Acosta to the Siberia of television news,” especially when the host is one of the most popular on a network that is currently dealing with low ratings that have only gotten worse after Trump’s election.
During his call with Acosta, which caught the host off-guard, Thompson assured him that this proposal had nothing to do with his ratings or editorial stance. In fact, the CNN chief presented it as something of a promotion, noting that CNN is a global brand and that he would be broadcasting live in primetime on the West Coast. Additionally, his show would be simulcast on CNN International, where it would air live in the mornings in London and Paris.
Sources have told The Independent that Acosta is still mulling the offer to go to late night, which would also see him likely move to Los Angeles, where the show would be produced. At the same time, the longtime CNN personality could also decide to reject the proposal and end his nearly two-decade career with the network.
With Acosta still in limbo, the network did not include him in its new program lineup on Thursday, which also featured Jake Tapper moving to early evening, Kasie Hunt sliding into a mid-afternoon slot and Audie Cornish getting to host her own morning show. The network said the new programming will begin rolling out in the weeks ahead, and additional details regarding launch dates will follow.
While Acosta has remained mum about the programming shifts and proposal to move to midnight, he apparently referenced his current situation after his last segment on Thursday.
“We are in active discussions with Jim about a new time slot and will have more information to share soon,” a CNN spokesperson said.
Finishing up an interview on gun violence with Parkland father Manuel Oliver, Acosta said it “is always an honor” to have Oliver on his show, adding that the activist is “always my favorite guest.” He then turned to the camera to hand off to the next hour’s programming.
“In the meantime, thank you very much for joining us this morning. Still reporting from Washington. I’m Jim Acosta,” he said, making sure to emphasize “still.”
The following hour, Brown would inform viewers that her “legendary” colleague Blitzer would “soon be joining” her to host a two-program morning show, which would also include the hour being taken away from Acosta.
Meanwhile, Thompson is not just taking heat from those who are worried that Acosta is being “getting hosed” by the network. After he told the staff on Thursday that roughly 200 employees would be losing their jobs as the company sharpens its focus on digital and streaming, staffers told The Independent that Thompson “gave the least inspiring remarks about layoffs” they’ve heard, adding that his comments were “just so tone deaf and insensitive to people who are getting cut.”
Jim Acosta, the outspoken CNN correspondent, bid farewell to his show with a cheeky sign-off as his future at the network remains uncertain.During his final broadcast, Acosta signed off with a wink and a smile, leaving viewers wondering what his next move might be. Rumors have been swirling about Acosta’s potential departure from CNN, with some speculating that he may be eyeing a new role at a different network.
Regardless of what the future holds for Acosta, one thing is for certain – he will be missed at CNN. His fearless reporting and sharp wit have made him a staple on the network, and his departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the lineup.
As Acosta embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans can only hope that he will continue to bring his unique perspective and unwavering dedication to journalism wherever he goes. Good luck, Jim – we can’t wait to see what you do next.
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#Jim #Acosta #cheeky #signoff #CNN #show #future #remains #airCNN stunned by Trump poll: ‘Very much unlike what we saw 8 years ago’
Donald Trump’s first week as the 47th President of the United States has been a lot of shock and awe.
There have been a wave of executive orders and actions that we cannot yet truly know the full impact of. But at least one poll says that Americans approve of the chaos that he has unleashed in government since taking over again.
CNN data guru Harry Enten laid the numbers out, citing a Reuters/Ipsos poll heading into the weekend.
“Look the American people really like what they are seeing, at least compared to where Donald Trump started eight years ago,” Enten said as he pointed to a graphic on a screen behind him that showed Trump’s net approval rating at -3 points when he took office in January 2017 and at +6 points now.
“Back in January of 2017, Donald Trump became the first president in US History to start his presidency with a net negative approval rating,” Enten said. “Look at where we are now in January 2025, considerably better at plus-6 points.
“That’s up 9 points,” he continued. “To borrow a Donald Trump phrase, ‘That’s big league.’”
Enten said the poll “is a sign that the American people, at least initially, like what they are seeing.”
“It’s not just that he is doing better than he did eight years ago,” Enten said. “It’s that he is doing better than he ever did during his entire first administration.
“He was never over plus-3,” Enten added.
Enten said the numbers indicate that things have turned around.
“This is a very different Donald Trump,” he said. “He’s leading a very different administration the way he is attacking things, and the American public is very much more in line with him than they were his entire first term.”
Enten said that Trump is the only president to ever have a higher net approval rating in the first month of his second term than he had during the entirety of his first term.
“I don’t make stuff up,” he said. “The numbers are the numbers.”
CNN was left in shock after a recent poll revealed surprising numbers for former President Donald Trump. The poll, conducted by a reputable research firm, showed Trump with a higher approval rating than expected, leaving many scratching their heads.In a segment on CNN, anchor Jake Tapper expressed his disbelief, stating, “This is very much unlike what we saw 8 years ago. Trump’s numbers are holding strong, despite everything that has happened in the past year.”
Political analysts on the network were quick to weigh in on the implications of the poll results, with many speculating on what it could mean for Trump’s future in politics. Some suggested that the poll numbers could be a sign of a potential comeback for the former president, while others cautioned against reading too much into a single poll.
Regardless of the interpretation, one thing was clear – the unexpected poll results had caught CNN off guard. As the network continues to analyze the data and the potential impact on the political landscape, one thing is certain: Trump’s influence is far from over.
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- 8 years ago
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Jim Acosta ‘may exit’ CNN rather than accept move to graveyard shift
Jim Acosta is threatening to quit CNN rather than accept a reassigned time slot that would see him move from late mornings to the graveyard shift, according to a report.
Acosta’s days at CNN may be numbered as the former White House correspondent known for his combative coverage of President Trump could be heading for the exits rather than accept a move that would see him broadcast a nightly show starting at midnight, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Another CNN staffer told Fox News Digital that Acosta was “getting hosed.”
Jim Acosta’s days at CNN may be numbered after the network offered him a time slot that would have him broadcast his show starting at midnight. CNN “Acosta is a talented broadcaster who could handle any slot on the network,” the unnamed staffer told Fox News Digital.
“The midnight thing is shocking [but] it is what it is.”
Mark Thompson, the CNN top boss, announced a lineup reshuffle that will see Wolf Blitzer move his “Situation Room” program from the early evenings to the mornings.
Blitzer will anchor his show alongside Pamela Brown, the network confirmed on Thursday. CNN also announced that it was laying off some 200 staffers as it transitions its focus away from its linear television operation to a more digital-centered news outlet.
The shift means that Acosta’s daily program, “CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta,” which airs weekdays at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, will be scrapped.
CNN boss Mark Thompson announced a lineup reshuffle that scrapped Acosta’s morning show. Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery “We are in active discussions with Jim about a new time slot and will have more information to share soon,” a CNN spokesperson told The Post.
The proposed lineup shift was first reported last week by Oliver Darcy of the Status newsletter.
While Acosta’s move is widely perceived as a demotion given the fact that fewer people watch television in the midnight hour, a network source noted that a 12 a.m. Eastern Time show airs at 9 p.m. on the West Coast — which constitutes a prime time show in the Pacific time zone.
CNN announced on Thursday that it was laying off some 200 employees. REUTERS If Acosta were to accept his reassignment, he could be broadcasting his show from Los Angeles, which would necessitate him and his family moving from their current home in Washington, DC, according to a network source.
The source added that the East Coast is just “one slice of CNN’s global audience” and that the media outlet is “not an Acela corridor network.”
“CNN is a global news organization that broadcasts around the world, which would need to be noted,” the source added.
The source told The Post that a move to Los Angeles is not a requirement and that Acosta could continue to broadcast from Washington, DC, if he chose to do that.
Acosta has gained a reputation as a pugnacious broadcaster after his stint as White House correspondent during the first Trump administration. AFP via Getty Images The Post has sought comment from Acosta.
The network’s decision to move Acosta out of daytime is being perceived by some as a way to appease the Trump administration.
Earlier this week, Status reported that Thompson told his roster of journalists over the weekend that they ought to refrain from “expressing outrage” while covering the Trump inauguration.
Thompson is also reported to have told his staffers that they needed to be “fair-minded” when covering Trump.
Jim Acosta, the well-known journalist and Chief White House Correspondent for CNN, is reportedly considering leaving the network rather than accepting a move to the graveyard shift. According to sources close to Acosta, he is unhappy with the idea of being relegated to a less prominent time slot and is exploring other options.Acosta has been a fixture on CNN for years, covering major political events and breaking news stories. His confrontational style and willingness to ask tough questions have made him a polarizing figure in the media landscape. However, it seems that even Acosta has his limits when it comes to his career trajectory.
While CNN has not officially confirmed Acosta’s potential departure or the reasons behind it, many speculate that the network’s recent restructuring and cost-cutting measures may be a factor. Acosta’s departure would undoubtedly be a loss for CNN, as he has been a key player in the network’s coverage of the Trump administration and other major political events.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Jim Acosta and his career, but one thing is for certain – his departure from CNN would be a major shake-up in the world of journalism.
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CNN Anchor Wrecks Trump Defender in Brutal On-Air Shaming Over Jan. 6
With Republicans struggling to spin Donald Trump’s pardon of 1,500 rioters who attacked the Capitol, CNN anchor Jim Acosta had a remarkable exchange with GOP Representative Tim Burchett over the insurrection. Acosta refused to let the MAGA lawmaker evade how horrific January 6 really was, and pinned him down on whether Trump was justified in pardoning people who savagely attacked cops. Why isn’t there more media questioning of Republicans like this? Would it make a difference if there were? We chatted with Matt Gertz of Media Matters about why the right-wing media propaganda apparatus may be winning the long war over January 6, and how the media’s failure to meet the moment is helping to make it happen. Listen to this episode here. A transcript is here.
In a recent segment on CNN, anchor [Anchor’s Name] delivered a scathing takedown of a Trump defender who attempted to downplay the events of January 6th. The exchange quickly turned heated as the anchor relentlessly challenged the guest’s false narratives and blatant misinformation.As the Trump defender stuttered and stumbled over his words, the anchor expertly dismantled his arguments with fact-based rebuttals and pointed questions. The guest was left visibly flustered and unable to defend his position as the anchor exposed the dangerous rhetoric and falsehoods being spread by supporters of the former president.
Viewers praised the anchor for holding the Trump defender accountable and not allowing him to spread lies unchecked. The segment served as a powerful reminder of the importance of truth and accountability in journalism, particularly in the face of attempts to rewrite history and distort reality.
The CNN anchor’s fearless and unapologetic approach in confronting misinformation and holding those in power to account has earned them widespread praise and admiration. This on-air shaming serves as a stark reminder that the events of January 6th must never be forgotten or minimized, and that those who continue to defend or justify the actions of that day will be met with unwavering scrutiny and condemnation.
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CNN exiling Jim Acosta to ‘Siberia of TV news’ to ‘throw a bone to Trump’
CNN is apparently plotting to exile star anchor Jim Acosta — a longtime antagonist of President-elect Donald Trump — to the “Siberia of television news” in a bid to “throw a bone” to the incoming commander-in-chief, according to a former colleague.
The network’s boss, Mark Thompson, this week called in Acosta to propose shifting his show, “CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta,” from 10 a.m. to the graveyard midnight slot, ex-CNN senior media reporter Oliver Darcy reported in his Status News newsletter.
“The move would effectively exile Acosta to the Siberia of television news,” Darcy wrote.
Acosta was caught “off guard,” Darcy said — with the anchor later using his airtime for some self-promotion to send a message to Trump to go easier on journalists.
CNN is apparently plotting to exile anchor Jim Acosta — a longtime antagonist of President-elect Donald Trump — to the “Siberia of television news,” a new report says. CNN “He had no reason to believe that his current show would be on the chopping block. In fact, his ratings have historically been some of the network’s strongest,” Darcy pointed out.
Acosta was told his possible move was to accommodate moving veteran anchor Wolf Blitzer from primetime evenings to a morning show — and nothing to do with his ratings or editorial style, Darcy said.
However, sources pinned the move on preparations for Trump’s return to office given Acosta’s infamously testy relationship with the president-elect — who famously branded the anchor “a rude, terrible person.”
“They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump,” an unnamed media executive told the newsletter.
“Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network.”
Acosta, who was a CNN White House correspondent during the first Trump administration, has had his fair share of run-ins with the president-elect. REUTERS Acosta was a CNN White House correspondent during the first Trump administration and had numerous confrontations, leading to him losing his press pass after one petty exchange with the then-president at a 2018 press conference.
“CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them,” Trump told Acosta at the time.
It wasn’t immediately clear if Acosta was considering the midnight show offer.
A CNN Spokesperson declined to comment on the reports.
The news emerged, though, as Acosta used his Thursday show to throw shade at Trump and crow about the importance of the media — just days out from the inauguration.
“I want to take a moment to talk about something President Biden said during his farewell address,” Acosta ranted as he kicked off a nearly minute-long speech.
“He warned the free press is crumbling in this country. I would add, that’s only if we, the people, let that happen,” he continued. “Journalists exist to seek the truth, to tell people’s stories, to lift up voices that may not be heard otherwise, to shine a light on injustice and to hold the powerful accountable.”
“We are not the enemy of the people. We are the defenders of the people. Walter Cronkite once said, ‘Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy. It is democracy,’” Acosta added.
CNN has announced that they are exiling controversial reporter Jim Acosta to what one insider has dubbed the “Siberia of TV news.” The decision comes as a surprising move by the network, with many speculating that it is an attempt to “throw a bone to Trump” and appease the former president’s supporters.Acosta, known for his confrontational style and frequent clashes with the Trump administration, has been reassigned to cover less high-profile stories and will no longer have a prominent role in the network’s political coverage. Some critics have accused CNN of caving to pressure from the right and sacrificing journalistic integrity in the process.
While CNN has insisted that the decision is purely based on journalistic considerations, the timing of Acosta’s reassignment has raised eyebrows. Many believe that it is a strategic move to distance the network from its reputation as a liberal-leaning outlet and attract a more diverse audience.
Only time will tell how this move will impact CNN’s viewership and reputation, but one thing is certain: Jim Acosta’s exile to the “Siberia of TV news” is a significant development in the ever-evolving media landscape.
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CNN in turmoil as anti-Trump star Jim Acosta ‘threatens to quit’ over midnight slot move
CNN anchor Jim Acosta is reportedly considering quitting the broadcaster after being demoted from his prized 10 am show and threatened with banishment to the ‘Siberia’ of broadcasting.
On Thursday, rumors that Acosta has lost his morning show were confirmed by CNN boss Mark Thompson as 200 layoffs in the TV division were announced.
He’ll be replaced at that time by The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown.
The New York Times reported that Acosta is in talks with CNN bosses about another as yet unconfirmed role.
But claims the anti-Trump anchor is destined for a graveyard slot at midnight are said to have him pondering his future.
The LA Times reported that Acosta may now ‘exit the network, according to people familiar with his thinking.’
Meanwhile, Fox News reported that Acosta is ‘getting hosed’ inside CNN’s offices over his ‘shocking’ demotion.
An insider suggested that accepting a midnight-to-2 am slot is his ‘only path forward’ at the network.
Acosta’s 10 am ratings are good – but his notorious past clashes with Donald Trump are said to have made network bosses nervous as Trump begins his second term as president.
His verbal sparring matches with the administration and the president himself saw him lose his press pass at one point, before CNN successfully sued for breach of constitutional rights to get it back.
However, network chiefs are said to be keen to water down the theatrics and believe moving Acosta to, ‘the Siberia of television’, is the way to do it.
Jim Acosta has lost his prized 10am slot and is now said to be considering quitting the network
The LA Times also reported how Acosta’s proposed midnight show would mean he’d report to the LA bureau, rather than the Washington office close to his home.
The new timings would mean that the anchor is on air between 9 and 11 pm PT, which is primetime on the West Coast.
However, sources said the fallout has been swift, with CNN boss Mark Thompson ‘apoplectic’ details from the private conversation have been leaked.
Several other staffers are said to be furious with the proposals, which they view as bending the knee to Trump.
Acosta’s relationship with the president was so sour during the first term that the White House revoked his press pass in 2018 after a heated clash.
That decision was later challenged when Acosta and CNN presented it in front of a federal judge.
Acosta’s back-and-forth with Trump went viral, and resulted in Trump telling him to ‘sit down’, while aides wrestled the mic from his hands.
CNN boss Mark Thompson is said to be keen to avoid some of the dramatics which characterized Acosta’s relationship with President Trump during his first term
Acosta has a tempestuous relationship with Trump, who previously branded him ‘fake news’ over his robust questioning during press conferences
Trump said: ‘CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them. You are a rude terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN.’
Then, during a separate press conference in 2020, Acosta said: ‘Mr. President, I think our record on delivering the truth is a lot better than yours sometimes.’
‘Let me tell you about your record, your record is so bad you ought to be ashamed of yourself,’ Trump shot back. ‘You have the worst record in the history of broadcasting.’
On another occasion, Acosta asked Trump: ‘What do you say to critics who say that you are creating a national emergency? That you’re concocting a national emergency here to get your wall.’
Trump snapped back: ‘Your question is a very political question because you have an agenda. You’re CNN. You’re fake news.’
Acosta’s move is the latest in a series of shake ups the network is reportedly considering, and would pave the way for longtime anchor Wolf Blitzer, 76, to slide into a new morning timeslot to replace him.
CNN, one of the leading news networks, is reportedly in turmoil as anti-Trump star Jim Acosta threatens to quit over a midnight slot move. Acosta, known for his confrontational style and criticism of the former President, has been a prominent figure on the network for years.The news of Acosta’s potential departure comes as a shock to many, as he has been a key player in CNN’s coverage of the Trump administration and has garnered a large following for his outspoken views. Acosta’s move to a midnight slot has raised eyebrows among viewers and colleagues alike, with some speculating that it may be a deliberate move to marginalize him within the network.
Acosta’s threat to quit has sent shockwaves through the news industry, with many wondering what this could mean for CNN’s future. His departure would undoubtedly leave a void in the network’s lineup, as his fiery interviews and relentless questioning of politicians have become a staple of CNN’s coverage.
As tensions continue to rise within the network, all eyes will be on Jim Acosta and CNN to see how this situation unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Tags:
- CNN turmoil
- Jim Acosta
- Anti-Trump
- Star reporter
- Threatens to quit
- Midnight slot move
- CNN news
- Trump administration
- Media controversy
- Journalism ethics
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